Oyster Ridge Equine Session

Jessica, Rudy and Pistol in Santa Margarita, California

This Oyster Ridge Equine Session with Jessica, Rudy, and Pistol was hard for me to finally write. We had a beautiful day in Santa Margarita at the lovely Oyster Ridge wedding venue. Jessica was fun as usual. Pistol and Rudy were gems. It was what happened after that makes it difficult to revisit this session. In fact, I’ve put it off for over almost a year.

Repeat clients are the very best. Therefore, photographing Jessica and Rudy again was a highlight for me. This time she brought her young horse Pistol. Since Jessica is quite the horsewoman, her young horse behaved like a champion even after having several months off due to an injury. Part of the reason Pistol behaved so well, was due to Jake.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jake the last time Jessica and I shot together at Central Coast Boarding and Training. Luckily, Jessica brought her boyfriend Jake for this shoot and he helped by holding horses and being a laugh a minute.

Since the horse world is small, I actually met Jake years ago as a toddler. He is one of the kindest and most fun people. Undoubtedly, Jake is one of those people that knows no stranger. He fun and funny right out of the gate and just a neat guy to be around. Therefore, he’s always been a blast at our sessions.

Two weeks after our magical session in the golden California light in Santa Margarita, I heard an unbelievable tragedy happened. Sweet Jake passed away in his sleep. An entire community of horse people were devastated by the loss, but my mind immediately went to Jessica. I didn’t know what to say or do and felt helpless.

Consequently, I still don’t know what to say or do but I can only hope that Jessica knows I think of her and Jake often. I think of their smiles together and witty banter. Our fun evenings together that lead past sunset. Memories I hopefully captured for her and wish with all my heart that they are good enough. Meanwhile, knowing they can never be good enough.

The world misses you Jake. Thanks for being a light and a smile while you were here. We’ll see you again someday. Until then, ride em down for us until we get there. I’ll always remember our Oyster Ridge Equine session and think of you.

To Jessica, you are the loveliest, strongest, bravest girl I know. I’m thankful to know you and wish you the very best in graduate school. Take on the world girl.