Biography
I have loved horses longer than I can remember.
Before I could walk, I was on a horse. Before I could drive, I owned one. As a senior in high school, I owned two.
After graduating from high school in Georgia, I enrolled at Gwinett area technical school to become a respiratory therapist and for the first time in my life - no horse.
I always enjoyed photography as a hobby so I decided that since I didn't own a horse, I would take pictures of them.
In 1998, I lost my life love to cancer. It was through David's life and love of it that I realized we only get one shot at this and need to make it count. After all, energy never dies, it simply changes forms.
I walked away from healthcare and took a job at Cas Rio ranch as the barn manager for AnnaLena and Darrell Casteel. Through their encouragement, I began taking pictures of their reining horses.
I can't remember a time in my life I didn't love horses. I can't remember a time in my life I didn't love photography. I can remember every day when I awake how very blessed I am to be able to combine my two biggest loves into a "job".
I understand, as I was adopted, that my heritage is German, Irish and Creek Indian. Paints, Appaloosas, Arabians - The breed doesn't matter to me. They all have a unique majesty and mystique. I try to capture these qualities along with each individual personality in my photographs and hope that others can see what noble and beatiful creatures they are.
An old Indian legend states that there are still unicorns in the world. They present as solid white horses. Only the purest of hearts and minds can visualize the horn. I pray someday I will... Today is a gift and tomorrow is not promised to you. Try to make every minute count.
-- Jody