I had the pleasure of meeting Megan Batten, Miss Rodeo North Carolina 2016 back in the last week of January when she won the Miss Rodeo North Carolina title. When I first met her I was blown away how very sweet and friendly she was!
When we met for our horse photo session up near Wilson NC I was so excited to get to know her more. Megan started out showing Saddlebreds and won several titles, including the 2011 North Carolina Championship for American Saddlebreds.
She said a little over a year ago she went to her first rodeo and instantly knew she wanted to get involved. She said it was so exciting and nothing like she had ever done before.
Megan started taking barrel racing lessons with Lindsey Harper, former Miss Rodeo Virginia. She said it is totally different from showing Saddlebreds and loves the thrill of the sport.
Megan was so easy to work and her laughing pictures are perfect! <3 It definitely highlights her bright personality!
Megan is very passionate about growing the equestrian community in North Carolina. She loves to give riding lessons and help young girls follow their dreams with horses.
Not only is Megan super accomplished with the horse community, she is also pursuing a nursing degree! This girl is BUSY!
I love Megan’s crown! It is so beautiful with the silver, gold, and rose gold!
After doing some shots with her Miss Rodeo NC attire, we got to my favorite part where I got to meet her horse Shine!
Shine is a handsome American Paint Horse that Megan loves to run barrels with. You can tell they have a special bond together!
Shine had a reputation for being a difficult horse. Megan didn’t know this and walked out and handled him with ease. She said it was easy to see they had a special connection!
Shine was so great and trusting with Megan the entire shoot. He was a dream to work with!
Aw goodness. Megan and Shine melted my heart. Can’t you feel the love?!
We did Megan’s session back in March and had a cold streak for awhile. Thank goodness it was a relatively warm day for us!
I loved the soft lighting here! Sweet kisses!
When Megan suggested the pose with their feet, I was all for it! It turned out so cute! <3
One of my favorite locations at the barn was this big iron gate! It framed Megan and Shine so well!
Megan was so easy to talk to the entire shoot. We laughed, joked, and gushed about horses, showing, and how cute her horse Shine is!
Megan is going to be traveling all over the country in the next year. She will be in Las Vegas representing the great state of North Carolina in November and will compete for the Miss Rodeo America title.
Megan is not only very knowledgeable about horses, but she is sweet, ambitious, and fearless. She is so friendly and lights up the room with her smile. She is the PERFECT woman to represent North Carolina!
I can’t wait to see what Megan (& Shine!) will accomplish this year! I know I will be cheering for them!
-Amanda Delgado
