Sometimes I go to events and shows just for fun. I do not take my big professional camera because I have every intention of enjoying myself, hanging out with those I am with, and otherwise not working. Which is what happened on the last day of the All American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, OH.

It is a tradition to go with my sister, her family, and friends for the barrel racing and speed events. My sister for those who follow is a barrel racer herself, so we like to watch, cheer for the fast ponies, and spend lots of money on horse stuff, clothes, and gifts because Congress. We go for a good time.

This last congress was no exception except were were their for the finals sweepstakes, Amateur Barrels, and peewee barrels. The peewees were absolutely fearless racing in and several almost hitting the fence having my sister and I cringe because wow, but it was a party with a young announcer hyping the crowd, dance parties during drags, and a three year old tractor man.

Then came the final twenty in the sweepstakes for barrels and poles. Let me tell you while we didn’t personally know anyone running the sweepstakes were where cheering and having a blast. These riders were running for it all, setting some fast times, and during drags we discussed the possibility of buy a quarter horse and competing along side them the next year— we have paints making it hard to compete in quarter horse classes.

During the awards ceremonies one of the contenders horses wanted to celebrate a job well done with a roll. Which I just happened to decide to grab my cell phone and take a snap of for instagram.

Anyways it isn’t the clearest photos because I was higher in the stands and using my cell phone but it got the message across and was cute. I didn’t really expect much more than sharing it and some of my horse friends weighing in.

But I sometimes forget that my socials and professional channels have away of making it to those in my images and the owner found this image and re-shared it. I am always thrilled when I see people genuinely happy someone captured unexpected moments.