I had the honor of serving as the photographer for Maddie Houser at her second annual Memorial Dressage Clinic, held in remembrance of her late horse, “Blue Duck.” During the clinic, I photographed rider-and-horse teams as the clinician guided them through various maneuvers and exercises. My goal was to capture each team in a way that allowed them to relive and commemorate their weekend, offering them the opportunity to purchase meaningful images from the experience.
Maddie and Barrett founded the Blue Duck Memorial Fund to help bridge the gap between hope and healing by providing financial assistance to horse owners facing rare diagnoses or extended treatment at Fredericksburg Equine & Small Animal Veterinary Services. Inspired by their own experience with their horse, "Blue," who required emergency surgery in May 2024 - they recognized that not every owner has the same financial support during critical moments, and created the fund to give others a fighting chance. Each October, they host a dressage clinic specifically for Quarter Horses, raising funds to support their mission and honor Blue’s legacy.
I am so grateful that Maddie let me be a part of this special occasion of remembering such a special horse in such a special way. Maddie’s story of Blue is inspiring, as she was able to take something so heartbreaking and turn it into something so uplifting. As I said to Maddie, I hope her clinic continues to grow and becomes more special with each year!
Maddie’s clinic truly captures the versatility of the American Quarter Horse, as it is open to horses that compete in dressage, barrels, ranch, and so many more disciplines. I believe the quarter horse is such a talented breed, as I show my own horse in performance and ranch classes!
Maddie’s clinic truly captures the versatility of the American Quarter Horse, as it is open to horses that compete in dressage, barrels, ranch, and so many more disciplines. I believe the quarter horse is such a talented breed, as I show my own horse in performance and ranch classes!
This opportunity allowed me to step into a new discipline within the equestrian world—one I hadn’t had the chance to photograph before. Throughout the experience, I connected with equestrians from across Texas, building new relationships rooted in trust and confidence with each client. It also gave me the chance to strengthen my relationship with Maddie, as we shared personal experiences, including navigating the loss of a beloved horse. I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of this clinic and I am already looking forward to returning next year.
