tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20898249797037375852011-07-07T22:34:35.484-04:00A portal for communicating about your competition proofs and unique fine-art photo products with Hoof Pix® Sport Horse Photographer, Pamela Blades Eckelbarger.Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.comBlogger481100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-78351425293328228962010-05-09T07:49:00.000-04:002010-05-09T07:49:19.540-04:00

This will be my last blog post using Blogger. I redesigned my website using Word Press so from this point on go here to find Everything Hoof Pix®.

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-22995634282663802192010-04-23T09:54:00.008-04:002010-04-23T10:19:00.425-04:00

       I’ve lost count of the number of times I have been asked about my profession over the years, mostly by teenage girls who ride or just have a passion for horses and like taking pictures. It does seem like a perfect occupation doesn’t it?… being immersed in the horse world, taking beautiful pictures, traveling, and getting paid for it!!      Sorry if I'm about to burst some bubbles... but

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-23500569938661056892010-04-07T19:44:00.006-04:002010-04-07T19:55:21.657-04:00

     Call it what you want, but for Hoof Pix®, the new shooting season is about to begin (with UNH horse trials) and that means time to clean house ...  the virtual house that is.        I wish I could keep proofs of all past years on the website, but I have to pay for storage space. Thus, I will be taking down the 2008 proofs just before shooting UNH, April 30.  Even though the 2008 proofs will

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-85392675667580645262010-04-02T11:45:00.000-04:002010-04-02T11:45:23.803-04:00

(Disclaimer: I began writing this post in February shortly after photographing a jumping derby held at Paradise Farm. In typical Aiken-fashion, I got caught up with so many other activities after the derby that I never got back to it.)         Sometimes I wonder why I accept requests (or why I offer) to photograph smaller events / schooling shows that run only lower levels, and I mean the really

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-73245403388582306862010-03-25T22:50:00.000-04:002010-03-25T22:50:16.501-04:00

      It's taken me a while to get these images processed and uploaded into a gallery... so much going on!   The day after the Aiken Steeplechase,  I rode Irish in a 2-phase hosted by Alison Eastman-Lawler at the southern branch of her Apple Tree Farm.  This was our first time competing since last September so the trails of rust were evident, though not too deep.  I rode the beginner novice

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-86053261591904471862010-03-16T19:24:00.007-04:002010-03-17T06:24:00.367-04:00

     I picked up one of those cute pocket camcorders last week, my excuse being that I can use it to video my lessons on Irish. I got a lot of practice with it this past weekend recording the rides of fellow BEventers at Full Gallop Farm Horse Trials, and quickly learned 1) videography IS NOT EASY!  2) post-processing the clips is even more time-consuming than what I already do.      Being me (

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-90397716283968431632010-03-08T10:42:00.001-05:002010-03-08T10:44:19.315-05:00

     I have to make this a very quick post, too much to do. The BEventing ladies and their geldings had good rides this past weekend at Sporting Days Horse Trials.      Saturday was very busy with 3 horses going in Training level: Emily on Doug, Babette riding Oliver and Ashley on "Joey".     Oliver gave Babette a solid ride in all three phases starting with a score of 28.6 in dressage. With one

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-31920894227909038502010-02-28T22:39:00.001-05:002010-02-28T22:41:40.859-05:00

    I tagged along with Babette, Ashley, and Emily a couple of days ago to watch them have a jump lesson with Boyd Martin.  We drove way out into No-Man's Land to the beautiful farm owned by one of our Area 1 eventing ladies, Jennifer Berryman.       It was a beautiful sunny bright day, but rather cold with a brisk wind as evidenced by the riding outfits worn by the ladies.  Babette, Emily and

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-1999202166286527162010-02-23T08:07:00.000-05:002010-02-23T08:07:03.150-05:00

      I actually enjoy not being the Official Photographer (OP) at events. The pressure is off, the stress is non-existent ("you didn't get a picture of ME?!"  "Sorry, but I desperately had to get to the port-o-potty that was a mile away"); and if it's rainy or otherwise not a nice day.... I don't have to go.       This past weekend at Paradise Farm H.T. was a perfect example. Yes, I wanted to,

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-65014436406458636962010-02-22T11:49:00.001-05:002010-02-22T11:51:31.681-05:00

       For the first time in the past several years coming to the Paradise Farm Horse Trials the weather was superb. The mornings were a tad frosty (literally) but once the sun went to work, we were peeling off our down vests and exposing snow bird white arms to the warmth. Lellie Ward and her phenomenal group of volunteers crammed just over 300 competitors into one full day of dressage and two

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-86665915519665495982010-02-17T21:46:00.007-05:002010-02-17T21:55:29.169-05:00

The United States Equestrian Federation is holding training sessions in the Aiken area again this winter at Three Runs Plantation (yet another incredibly exquisite "Equestrian Community"). These sessions are open to the public so many showed up this morning, despite the 29 degrees + windchill, to watch renowned show jumping rider Katie Monahan Prudent work with Phillip Dutton, Jan Byyny, Will

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-14666631931802111872010-02-16T13:27:00.010-05:002010-02-16T13:42:51.106-05:00

     ... setting up a Stock Image library. I've been wanting to do this forever but the priority during each competition season (May-November) is posting proofs as quickly as possible and fulfilling orders. Processing anywhere from 1000 to 4000 images from any one event leaves little time to devote to building a Stock Image Library.          Selling images to equine products catalogues, magazines

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-90999953680292643572010-02-13T10:14:00.000-05:002010-02-13T10:14:09.916-05:00

       We did get ~ 5-6" and the snow was wet, then froze, sticking to everything and making many of the trees droop.  My street - Orangeburg ....          I took a stroll back to South Boundary and found I was not alone. Photographers (or folks with cameras) were everywhere. All trying to get pics of the avenue without cars. As soon as the road cleared, they would all run out to the middle and

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-62680814570662073242010-02-12T18:53:00.002-05:002010-02-12T19:03:57.059-05:00

     We Northerners call it a "dusting".      This is the well known (and photographed) South Boundary Ave. in Aiken. The branches of huge beautiful oak trees on both sides form an archway along the length.  Enhanced today by the rather unusual snow fall.        This is a very nice neighborhood for walks, but not today as the surface was quickly getting  slick while I walked about with my

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-357441338818788372010-02-10T21:59:00.000-05:002010-02-10T21:59:46.944-05:00

         Need I say more?        This was the dressage steward at Full Gallop today.  The sun was bright, and the temps weren't too terrible (mid 30's) IF you got out of the wind.        Despite the frost-bitten fingers and ears, it was nice to bump into so many faces from Area 1, though hard to recognize underneath all of the layers.         Emily and Doug were the brave souls representing

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-4618215383231296672010-02-10T07:49:00.001-05:002010-02-10T07:51:22.584-05:00

     I normally consider these winter months to be my "off season", the short span between the last shoot of the old year and the first shoot of the new year. Orders crawl to a trickle, "lots of time" I tell myself to catch up on the digital/photo/computer/horse worlds.  This is when I can spruce up the website, make improvements to the way I run the business, keep informed of new stuff in the

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-8734859095814801302010-02-05T08:17:00.000-05:002010-02-05T08:17:35.211-05:00

     A lot going on ... in a nutshell, I made it to Aiken last weekend with the companionship of Koré Guenzel.  Irish arrived on Monday and Wednesday was the horrid "CLIPPING DAY!"      Check out my FaceBook page for more photos (sorry its easier that way, for now).      More later when time permits....

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-36647029957362239532010-01-23T11:30:00.006-05:002010-01-23T11:48:25.350-05:00

... is out there, somewhere. This was the view from my barn last Monday.        FuzzButt was determined (as usual) to make her own path:    And the turkeys have NO CLUE!

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-81305724193945527202010-01-16T20:17:00.008-05:002010-01-17T07:29:26.869-05:00

I blast off to Aiken 2 weeks from today, can't believe how fast the year has gone by.  In a nut shell... it was a pretty good year for Hoof Pix®.  I did not have huge sales, but enough to keep the  biz going. I was especially pleased to get more sales for the personalized posters, photo books and gallery wraps.  I hope this trend continues. Irish and I managed to compete a few

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-7650484651999093352009-08-23T17:26:00.026-04:002009-08-24T11:54:36.043-04:00

I'm off this Thursday to Vermont to shoot the Training 3-Day at GMHA. Once again I will have a team of (wonderful) helpers so that I can operate a viewing station on-site. To the casual visitor this may not seem like a big deal, but trust me, it is. And after the first two events doing this I am beginning to wonder if I haven't created a Monster. On the rider's side... being able to see

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-80856646804505552332009-06-21T19:11:00.004-04:002009-06-21T19:22:51.043-04:00

I knew when I started this blog in the winter that posting in the busy summer would be a challenge. Not surprisingly, I was right. It all comes down to setting priorities of which I have waaayyyy too many! According to the dictionary, a priority is: a thing that is regarded as more important than another. So, here is my list IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER OF PRIORITY): - Hoof Pix® (=

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-26179692240992080882009-04-26T19:42:00.020-04:002009-04-27T10:56:24.351-04:00

  A great weekend.  Not only the glorious summer-like temps, but two excursions with Irish that worked out exactly as I had hoped.  The plan was to drive to the Cheney's farm in Lyman (Rest and Be Thankful Farm), have a jump lesson with Babette, spend the night and continue to Hamilton Mass on Sunday morning to partake in a ride with the Myopia Hunt hounds.  Well, that's exactly what happened,

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-3486953739220179782009-04-17T20:31:00.022-04:002009-04-19T14:48:28.550-04:00

Sometimes, as with life in general, it's the seemingly trivial moments that give us the most pleasure with our horses. I was reminded of this recently during my trip to get Irish from Babette at Gathering Farm.  There, I re-connected with Ashley Ireland, a delightful young lady (from Maine) who began working for Babette last summer.  Ashley was not able to come to Aiken with us, but joined

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-59772670629673302842009-04-09T17:34:00.022-04:002009-04-19T14:50:29.021-04:00

  Our lake "opened up" totally yesterday (for you Southerners, that means no more ICE). This is always a sign of Spring despite what the thermometer says. I woke this morning (sunrise ~6:00 *yawn*) to a crystal clear, blue sky, above freezing temps ... and critters galore. Our house sits ~100 ft from the shore of a small, very small lake, Medomak Pond, decorated with a handful of houses and no

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-25202292553116910202009-04-04T11:34:00.010-04:002009-04-04T12:22:35.243-04:00

  It's hard to believe, but my time in Aiken is over. Two months... wow, seems like just a couple of weeks. But here we are, in bumper to bumper traffic somewhere in NC crawling along due to construction up ahead. This is actually a good thing... Kevin is driving the trailer for the first time, so moving at 15 mph is giving him time to get use to it! Recapping the past week post-polo... on

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-19786052528361622992009-04-02T08:00:00.038-04:002009-04-03T08:49:19.698-04:00

   The polo leg of the Aiken Triple Crown did happen on Sunday. The rain left and skies cleared but the wind was fierce!  Sadly our plan for a big sideline party was whittled down to Polly, Em, Susan Cipolla and me.  The rest of our group had departed for home very early Sunday morning.     Polly purchased the sideline parking pass which we shared, and we set up our goodies alongside the "pros"

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-82956171703713329452009-03-28T07:12:00.015-04:002009-03-28T08:23:50.732-04:00

  My how time flies. One week from today Kev, Kabootle (aka FuzzButt) and I will be heading back to Maine, hopefully to lovely warm weather with no early Spring snow storm, no ice, no mud. I know, I know, time to face reality. At least the spring in Aiken is in full bloom, literally. Kevin remarked yesterday how suddenly everything is flowering, not just bushes and flowers, but the trees. Look

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-54611958270401237502009-03-23T10:17:00.006-04:002009-03-23T10:46:38.029-04:00

  I dragged my husband Kevin along to watch the team run XC.  I enticed him with promises of sunshine, scenery and exercise (he loves to take long walks)... and I fulfilled this promise with a lovely day, great viewing on the course, and about 10 trips back and forth to the trailer to get each horse ready.   All three redheads had very good XC rounds. Babette and Dex finally spoke the same

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-89338729659597632472009-03-21T18:36:00.008-04:002009-03-22T08:47:25.269-04:00

     Writing this from the passenger seat in Lucy's VW as we head to Pine Top horse trials in GA. Babette is competing Oliver and Dex, Polly is riding Matty. Lucy was entered with Bouncer but sadly he strained a front leg a couple of weeks ago and had to scratch. Lucy is in her Super Groom role and if I'm lucky, she'll let me help. Today they rode their dressage and stadium tests, tomorrow will

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-88766155711281707562009-03-14T07:12:00.029-04:002009-03-14T14:07:33.667-04:00

        It was great while it lasted, the 70-80 degree temps we had up until two days ago. Now its back to turtlenecks and a rain jacket for the next few days. We actually need the rain. Its amazing how fast the ground dries even after torrential downpours. The good news ... I can catch up on the blog!       The weather was perfect, if not a tad too hot, for 3 days at Jumping Branch. I set up my

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-45694884045073769562009-03-04T07:25:00.009-05:002009-03-04T08:58:37.864-05:00

  I wish I could say I am preparing to compete, but Irish & I are not ready for that yet. I wish I could say that I am preparing to photograph, but Sport Horse Studio is the official photog. So the next best job is being a vendor. I'll be setting up the trailer with my cards & posters and high hopes for hundreds of visitors and even more sales.  I designed 6 new cards,2 of them:    and 2 new

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-14331485408895349822009-02-25T07:56:00.034-05:002009-02-27T11:08:23.324-05:00

 FuzzButt attacked my toes early this morning as strong encouragement to GET UP .... 1) FEED her, 2) let her out and 3) POST something on the blog.   Here's a digest of the past week....      Babette headed north to Gathering Farm Monday afternoon to teach for a few days. This gave me an opportunity to have a lesson with Eric Horgan who shares the facilities here with Babette while conducting

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-43946348183844396182009-02-24T06:47:00.009-05:002009-02-24T07:36:33.652-05:00

   Very cold, blustery winds kept us company for show jumping on Sunday at Paradise Farm. Devoted team member that I am, I stayed in my nice warm cottage "working" while Em and Doug made their early morning round. Doug was a bit spooky (who wouldn't be under those conditions?) but finished with a clear round.    Bouncer also decided it was wiser to stay in his nice warm stall. When Lucy pulled

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-66084256831707962022009-02-21T18:30:00.005-05:002009-02-21T19:11:49.952-05:00

  Another cool, but gorgeous day. Office work (filling orders! yay!!!) kept me inside until late morning. First on the agenda was to take Irish for a hack. Then buzz over to Paradise Farm to catch Lucy and Meghan ride their XC. Below is a view of the courses as seen from the parking area... a sea of jumps.  Emily & Doug went early so I missed them but the report from Pol is that they had a

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-70260517910818718902009-02-20T18:10:00.014-05:002009-02-20T19:54:21.467-05:00

  First task for today was another flat lesson with Babette, expanding on yesterday's work, with similar exercises at the canter. The morning was quite brisk (37 degrees) but crystal blue sky and no wind. The lesson field was busy with Eric Horgan & his wife both teaching, and other riders waiting their turn. Irish went right to work and felt great! Babette and I feel as if we are picking up

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-39076552212716751402009-02-19T16:57:00.038-05:002009-02-19T18:25:25.844-05:00

  As I mentioned in the last entry... 'someone's gotta run the business', so that is what I did this past Monday. I braved the frigid air (40's with a wind) and went out to photograph the Windsor Horse Driving Trials at Katydid Farm.   For those unfamiliar, a driving trial is similar to an event with 3 phases: dressage, cones (= show jumping)and a marathon (= X-country) with a number of

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-2583604385890679462009-02-15T20:18:00.021-05:002009-02-15T21:05:40.778-05:00

  Pine Top II Horse trials ran this weekend in nearby Thomson GA.  B-Eventing team member Emily Merrill and her trusty steed Katahdin ("Tahd") were there to represent us in the training division. She rode dressage and show jumping yesterday on a rather gloomy, wet & cool day. I opted to stay home, cozy & dry & work on designing a new home page for my website (SOMEONE has to keep this business

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-59211641322486097062009-02-12T22:12:00.005-05:002009-02-12T22:42:02.225-05:00

  Actually.. I never made it to the event at Full Gallop Farm yesterday. I had to finish prepping more cards and wait (and wait and wait) for the call from Hobby Lobby that my posters were ready for pick-up. The social event at Equine Divine went very well, several cards were purchased, posters appreciated and many new connections made.   I did however, tag along today with camera in hand, while

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-78265686016615456762009-02-11T08:38:00.006-05:002009-02-11T09:21:54.732-05:00

  A quick entry here, lots going on. My meeting with Lydia of Equine Divine on Monday went, well... divinely. She loves the cards and really loves my posters.  I set her up right then and there with a card rack, but had only one of each card to display. I told her I would bring more the next morning because I had a date with my horse for an afternoon outing. A few hours later, riding at Hopeland

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-17008386195650983062009-02-08T20:07:00.017-05:002009-02-08T20:55:03.120-05:00

  I broke out the t-shirt and sun-tan lotion today, broke free from a frustrating morning on the computer (don't ask) & spent the afternoon at the farm.  No riding for me, but I tortured Irish with a tail shampoo and some mane-pulling before heading out to the lesson field to take a few pics.      Lucy & Bouncer had a short but very sweet flat lesson,    Go ahead George... I DARE you to put a

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-33261856607602313522009-02-08T19:42:00.013-05:002009-02-08T20:06:16.663-05:00

  A nearby paddock housing a small herd of polo pony youngsters is a daily source of entertainment for our barn. I thank Lucy for the heads-up to keep my camera ready. I did manage to capture one such session yesterday.   Tahd (Katahdin) was helping me with the shoot, peering over my shoulder and trying to lick the camera. I convinced him to be one of the models, so he introduced himself and

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-67121893771413238722009-02-07T07:30:00.012-05:002009-02-07T08:42:57.519-05:00

      Say "hello" to Sophie (named after Bobbie's younger granddaughter who wants a bunny). Sophie pays a visit to our yard on a daily basis. She (he?) is one of two domestic bunnies who have the run of the neighborhood much to the dismay of the three dogs who live next door. Sophie is very friendly and will come up to you for an ear scratch, then zip away faster than you can blink. My cat,

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-4692701344527017912009-02-04T07:18:00.016-05:002009-02-04T08:00:52.146-05:00

        A tad anxious? you bet! After all, its been 3 months since I've ridden and the once-broken wrist is still feeling precarious. Irish is fresh from 3 months of standing around up north and here we are in new surroundings with cool temps and a brisk wind.     Lucy Cheney & Bouncer played tour guide / babysitter to her Mum Michele and me and we had a wonderful ride all around the grounds of

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-65170087431594362602009-02-03T08:04:00.005-05:002009-02-03T08:23:18.724-05:00

The drive to Aiken was uneventful, except for a few disagreements with the Garmin ("Ms. G"). We left Maine early Sat. morning in 1 degree weather & arrived in Aiken Sunday late afternoon to a pleasant 62. The cottage we are renting is very cute and comfortable, close to town and 11 minutes from the New Bridge Polo Club where Irish and the rest of the BEventing group are stabled. Irish suffered

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-3048093923294458012009-01-31T20:23:00.002-05:002009-01-31T20:31:51.232-05:00

Finally... after plowing and shoveling and packing... packing and more packing... I hit the road for Aiken SC this AM with good friend and fellow horse-woman Bobbie Cohen, plus one supposedly sedated cat. We had an uneventful 11 hr. drive ending up at a Days Inn in Carlisle PA, just south of Harrisburg. There is still snow on the ground and its STILL below freezing. Tomorrow's drive will

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-36530246342730835402009-01-27T11:27:00.020-05:002009-01-27T18:30:49.865-05:00

I am writing this just 24 hours after loading Irish & his buddies on the van to Aiken.  One hour ago, Babette texted to say that the van had just arrived with all occupants in good shape.  Irish however, had broken his halter 3 times, though we are all suspecting his neighbor Tahd was the actual culprit. Below are some pics I took during the loading.  Many thanks to TJ of Potomac Horse Carriers

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-32200115999799678302009-01-22T18:43:00.010-05:002009-01-23T06:45:13.528-05:00

Said Irish after we got about 2 feet of snow last week.  He ships to Aiken SC this coming Monday and I will follow on Saturday!  We'll be there for 2 months getting back into riding mode.    Meanwhile, Irish manages to enjoy the snow with his buddies. 

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2089824979703737585.post-91515141007115282162009-01-20T16:58:00.004-05:002009-01-20T18:18:58.671-05:00

I'm not one to spend much time frequenting blogs. The few I check out are technical (see list below) and obviously related to photography, digital imaging, Photoshop, etc. But as my business expands I need a better way of keeping in touch with my current customers and hopefully catch the attention of new ones. This will be the place where you can ask questions, make comments and

Pamela Blades Eckelbargerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253903703227858228noreply@blogger.com4