Last Saturday, I spent the entire day at the Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds for the Douglas County Humane Society and Free Spirit Riders Saddle Club ‘Barks, Barrels, and Buckles’ barrel racing (and pole bending) show.

An ominous sky for much of the event, pretty much held off raining, and allowed me to shoot 4500 photos throughout the day in Superior. The day started with 35 participants ‘pole bending,’ followed by 85 barrel racing entries, with youth, seniors, and ‘Cinderella run’ speed dash after that.

I finished editing the 4500 photos down to 587 shots on Wednesday afternoon. The entire album of show photos can be viewed on the Viewthroughmylens.net Facebook page

I’ve now done more than 15 horse shows over the years, including Carlton County Fair 4-H.. and Renegade Riders Saddle Club in Two Harbors..and a few in Superior now… I’m always learning what might or might not be a good riding photo, so I’m always looking for expressions, whether of the rider, or horse, or whatever shots look the most athletic.

Again, visit the Viewthroughmylens.net Facebook page to see all of the photos from the event.