Full Stride

Full Stride was photographed during a photography workshop at Cottonwood Ranch. I wanted to capture the energy and rhythm of ranch life through the essence of motion—the partnership between horse, rider, and dog—all moving with purpose and instinctive connection. Rather than freezing the action, I chose to pan with the subjects, allowing the background to blur into a sweep of tone and texture that mirrors their speed and intensity. The decision to post-process in black and white was intentional. Removing color places emphasis on contrast and motion, drawing attention to form and expression rather than detail. The horse’s muscles, the rider’s focused posture, and the dog’s determined stride come together in one fluid moment of unity. The absence of color also lends a timeless quality, connecting this scene to generations of riders who have worked these same landscapes with the same quiet strength. Panned photos require a bit of luck. The challenge was to maintain focus on the rider and horse’s forward motion while allowing the background and the dog’s movement to express speed. The result is an image that feels alive—less about precision and more about the pulse of the moment. For me, Full Stride embodies the freedom and authenticity of the working West. It’s about partnership, trust, and momentum—three elements at the heart of horsemanship. The image captures a fleeting instant when everything aligns: power, purpose, and grace in motion. Through this photograph, I hope viewers can feel the wind, hear the beating rhythm of hooves, and sense the deep bond that defines life in motion across open country.