The gentle warmth and vibrant rays of sun that I always associate with rustic barns might not have been palpable today in the weather at Tempel Farms in Old Mill Creek, Ill., but it was visible in the photographers, trainers, leaders, riders and horses there today.
I had the opportunity to shoot the amazing Lipizzan horses
at Tempel Farms this morning with a group of equine photographers headed up by
Lara Joy Brynildssen Photography. Program Director Esther lead us through
several shooting rotations including the opportunity to photograph a mommy horse
with her five-day-old baby!
I met some new friends while I was there, and I learned a
lot about the Lipizzans.
During World War II, when only the Lipizzan stallions were
protected and out of combat zones, a German officer, Colonel Walter H.,
surrendered to the U.S. in order to save the breed; 350 Lipizzan horses (known
for their military service) were starving to death.
Col. Walter H. was taken to Colonel Charles Reed who didn’t
want to see the breed die out. Reed contacted General Patton who immediately
requested that the horses be rescued as quickly as possible.
The operation, known as Operation Cowboy began May 15, 1945.
The horses were evacuated by freight train and brought to Bavaria where the
herd was united and the future of the breed secured.
With that military background in mind, the Tempel Lipizzans perform
in a similar tradition.
I couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful photo shoot with
pristine horses that couldn’t resist rolling in the mud, stunning models,
majestic Lipizzans, gorgeous rural scenery and heart-warming mothers with their
newborn foals.
The 5 a.m. wake-up, navigating two roundabouts and the
remarkably-chilly-for-almost-May day was absolutely worth it. I definitely will
be taking my girls out this summer to see one of their shows.
Please visit the website to learn more about Tempel Farms -- and, the hashtag title? Search #TempelTour2016 to see other photogs' work. 
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