ICY white stuff!

The only "white stuff" we typically have down in the south is cotton. Which was the pure reason for my previous blog posting to this one. Oh the irony of it all ... we had a White Christmas in Aiken! The snow was a light 2-3 inches but still very rare for our area. It officially snowed TWICE in 2010 for us. The first time in 9 years!  I hope you enjoy the few shots I got:

A pictoral documentary in fuzzy white stuff

No, the white stuff is NOT snow ... it's cotton! If you've never lived in the south, the sight of cotton sometimes makes you do a double-take. It's interesting to a Yankee of course. Ha!

Cotton field before ...

Cotton harvesting equipment ...

A bale 'o cotton ...

Cotton field after harvesting ...

Okay, come on now. It is a little funny.

You'll never hear me say my life is boring

I've had an amazing summer. I got back into the "A" show Jumper ring for the first time in about 8 years and had a total blast. I've met more and more great horse folks in Aiken that are riders, trainers, grooms, photographers and other business owners. It's truly a unique experience living amongst such a huge equestrian population.

I've been covering Aiken polo for 302 this past month and had the privilege of meeting up with a young polo athlete that is really stealing the show at a lot of matches around the world - Nic Roldan. He's charming and a real superstar on the polo field. I hope he comes back for next season!

Me and Nic - photo courtesy Meghan Timmerman

Nic waiting for the ball to drop for Orchard Hill

Show proofs from Aiken equestrian events

The following Aiken, SC equestrian event proofs are online here:  http://nicolelivermore.com

Poker Trail Ride at Three Runs - 10-30-10

Hunter Trials & Hunter Pace at Paradise Farm - 10-2-10

Memory Hunter Show at Three Runs to benefit Alzheimers Association - 9-19-10

Full Gallop Farm CT on 6-26-10 

If you prefer to purchase prints with a personal check please contact me and I will fulfill your specific order. Prints are always available in black/white or sepia tone if you want a specific "look". Cropping and color correcting are done on a per-order basis. Proofs are untouched.

Livin' the good life

This summer has been rather grueling ... temps every day in the mid-90s since the beginning of June. I don't ever turn off the A/C in the house at all! It has been a great opportunity to spend time with friends though. Thankfully I have a few friends with pools or I make a trip to the beach.

The horse shows have been limited because of the heat but I got the chance to "stick n' ball" with a few polo friends. I brought the camera to the "fast practice" and shot some really fast players. Most of them can be found here on my page but I'll post some below.

Bakin' in Aiken

As we all get older we seem to always chase the elusive "lifestyle" that we all hope and dream of. Years go by and that might change due to children, job changes, relocation, health or age but also our hobbies. I reflect on my move to Aiken and chuckle because I seem to live in a transient state of feeling like a "retiree" because the weather is so pleasant and feeling like a "kid" because there are so many things to do!

Aiken is one of the most picturesque communities in the country. The culture here is friendly and comforting. It is seeded with a deep history and the community is very supportive of historic preservation while ensuring luxury to the inhabitants.

The elements of nature in and around Aiken are just astounding. You can view some shots: Nature I and Nature II on my page. We have great places to visit like Rye Patch, Hopelands Gardens, Thoroughbred Hall of Fame, the Farmers Market and the historic downtown area with Hitchcock Woods, stables and beautiful mansions dating back to the 1800s. The greenery and blossoms on the parkways and fountains are all part of the folklore and experience of this old railroad town. It has a wealth and sophistication that can't be found in other parts of the country.

It's a great benefit to be only a few hours from either the mountains or the beach. It really does feel like every day is a vacation in Aiken. It is truly a "legacy" community.

Horses are big business in Aiken

I just wanted to share this video on the horse industry in Aiken with my readers. This is the inspiration behind my career and my move to Aiken. I am very happy to be a part of this lovely town.

Life as a "Suthuhnuh"

I find that the longer I live here the less shocked I am by the Southern lifestyle and way of doing things. I am really growing to love it more and more each day.

It's funny because when you "horse show" down here the Prize List and signs in the office indicate: "Jackets are waived for ALL classes." There is no question about it, it's HOT here. In Wisconsin we used to wait half the day before the judge would have sympathy enough to waive coats!

And for all of my Wisco friends ... remember when mom used to yell  "close the door or you'll let the heat out!" during winter time? Yeah, same thing happens here but it's cool air escaping the house into the thick, sticky humid air outside. As I write this, it's 102 degrees on my "shaded" back porch. It's not typical for Aiken to be this hot mid-June but I'd take this over -40 degree wind chills any day! Plus the sunsets and rainbows are no competition for Wisconsin ... they are simply amazing!

Reflection

I write this post fighting back tears ... Remembering the past is sometimes hard but it also brings back the good memories. We just came out of Memorial Day weekend and I remember this weekend most because we lost my grandfather on Memorial Day of 2004, he had just turned 95.

<<---- this shot is from around 2000. He was very proud of the Maple tree in his front yard.

He was an amazing lost soul. He was the only grandfather I knew because my dad's father died prior to me being born. I was his only grand-daughter. They lived in a small northern Wisconsin town called Eagle River, commonly known as "Up North". We spent our weekends and I lived every summer growing up in Eagle River; I almost consider it my home town away from home.

Grandpa took me fishing at the "T-docks" and I usually caught enough sun fish to make me happy until the next week. He would tell me stories of working in the CCCs, logging in Alaska and he would show me his coin collection.

On the outside he was weathered and war-torn but on the inside he was the kindest, most gentle man I've ever known. He always wore suspenders and carried his pipe wherever he went. That sweet, strong smell of tobacco was always around him. At this time every year I can smell it when I remember him. It surprised me a little this year because I was just sitting on my couch watching TV and it hit my nose; and then again the next day while driving my car. That tobacco smell is my way of reflecting on this wonderful life that has passed before us.

You will forever be remembered gramps. I miss you.

Aiken Bluegrass Festival

I had the pleasure of being the volunteer photographer of the Aiken Bluegrass Festival this year. It was an amazing time and I can't get over how genuine and fun the Bluegrass folks are. I'm a total fan now! The bike ride from Aiken Hotel to the festivities started things off. They had tons of children's activities and of course a whole lot of "geetars", banjos, fiddles, mandolins and the impressive bass. It was an incredible day of fun and frolic. More photos can be found on my Facebook fan page.

Cowboying Around

I'm a little late getting these posted. This was a beautiful warm Spring day in Ridge Spring. Tommy Gesell is working an Andalusian stallion for his owner. More photos can be found here on my Facebook page.

Slacker!

Yes, I've been a real slacker here. Life has been keeping me incredibly busy. I had visitors from Wisconsin, a hunter/jumper show series in Aiken for two weeks and then the Aiken Bluegrass Festival. Whooosh! Tons of fun and no time to blog. I'll get photos up soon of the fun stuff.

It's rather funny that I realized something this week. I rarely, if ever, watch the weather anymore. Odd because when you are a Wisconsinite your day is very categorized by how cold, cloudy, windy, wet and brutal it is outside. Here in Aiken every day is the same ... sunny, light breeze and warm. The only clincher is that they sure can't predict rain! They said 80% chance for yesterday and we never saw a drop. Today however, they said 10% chance and it rained. *scratches head*

No worries. I still love it here!  I'm posting a shot of the Magnolias since they are blooming at the moment.

My love affair with the south ...

Is the honeymoon over already?  I can hardly believe it's been a year since I moved to Aiken. Time sure flies when you are having fun in the southern sun.

When I first arrived, it was quite a drastic change for me. I was called a Yankee and was told several times to go back to my side of the Mason Dixon line. At first I was pretty insulted but now I know that it's just the Southern Way. For the same reason the saying "bless your heart" can have a literal OR a sarcastic meaning.

Some folks scratch their head when I talk and can't really figure out if I'm from Maine or the Midwest. They usually know the town of Green Bay (thank you Brett Favre!) before they recognize Milwaukee or Madison. Sometimes I just give up and say I'm from Chicago!

I don't really miss the aggressive driving and short tempers of the North. This slower, more laid-back way of life suits me well ... and of course the sandals and sunburn too. I had to get used to narrow, trash-strewn back roads and drivers that never signal or drive the speed limit (usually 10 under). Otherwise, the general population is pleasant, easy-going and wow, can they cook some great food!

Down here you have a mama and a daddy no matter what your age is. I'm regularly called ma'am, sugar, sweetie or darlin'. Everyone drinks Sweet Tea which is essentially sugar water followed by a diabetic attack. If you don't drink Sweet Tea you drink co'cola. Grits are a staple for almost any meal. Roadside stands sell Boiled P-nuts, butter beans, peaches and steaks. If it doesn't taste good everyone just adds more butter. The Georgia boys go "coon" hunting on the weekends and everyone drives a 4x4 truck - a few with Confederate flags on them.

There are just as many churches as there are gas stations that sell beer. Most things are closed on Sundays and you regularly meet someone with a daddy that is a minister or pastor. You can find a Baptist church about every mile or so.

I honestly chuckle at all of this because I truly do LOVE this place. And so I leave you with funny quote from a friend describing a rather southern individual:  "You're not a Southern Belle, you're not even a Redneck Wind Chime"

In this case, I believe the Redneck Wind Chime was a few empty Bud Light cans strung from a pine tree!

Young Horse Program - Round II

Thirty days after our first introduction to Belle we shot another Horsecity.com episode with Tommy and Gerry Gesell. This time it was an open field in the town of Ridge Spring, SC. To refresh the scenario for you, Belle is a 4 yr. old mare that had been handled but never ridden. At this point Tommy has quite a few rides on her and she looks fantastic from the ground. She is balanced and listening well.

We also had the treat of shooting Grace, a Quarter Horse mare owned by two of my local Aiken friends. Grace is rather green as well and the pair were put through their paces by both Tommy and Gerry. It was great to watch them switch horses and see how each mare reacted as they were put to the test of the hills and galloping lead changes.

This outing was very special for Belle because her owner was able to ride her for the first time since Tommy started working with her. She was ecstatic and she looked really good up there!

Here are the shots ... click to enlarge them. I also posted more on my Facebook Fan Page. Enjoy!

Young Horse Program - Round I

I'm finally getting around to posting the shots from the initial meeting with Tommy and Gerry Gesell. We shot these at the Hippodrome in North Augusta, SC. This black mare is a four year old Appendix mare that had been handled but never saddled or bridled before. They used the blue roan to work the mare a little in the round pen and then started the process of saddling and bridling her.

She took to the hobbles very smartly and was a very patient student for the cowboys. She gave a little bit of an opinion about the saddle when she started moving out. Especially once Tommy asked her to move out under saddle. After a little crow-hopping she went right to work. Tommy's use of long lines before he got in the tack was a great way to get her used to the bridle and steering.

You can tell by the smile on Tommy's face that it was a great day! When he finished up with Belle he said "I love my job!" I'm sure glad you do Tommy ... I love mine too!

(If you click on the photos you can view them larger)

Source of inspiration

My visit to Sporting Days horse trial this weekend was truly inspirational. My friend Beth was riding her gelding Fred in the Prelim division and I thought I'd go to shoot her and get in some more horse time. As if I don't get enough already!

Fred is a fantastic little Thoroughbred with a big attitude... typical redhead too. He likes to ham it up for the camera and has a ton of athleticism which makes him a joy to watch and photograph. Beth is such a great rider. She's focused and positive and really enjoys competing. She is an inspiration for me!

I've also been noticing another "stand out" competitor here in Aiken. Doug Payne really takes the cake. He has poise, technique and always has a smile on his face. I'm not sure how many horses he had but every time I looked up it seems he was putting another through the paces of the next phase. His dressage tests were incredibly quiet and accurate. His showjumping had great pace and turning and he allows his horse to be the athlete. If you have the time, check out Doug and his mounts at Doug Payne Equestrian Sports and he also has a Facebook fan page.

Doug is pictured here in his showjumping phase. The second shot is Beth and Fred at the water on cross country. I took quite a few photos of the day and selected a few standouts here on my fan page photos.

Enjoy!

More perks of my "boring" corporate job

All kidding aside ... I'm surely not complaining, instead beaming with appreciation, for my recent endeavor with my big lens for my job at Horsecity.com. In mid-February I got the opportunity to meet and shoot two transplanted Texan cowboys here in Aiken. Tommy Gesell and Gerry Gesell grew up near San Antonio and their mother, Carin had them in the saddle since they were toddlers. They know horses inside and out and have lived through all the blood, sweat and heartache that we all associate with being devoted to these beautiful hooved animals.

In an effort to preserve the history and legacy of wild horses, Ned and Diana Twining created 88 Ranch in Wyoming. As trainers for 88 Ranch, Gerry and Tommy provide the captured horses a chance at a new life through trust, teaching acceptance and work. The horses are adopted out to new owners at the end of their time in The Young Horse Program and ensure new careers with their owners as trail horses, fox hunters and even polo ponies. The ability of the wild horses to adapt to a new environment and way of life is amazing. It truly confirms the outstanding ability of an animal to enlighten all the senses and pull our heartstrings.

The 2009 program of eight horses was an incredible success. Gerry selected the horses from the BLM holding pens based on their conformation. Within a few days, all the horses were haltered, led, tied and learned to pick their feet up. By the end of the year they were all saddle broke and willingly working which made them great prospects for their new owners. But this story does not end here ...

The two brothers "winter" in Aiken and commute back to Wyoming every Spring. In April 2010, they will find the most "critical" equines that are permanent residents of the BLM pens to give them a new life. Fifteen mares in the 5-6 year old range will be chosen and brought along in the program, and into prospective owners hands by the time Fall comes. These will never be "ordinary" animals because they will forever be stamped with the BLM "badge of honor" brand on their neck. Who knows, you may see one in the show ring or on the polo field in 2011!

I'll be doing a follow-up post about a few Aiken horses they have in training as well as follow-up of the 2010 wild horses throughout the year. Enjoy!

Aiken snowpocalypse 2010

We had a rather unheard of snowstorm on Friday the 12th. From what I hear, the Aiken/Augusta area has not seen that much snow in 8-9 years. Some folks claim to have "never" seen that much. Regardless of the record set, it was gorgeous. I never got to see the pretty "clingy" snow in Wisconsin because 1.) we never had leaves on the trees and 2.) it was just to freakin' cold! Our snow was typically the fluffy, crystallized sort that glistens in the sun and make skiers and snowboarders drool.

I had a good time watching it ... and not attempting to leave the house for fear a crazy southerner would run me over in their haste to get to their destination. There are no plows here and very little suggestion to lay salt or sand down to help. Thankfully it was about 55 degrees by the afternoon and most of it melted and the roads dried quickly. You can see a "before" and "after" picture here of the melting off the trees by 3:00 in the afternoon on Saturday.

I sure enjoyed it!

USEF Training Session at Three Runs in Aiken

I've always said my life is full of amazing opportunities from living in Aiken and this day was proof of that. I had the chance to watch, listen and soak-in the expertise of Oded Shimoni and Capt. Mark Phillips during a USEF training session at Three Runs.

I missed a few of the morning sessions but got to see Shimoni instructing Stephen Bradley, Allison Springer, Will Faudree and Will Coleman. I was able to catch Phillips with Lillian Heard and Doug Payne. They concentrated on flatwork and each of the horse/rider combinations had their own things to work on. It was nice to see riders at such a high level occasionally having a bump in the road. It made me feel better about my riding!

Allison Springer was an incredibly accurate and quiet rider. Her horse was very responsive and by the end of the ride was simply amazing to watch. I learned a lot from watching Doug Payne because his horse is so similar to one of my old horses. He too had a great session and by the end the horse was in a lovely frame, balanced and cadenced within his gaits. I'll stop blubbering on and let you enjoy the photos.

A blast from my past and a new favorite all in one night

I remember singing and dancing to Willie Nelson as a little girl. I think my family had at least three of his albums on "8-track" and cruised all the way west to Wyoming and Colorado listening to him in our Winnebago when I was around 10. I think I sang "On the Road Again" about 100 times before the trip was over! He's always been a "classic" to me – the gray braids and red bandanna topped it off.

I recently had the chance to see him in concert in Augusta. My friend from England is a big fan of his son, Lukas Nelson, so he jumped at the idea of getting tickets at the last minute. Promise of the Real is blowing the crowds away with their bluesy-rock style and great stage presence. I'm an instant fan! Lukas sounds a lot like Willie but with a twist, and he can play guitar with the best of them!

Willie was amazing too. It took a few songs for him to get his voice and lungs going (but what else do you expect given his age?) He played some of my old favorites and even played a new song from his new album expected out on 4-20. (Ha ha Willie, we "get" it!) This old man still jams and was well worth it!

I hope you enjoy my shots. I posted a lot more on my Facebook fan page.

More equine adventures in the south

In January, I spent a week hanging out with some of the best cowboys and cowgirls at the Augusta Cutting Futurity. My employer, Horsecity.com is a major sponsor of the competition and I really enjoyed meeting a lot of our advertisers and rubbing shoulders with the spur-clad riders. The cutters are a hard-working crowd but they like to have their fun too.

I got a great new pair of boots from Babs and Lannie at Lagrange Leather. You can't beat the design and quality of these boots. They are just fabulous!

I also got the chance to hang out with Shorty and Bobbie from Shorty's Caboy Hattery. We had some "shortinis" and I watched as Bobbie custom-fit a hat for a long-time client. It was fun watching her work the hat over the steamer and make adjustments.

I looks like I have an exciting weekend ahead of me too. I have a choice of a High-Performance Event Clinic at Three Runs, a PSJ Hunter/Jumper show and a Horse Trial at Sporting Days. What a rough life ... I think I might hit the "Track Kitchen" for breakfast and watch the race horses work out too.

I'm officially published!

I could not be more thrilled! This shot is one that was published ... from a Dressage show in Aiken.

The first was the December 2009 issue of Horseman's Yankee Pedlar. Three of my photos are featured in the Dressage "Communication" article starting on page 37. (you can jump to that page by typing 37 in the white box at the top) The pretty bay head on the right side is my shot. The other two photos are on page 40 of the same issue. The grey is the lovely gelding Rebus owned and ridden by my good friend and trainer, Laura Wagner. The extended-trotting bay is The Alchemist ridden by Camilla Van Liew.

My second publishing is the January 2010 digital edition of the Horseman's Yankee Pedlar. This time we hit page 48 with a shot of Paul and Maria Smith's lovely pinto stallion Sambucco showing at Ledges. Special thanks to Paul for letting me submit that shot. I love it!

Let's hope I keep on clicking off some good shots! I'm lovin' this life!

The ever-present and amazing equine community in Aiken ... and the ebb and flow of it all!

Here we are in the new year and I can't help but be amazed by this still relatively-new home of mine. As we approached the holidays in Aiken the Polo players gradually faded away to much warmer paradise locations in South America and southern North America. The Fox Hunters are still going strong after starting their season around Thanksgiving. Now that we have the New Year, all of the die-hard Eventers have come to town and the Hunter/Jumper shows are in full swing.

I have a real back-road drive to my office in Augusta every day – by choice. It's quite literally one horse farm after another on smooth country roads. Beautiful trees with generous green leaves and majestic pines that reach for the sky one after another. The sunrise each morning is incredible and welcomes each new day.

One particular open area on my drive seemed to have an "abandoned" horse barn, paddocks and hay field. I'm awfully embarrassed to admit that this particular farm is not abandoned at ALL. It is merely a snow bird paradise! What I considered a "forgotten" barn was immediately filled to the brim with hay, beautifully colored jumps placed in the field and a giant full-size portable dressage ring was erected in a matter of 48 hours. It was an instant training facility!

As it turns out, it is the facility that Sally Cousins escapes to each winter from Pennsylvania. I'm surrounded by some amazing horse people! I never imagined this to be such a dream come true for me. Who knew that I'd have Phillip Dutton, Sally Cousins, Corinne Ashton, Kim Severson and countless other high-performance trainers right in my town. We even get the USEA training sessions here with Katie Prudent, Mark Phillips and Oded Shimoni teaching! Did I mention it's only 4 miles from my tiny little cottage? I'm so humbled and honored!

For those times when I need a little equine retail therapy I have 3 tack shops within 2 miles of my house ... yes, I'm terribly spoiled! Aiken Saddlery, Oak Manor Saddlery and Boots, Bridles & Britches most always have anything I need (a.k.a. "want") in a pinch.

I'm swooning over this town! It will be a never-ending love for me until the day I die!

Saturday morning with the Aiken Hounds Fox Hunt

I had the pleasure of attending the Children's Drag Hunt with the Aiken Hounds departing from Stable on the Woods in Aiken. What a wonderful group of kind parents, friendly riders, beautiful horses and stunning hounds! I almost kicked myself for not attending a hunt earlier and I'm really hoping I can join them in the saddle soon.

The Aiken Hounds were established in 1914 by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hitchcock. They hunt in the well-known and coveted Hitchcock Woods in downtown Aiken. "The Woods" as it is affectionately known by the local riders is 3,000 acres of pure horse- and hiking-heaven. Perfectly groomed trails with natural obstacles and hours of tranquil riding or hiking await all the visitors.