Vintage Horse Jumping Photo Musings

I don’t go antiquing very often, but when I saw this old photograph at a local antique shop, it caught my eye. I noticed the “Not For Sale” ticket taped on the left corner and was disappointed.

There are a few things wrong with this photo from a “proper equestrian” standpoint: the rider is not wearing a helmet and the horse’s legs aren’t parallel. Not to mention the frame is kind of boring.

Yet, I couldn’t help it. I fell in love.

An old photograph  I couldn’t buy of a horse and woman I didn’t know in a location I couldn’t determine. For some reason I was smitten.

The expression on the woman’s face tells a familiar story, a story of horse joy

and riding freedom

and strength under control

and the beauty of the outdoors.

Her story is my story, and it’s probably yours too.

There’s just something about a horse.

The shop owner struck up a conversation, and I questioned the “Not For Sale” status.” She said she couldn’t sell it–it was special to her even though she didn’t know who the woman was (and she was not a rider).

I told her of my love for horses and we spent a few minutes trying to place the era and the location. The naked trees made us agree it was probably not California.

And even though the woman sailing over the rails and I are separated by decades and helmet rules and a “Not For Sale” sign, the art of her photograph is mine.

I realized I don’t need the picture, as that familiar smile and freedom grips me every time I sit in the saddle.

Your Turn: What is your riding freedom story? Have you ever fallen for a piece of equestrian art?

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