Harness Horses and a Tornado Warning

Everyone ran into the building and I ran out! No, we didn’t end up having a tornado, for the best. I probably would have run out and tried to shoot it.

Despite the ominous clouds- the races went on.

My new friend, Carter the security guard, and I waited for the horses to come out. The “calm before the storm”.

And then it started…watching the horses hesitantly approach the track from the security guard shed.

I followed them without question. It was me, the drivers, and the horses. It was spectacular.

Lightning crashed all around us- I actually cannot believe I had no lightning shots in my 200 frames. Everyone was in safe shelter and watching the weather channel’s warning on one tv and the race on another. Was it dumb? Yes. Would I do it again? Yes. Am I out of my mind? Yes- I am an artist, with some serious guts. I got a mouth full when I finally made it back to my desk.

My favorite shot. It has the exact opposite mood and feel of this event. It is tranquil and slow. I was the last to leave the track. I had to duck into a shed with Carter because I couldn’t see 2 feet in front of me and the wind was so strong I was getting knocked off my feet. When the rain slowed, I leaped across the flooded track back to the paddock to see the aftermath.

It was quiet. It was calm. A speedy “recovery” on the equestrian front. I saw a lot of happy and dry horses being led to the trailers to be taken home. What troopers!

Here I am- after the rest of the population creeped back outside. I am not usually on the this side of the camera, however, I thought it was appropriate after such an exciting experience. For those of you who don’t know me- I am a very light blond- I am SOAKED! My shoes are STILL wet and this was taken over 6 hours ago. My camera’s rain gear held up (BIG RELIEF) and I was actually dry under my coat. I love it!