A Day at the Zoo

Jeff and I went to Brookfield Zoo today. It's been quite awhile since either one of us had been there, and we really enjoyed our day. We had absolutely perfect sunny weather! We decided to get an early start and get there when they opened, and boy am I glad we did - it got more and more crowded as the day wore on.

Our first stop in the morning was at what turned out to be my very favorite exhibit - the butterflies. I quick edited my three absolute favorite shots from the butterfly exhibit and posted them below, and I will post another blog soon with the edited pictures of all the other animals we came across in our travels through the zoo.

Enjoy the butterflies!

Teaching at Tempel

I was fortunate to spend the afternoon with my photography hero, who also doubles as a very good friend. Violet owns Fire & Earth Photography (visit her at www.fireandearthphoto.com) and has been the largest influence in my education behind the lens of my camera and one of the reasons I strive so hard to learn and improve - I want to earn that "nice shot" compliment from my hero.
Violet didn't have much choice today - Erin and I showed up, cameras in tow, and pretty much never left her side the rest of the day. We did let her use the port-a-potty unaided, however. She was so gracious in taking both of us under her wing and spent the better part of her day offering advice and tips. It's hard as a beginning photographer to swallow your pride and admit you need advice, but Violet gives selflessly of her knowledge and skills until your brain starts to cramp from the barrage of information flowing from her. Her good-natured easy-going manner makes it easy to feel comfortable asking her the most inane questions. Violet, why does the camera say "too dark?" "Take the lens cap off, Amanda."











It was also somewhat hard to be upstaged by a teenager. I brought Violet's protege student, Erin, with me and she without fail produced quality, perfectly timed shots all day long. The most impressive part - she does it all hand-held. Time and time again, Erin outshot me in quality and timing!
The most fun was picking Violet's brain as she reviewed our shots on her laptop and offered her critiques. I learned so much about timing, placement of horses legs, and that the rail is not my friend. I learned to avoid butt shots, and that Violet does not like going away shots, period. Phrases that I heard constantly were: timing, rail, going away, timing, butt shot, timing, focus, timing, focus....you get the idea. I am very proud to say that by the end of the day, I was getting more compliments than when I started! I shot over 125 photos, but have wheedled it down to a few really good "favorites" I am posting below for you to take a look. Let me know what you think!

St. James Farm

Recently, IDCTA had the opportunity to volunteer at the Homecoming Celebration for St. James Farm, hosted by the DuPage County Forest Preserve. As a group, IDCTA was well represented with demonstrations of various disciplines which helped educate the general public with regard to horses, namely; breeds, disciplines, care, safety, and so much more. Many IDCTA members graciously volunteered their time and energy to assist the forest preserve in making this a successful and safe day for everyone to enjoy.
Tantamount to a ringleader in a circus – Cindy Zitko’s organization and assistance throughout the day kept everything running smoothly. Becky Bowen and Danielle Young spent the entire morning assisting with check-in and anywhere else assistance was required. Tammy Carlo supported the barn, managing all the riders and the stable, picking stalls, filling water buckets, and holding fussy horses. Dawn Morgenstern was advertising and answering questions regarding membership at the IDCTA table, even though Christopher, her son, went missing in action for archery and fishing. Mairi Thennes was afternoon relief for Debbie Garris.
Rider participation included cross-country jumping demonstrations from Cindy Zitko on Dickens, Jenna Brown on Grace, Ellie Master on Bobby and Deanna Hertrich on Boo. Rosie Julian-Simoes demonstrated a Third Level Freestyle on her mare Marishka, and a First Level Freestyle on Major, and drew large crowds which enjoyed watching horses “dance” to the music. Julie Julian on Aristole demonstrated FEI dressage level movements such as tempi changes, piaffe, and passage on her gelding Aristotle while Tammy Carlo and Mandy Solner explained to bystanders exactly what they were watching. Mandy Solner performed on her mare Serlait throughout the day, delighting the crowds with her tricks – waving hello, the Spanish Walk, and bowing. Julie Mehling brought out Duggar, her Icelandic Pony, to perform the tolt.


Many others volunteered their time and talents to make this day a success – Dan Starck built a beautiful cross-country jump dedicated to St. James farm, Wayne DuPage Hunt Pony Club and St. James Pony Club both provided great entertainment to crowds as they competed with multiple games and a jumping clinic throughout the day. Trail Riders of DuPage offered pictures on a pony and riding demonstrations in the grass pasture. Peter Veit was out horse camping; Kevin Nelson was the vet on call and was answering questions from the public; and Mike Born provided a demonstration on his farrier services. There were so much more as well – live bands, food, hayrides – this was truly an event to behold!

The IDCTA would sincerely like to thank all of the volunteers who gave their time and talents to make this day such a success. Without volunteers, we would not be able to represent our club so well and we hope that IDCTA members will become involved in the return of this dynamic facility in the future.
Trails are now open to the public on the weekends only and even though there are not a lot of miles, it is worth seeing the property; but don’t forget to respect the property. Check out the St. James Farm website at www.dupageforest.com for more info about the history of this phenomenal property and plans for the future.

(all photos provided courtesy and copyright of Tammy Carlo)

The Loss of a Friend

Recently, an old friend of mine lost her horse to a bout of colic. She and I were close friends it seems like a lifetime ago, and her horse, Jet was the most amazing Morgan I’ve even known. He taught me so much about friendship, respect of power , and how to find the middle ground. He was a challenge to ride for some, almost scary to others – but Jet and I came to a compromise early into our relationship. I wouldn’t bother him, and he wouldn’t kill me. I have never ridden a horse with as much power and fire, yet I trusted him so completely. I loved nothing more than being able to hop on him bareback and go for a rocket canter around the ring – it was like riding a coiled spring that was ready to pop. He had the most comfortable “jig” dance trot out on trails – he was often impatient and always ready to go.
While reflecting fondly back on those years of memories, I’ve realized that we didn’t take enough pictures, actually any pictures, and I’m saddened to not have a single tribute to post of Jet. The only tribute I have are my vivid memories of a beautiful, sleek black Morgan with his tongue over the bit, head up, dancing impatiently down the trail ahead of Romeo. He was always ready for the next adventure around the bend in the road.
Happy Trails, my old friend. You can run all you want now; there is nothing in your way.