Horses In Bourbon Country

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

Worldwide | Monday, October 11, 2010 | 5 photos

Kentucky. A state with a "redneck" reputation sprung from the Appalachians and tobacco fields. It's also a state with much tradition that is commonly overlooked. I have journeyed there several times to capture what it is really about, horses and Bourbon. These images portray a real look into what Kentucky prides itself in. World class facilities for local and international equestrian events sprawl from Louisville to Lexington. A trail dedicated to Bourbon distilleries spans across rolling blue grass hills.
My equine shots are from two very prestigious events held every year; the Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event & the Kentucky Derby. These three photos depict the grace, the danger, and the exhilaration of the equine world all taken within one state, Kentucky. The headshot of a dressage horse before it took the arena shows the grace of the sport even while being pelted with rain. The fall of an eventing rider gives us an idea of how dangerous horse and rider can be. The exhilaration of the Derby can be felt trackside all the way through the state. Only in Kentucky.
There's only one state that can call its Whiskey 'Bourbon'; yes, it's only Kentucky! The Bourbon trail offers insight into the heritage of Bourbon, how's it made, and what it means to the state. These two images depict the time given to make the perfect Bourbon, and exemplify the dedication it has to the great equestrian sport of Thoroughbred racing by using it as a collective theme each year. This is pure Kentucky.
As an equestrian myself, I have enjoyed my many trips to this great state to experience what it has to offer, that no other state in the U.S can come close too.
This is, Kentucky.