From Wild Africa to Equestrian Showgrounds? - why?

Let's face it, the comments and nose-turnings by my fellow artists have occurred. I have had the pish-tash's directed towards all things equestrian video-wise. But there is a reason why I am so passionate about taping horses...

Originally, my expose' to equestrian videography was born out of the economic necessity of my starving immigrant status.

I have been involved in the TV business for a good chunk of my adult life.
I have done lots of exciting things, flown in helicopters, climbed remote mountains in Africa, gone great white shark spotting at the crack of dawn in a small boat, interviewed garden gnomes, videotaped a skydiver take a 'bounce' (fortunately he did not die), looked down a hole in a mountain plateau called Chingwe's Hole, seen human bones in caves of former cannibals, seen ships in the desert, seen the first 'known and living' coelecanth, met the famous, infamous, even the odd king here and there, killers and presidents (there is sometimes not much difference), seen a giant and ancient tree fall in a prehistoric forest, battled deadly snakes, been chased by a nasty ass spider with visible teeth and I have held huge, uncut diamonds so beautiful they sang to my woman-soul. These are some of the memories that come to mind right now.

Of all these things I have experienced and/or filmed, nothing has ever involved all of me as much as video taping horses. There is an unfathomable connection between me, the camera and the horse. Their ethereal spirits seem to have me spellbound.

At times, there is more magic than others. When a horse is relatively undamaged by cruel and greedy trainers and has not yet had his/her spirit broken and I can 'find' the creature through my lens - for a few minutes and my being is somehow lifted.

It's not as though this profession choice pays well. It most certainly does not. The hours can also be very long and frequently surrounded by pompous and not so nice people. But that thrill of those moments when you, your camera and horse are one - in such perfect unity. There is no 'objective', behind the lens non- experience. It is synchronicity at its best.
I have discovered, in America, a different kind of adrenaline high.
I wouldn't change it for the world.

Gallop on?