Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby: Post Champagne and Horse Box

I think its safe to say I’ve had better nights sleep. Still how could I not be happy-I was at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby. I’ll be honest I was tired and sunburnt. I clearly should have worn a hat plus I really wanted a nap. Having had a huge breakfast and a couple of cups of tea I was ready to kick on. First of all, I watched the Amateur Championship and snapped the winner. Flying over the last with a huge smile it was great to watch Kelly Lasarow claim the win, on a stunning grey I might add.

Then I took a stroll around the show ground. I watched some Scurry Driving and got some awesome pictures of that. It’s pretty hard not to when the ponies are so bloody cute! Plus, all the detail on the harnesses just make superb stock images, they are already on Pferd Images.

Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby: The Hacks

Then there were the Hacks, such poise and grace. Absolutely beautiful, both watch and photograph. With the hacks though came the rain. A ‘shower’ that lasted about an hour and meant that everyone involved with the hacks got soaked. Including me and my beloved camera. It passed in time for the large hack and it didn’t take anything away from the winner. Jordan Cook took the win and really truly deserved it. He adored his horse, Fleetwater Executive and showed it wonderfully. I beetled of to the international arena and awaited the championship.

With baited breath I watched them elegantly skip around the arena and was delighted when Jordan was crowned Champion Hack- Fan-blooming-tastic and it was a delight to watch him plant a big kiss on his horse. Golden moments captured forever. Hopefully I will get to photograph them again at Royal International Horse Show.

Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby: Speed Derby

Feeling bit weary now I stayed and watched the speed Derby as everyone has said how amazing the pictures would be. In all honestly they weren’t different to the previous classes and whilst the Irish bank was exhilarating to watch it didn’t make for a nice photograph. I decided to head home, get some much needed sleep and prepare for the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby.