Caitlyn & Red | Advance, NC | Equine Photography » North Carolina Equine Photographer

I was SO excited to photograph Caitlyn and her American Quarter Horse gelding U Think Ur Hot Chips, aka Red. She wanted a session that really celebrated Red and the bond they share, and I was so honored they chose Southern Horse Photography as their equine photographer.

Caitlyn has had Red for 3 years and currently trains with Jake Hartman with the western all around events.

They specialize in horsemanship, western riding, and trail. They even earned a top 5 placing at the NSBA World Show in western riding!

However, what is truly remarkable about this horse is his huge heart and dedication to Caitlyn.

Red had shown an entire show season with an infection in his sternum. He gave little indication that anything was wrong until he became sick.

Red showed up to every show ready to do his job and give all he had.

Red had a pretty serious and invasive surgery to fight the infection. He made a rapid recovery and is back in the show pen, doing what he loves.

Caitlyn said that her most favorite thing about Red is his heart. She told me all about how truly wants to be out showing and that he loves what he does.

I finally got to see what she meant as soon as she got on him! Red’s entire personality changed and he was ready to go to work and show what he could do!

Caitlyn lit up and the pair seemed like they were in their own little world. Red was thrilled to do whatever Caitlyn asked of him, and they both made it look so easy and graceful. He really does love his job.

Caitlyn told me that she has never had a horse with so much try to be the best he can be. After seeing them in action, I totally believe her!

Caitlyn likes to describe his personality as a grumpy, wise old man. She told me “He is a great teacher under saddle but at the same time he has no time for anyone’s shenanigans but his own so you better get it right the first time or he is going to let you know.”

However on the ground, he really loves people and tries to be everyone’s best friend. I got to see this personally, he was SO sweet! I instantly fell in love with him.

I thought it was extra special when Caitlyn took the bridle off and Red seemed like nothing changed. It was beautiful!

Speaking of beautiful, I absolutely loved all of Caitlyn’s outfits. They are so classy and stylish!

This equestrian session wouldn’t look like it, but the temperature rapidly dropped through the session and it became so windy! Caitlyn was such a trooper for toughing it out and making it look so nice!