Horse: Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam
Event: 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships
Location: Pratoni, Rome, Italy
One of Australia’s top equestrian photographers, MICHELLE TERLATO travels the world capturing equestrian athletes in action. Each month she shares one of her favorite shots.
Rider: Kevin McNab (Aus)
Horse: Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam
Event: 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships
Location: Pratoni, Rome, Italy
Camera Type/Settings: Canon EOS7D Mark II 300mm Lens ISO 250 f 2.8 1/1250 sec
Challenges:
This image was taken in the cross-country phase of the eventing championships. Cross country days are always rather stressful as there are over five kilometres and roughly 20 obstacles to try and get around to. Obviously not all are suitable to photograph and some horses will jump certain obstacles better than others, but it’s a day filled with a lot of fast walking and gambling on where to be and when. I tried to be in a different location for each Australian rider and decided to sit at the water complex for Kevin. This offered several different options in and out of the water, but it was towards the end of the course, so there is always the concern they may not make it that far and that you’ll have no image at all! The weather was also a little inconsistent with cloud cover, some rain, and intermittent sun. However, the eventing gods were on my side and it was a fabulous spot to shoot this lovely combination.
Why this shot is special:
For me, this image accurately represents the athletic partnership between horse and rider. They are both so focused on their job and what’s coming up next. Kevin is in the perfect cross country position and has lovely soft reins allowing Don Quidam to extend his gallop as they leave the water complex. The horse’s pricked ears, flying hooves and pulsing veins all exemplify an equine athlete competing at the highest level.
With the Australian flag proudly displayed on his saddle cloth, uniform and helmet, Kevin came home after an amazing round unfortunately marred by a broken rein. Still mounted, he repaired the break with one hand, and continued on. After losing a minute to the gear malfunction, they crossed the finish line only one minute and two seconds over time. If only that rein hadn’t broken – but that’s eventing!
Michelle is available for event, commercial, and private shoots. Visit Michelle Terlato Photography to view her impressive portfolio.
