Kerrits creates biodynamic garments

These are definitely worth checking out!

http://tinyurl.com/dbkm8c


They offer breathability in the warm weather and protection from UV rays

Farnam renews Sponsorship with American Shetland Pony Club and American Miniature Horse Registry

Morton, IL – Bigger isn’t always better according to owners of American Shetland Ponies and Miniature Horses who instead prefer that their equine companions come in smaller size packages. That’s why owners of small equines appreciate Farnam Companies, Inc., a company that focuses on small equines.

Farnam Companies, Inc. has renewed its sponsorship with the American Shetland Pony Club and American Miniature Horse Registry for 2009 as part of their continued commitment to supporting the needs of small equines. Farnam’s Platform® Miniature Horse and Pony Feed is specially formulated for the more efficient digestive systems of the miniature horse and pony to help reduce nutritionally-related problems such as obesity and has been well received by the small equine market.

In addition, Farnam developed the SuperMask® Miniature Horse Fly Mask which is available in two sizes and three styles for small equines. “The products that Farnam has developed for small equines are really beneficial and the ASPC and AMHR are thrilled that Farnam will continue our mutually beneficial agreement in 2009,” said ASPC/AMHR Marketing Director Johnny Robb. “The development of the feed and the fly masks filled a void in the market and owners of small equines across the country have come to rely on Farnam as a leader in the small equine industry.”

Farnam will also sponsor the Vetrolin Grooming Awards program that the company instituted with the ASPC and AMHR three years ago. “We recognize that Shetland Pony and Miniature Horse markets are an important segment and are pleased to be able to support them again in 2009,” said Heather Hoff, senior vice president of Farnam Horse Products.

“Farnam has supported the ASPC/AMHR national shows since 2006, the partnership is a natural fit.” ASPC/AMHR Director of Operations Zona Schneider explains. “The American Shetland Pony Club has been in existence for over 120 years and Farnam has been a leader in the horse care industry for more than 60 years, so we are especially pleased that these two industry icons are working together.”

For more information visit www.shetlandminature.com and www.farnamhorse.com.

Online Horse Photography Courses are Off and Running!

Aspiring equine photographers learn how to take pro quality photos using tips and techniques from well known horse photographer Christina Handley.

March 26, 2009 – The series of horse photography courses offered by http://www.learntotakehorsephotos.com has become very popular in the first two sessions. The courses are taught by well known horse photographers Christina Handley and Laura Cotterman with prizes for top photos sponsored by SmartPak Equine. Christina and Laura are professional photographers and lifelong horse owners who bring years of field experience to their teaching.

These courses are for any one who wants to improve their horse photography for every reason from capturing precious memories to making better photos of their horses for sale. The next two courses offered in April are Horses and Humans starts April 1^st and Horses in Action which starts April 15^th.

The courses are full of practical and easy to follow advice. Students learn which settings to use and important shooting techniques, all explained in easy to understand plain language with plenty of help and how-to videos along the way to get the results they are looking for.

The Horses and Humans course covers visualizing, styling and setting up your shot to create a photograph that tells the story of the relationship between horse and human. Here are three ideas to consider for better portraits from the course.

• The location is critical for an environmental portrait. The location provides your canvas that you will place your subjects on and it is used to convey more information about the person being photographed and put them in the context of their lifestyle.

• A mounted portrait best demonstrates the working relationship or partnership between the horse and rider. A horse and rider are athletes working together and you will want your portrait to convey that sense of partnership and unity in the context of their equine discipline by using a complimentary location and the correct tack and attire.

• An un-mounted portrait tends to be more about the emotional relationship between the horse and rider. Some ideas for un-mounted portraits that work well are hugging, kissing, petting, grooming, feeding treats, leading and hand grazing.

The virtual classroom at Learn To Take Photos is a lively place attracting hundreds of students from all over the US and Canada in addition to a growing number of students from around the world. Course materials and discussions are available 24/7. Equine photographer and online student, Dorothy Puddester from Ontario Canada writes “I love these courses you have offered. They are just amazing. Both you and Christina are fantastic instructors and are very patient with all our technical questions.”

Weekly photo challenges offer another engaging way for students to share photos and have fun with some friendly competition. All students are invited to participate by uploading and rating photos. There are two prizes for each challenge. One prize is awarded to the Peoples' Choice highest rated photo and the other prize is awarded to the Instructors' Choice photo.

Learn to Take Photos offers free short courses each month for new students. With ongoing enrollment you can join anytime. Courses begin the first and third Wednesday of each month. Coupon codes for a FREE short course are available for new students on the course detail pages.

Go to http://www.learntotakephotos.com/courses.php for all the course offerings and available coupons.

About Learn To Take Photos

Learn To Take Photos is an online photography school taught by well known horse photographers Christina Handley and Laura Cotterman. Students learn photography, get to know new people and share ideas in a fun, encouraging and supportive environment. Learn To Take Photos’ online photography courses are designed for adult learners and are self-directed, creative and motivating. Students have one-to-one access to an expert photographer. Visit http://www.learntotakehorsephotos.com for the current course schedule.

Horses In Need Highlighted in Photo Project

New York, March 5, 2009 -- Members of the Equine Photographers Network (EPNet), a group of over 500 photographers from around the world who specialize in the photography of horses, are planning to focus their lenses on story projects that will highlight the plight of many unfortunate horses. Equine Photographers are able to capture many lovely moments with cherished and well maintained horses, but there are many equines that are not so lucky.

EPNet Members are being asked to create an awareness campaign by using their photojournalism skills to highlight adverse issues or situations regarding horse welfare and to help promote equine protection.

A call is being put out to rescue groups and rescue workers who feel their projects should be documented and brought to the attention of the world. Possible story ideas might include recycled racehorses, sanctuaries, BLM holding pens, auction houses, retirement facilities, rescue foster homes, and rescue workers. Each story idea should include no more than eight photos accompanied by editorial text.

“The mission of this project is to shine a light on the condition of horses in need in the world, and the work that individuals, rescues and other organizations are doing to save them from uncertain futures,” said Schippers, developer of the project. “In addition to this project we will develop and maintain a list of EPNet member photographers willing to donate their services to rescue workers and organizations.”

Photos from this project will be featured in an upcoming special rescue edition of the online EPNet newsletter and will be available to American Horse Publication (AHP) members for possible publication. The deadline for submitted material is August 1, 2009.

Additional information on participating in this project can be

found at: http://equinephotographers.org/4um/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=11338

Information on membership in EPNet is available on the official web site at: www.equinephotographers.org.

Membership is available to any individual both pro and amateur interested in equine photography.

Article by Carien Schippers, Equine Photographers’ Network

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