Wildlife and Wild Places

Early morning gallops with Michael Huggan Photography

Wildlife and Wild Places, a photographers travel blog... — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:17:41 +0000

Last week I had the unique opportunity to photograph some of the best race horses in the world during their early morning gallops at Newmarket. This was organised by the 2011 British Press Awards Sports Photographer of the Year, Mark Pain along with Newmarket Racecourse’s official photographer, Chris Bourchier.

To be on the gallops at Newmarket is such a unique experience, photographing these wonderful race horses during sunrise was a memorable and learning experience. The lighting was fantastic; we were literally shooting in the dark on some of the images as the horses were galloping just feet away from us.

From the race course we continued to the world famous Pegasus Stables, run by top trainer James Fanshawe to see the yard in action and take some more photographs.

I would like to thank Mark and Chris for a fantastic experience, and anyone wishing to attend Mark’s sports photography course, do have a look at his website here

I hope you enjoy these images…

www.michaelhugganphotography.com

Michael Huggan is published in Cowboys & Indians Magazine’s Equine Photography Competition 2012

Wildlife and Wild Places, a photographers travel blog... — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:59:36 +0000

I was absolutely delighted to have found out that I was published in the Equine Cowboys and Indians Magazine Competition. The full article is coming out in the March issue of Cowboys & Indians Magazine and will be posted here in due course.

Front cover of Cowboys & Indians Magazine March 2012 issue

I do hope you enjoy my image titled, Mass Gallop (double page spread, C&I Magazine, March issue.)

www.michaelhugganphotography.com

f2 Freelance Photographer talks to Michael Huggan about the business of photography

Wildlife and Wild Places, a photographers travel blog... — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 19:30:23 +0000

Michael Huggan talks to f2 Freelance Photographer magazine.

Michael Huggan article

‘On the Pulse’ From rare breed horses to gorillas and lions, Michael Huggan’s photographed them all. Clare Protherough of f2 Feelance Photographer interviewed Michael about the business of photography. Read and download the full interview on the ‘Press’ page on this blog.

Michael Huggan is the official photographer of The Marwari horses for Queens Diamond Jubilee Pageant

Wildlife and Wild Places, a photographers travel blog... — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:08:47 +0000

Michael has become the official photographer to the famous Marwari horses for the Queens Diamond Jubilee Pageant. Michael’s outstanding award winning photography portfolio of wildlife and equine has earned Michael a place within the high ranks of the photography elite.

Michael was recently invited to Buckingham Palace Mews to photograph a Marwari horse being featured at the official press launch of ‘The World Comes to Windsor’ as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, with event ambassadors Angela Rippon and Alan Titchmarsh.

The Marwari horses are being brought over to the UK from their native Rajasthan especially to feature in Her Majesties’ International Horse Show, The World Comes To Windsor for The Queens Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012.

His recent Cowboys & Horses work has been featured within The Nikon Owners Club Magazine, due out late November 2011.

Britain’s most celebrated press photographer, Dr Mike Maloney says about Michael, “He is such a talented photographer. All Michael’s recent images are truly outstanding; some of them breathtaking in their composition and quality.”

Michael has previously travelled to Rajasthan India, where the Marwari horses originate to photograph them in a desert endurance race covering over 80 kilometres.

To view Michael’s images www.michaelhugganphotography.com

Marwari horses from Rajasthan will be used in Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant

Wildlife and Wild Places, a photographers travel blog... — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:50:02 +0000

The Marwari horses were brought to India by Central-Asian and Muslim invaders. Their home was the desert kingdom of Marwar and from there, the breed spread through the whole of Rajasthan. The name ‘Marwari’ means quite literally “from the land of death”.

Over the centuries, the Marwari horse was bred in the harsh desert climate of Rajasthan by warring Rajput clans. The outcome was a hardy, intelligent horse with a great stamina, which could thrive on little food and water. Trained highly in the art of war it was known for its bravery on the battlefield.

The Marwari horse is a medium-sized, elegant horse. The most distinguishing features of the Marwari horse are its lyre-shaped ears, which curve inward and often meet at the tips.

Besides providing a sharp hearing, they can turn 180 degrees. It has a longish head with a broad forehead, wide-set and alert eyes and a well-shaped, rather small mouth. It is elegantly proportioned with a proud head carried on a well-arched neck. The legs are straight and sound with small and very hard hooves. The coat of the Marwari horse is silky and often has the metallic shine of the Turkmeni horses. It comes in all colours, including piebald and skewbald. Very popular as well, are the Cremellos, which in Rajasthan are called Nukra.

These spectacular horses are being brought over to the UK from their native Rajasthan especially to feature in Her Majesties’ International Horse Show, The World Comes To Windsor for The Queens Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012.

The show will celebrate 60 years of the Queens Tours, visitors will be treated to a spectacular journey around the world, reflecting The Queen’s State and Commonwealth visits during the course of Her Reign. Starting from London the journey goes West visiting The Americas, Australasia, Asia where the Marwari horses will feature, The Middle East, Africa, Europe and finally Great Britain.

The World Comes To Windsor 60 years of Queen’s tours celebrated with international horse show

A spectacular horse show inspired by the Queen’s 250 State and Commonwealth tours will be held at Windsor Castle to mark the Diamond Jubilee.

It will draw riders and horses from 17 nations and will include Russian cossacks, American cowboys, a fire-eating Indian presidential bodyguard and dancing horses from Chile.

The Household Cavalry and the Glass coach and Irish State coach will recreate the sights of the Coronation in 1953. The event, The World Comes To Windsor, will run over three nights in May as a curtain-raiser to the four-day bank holiday weekend at the start of June that will be the centrepiece of the 60th jubilee celebrations.

The Queen has been consulted on the content of the show and will attend the last night, which will be broadcast later by ITV. Event director Simon Brooks Ward said a replica of the Buckingham Palace facade would be erected in the arena beside Windsor Castle. The show takes a round-the-world trip of places visited by the Queen, from Canada to New Zealand and France.

Broadcaster Angela Rippon, who is helping to promote the event, said: “It’s very clear that the Queen’s private passion for horses and everything equestrian has spilled over into her public life as our Queen. That is why I think The World Comes To Windsor ticks all the boxes. I think she is going to love absolutely every minute of it.”

Expected profits of at least £150,000 from ticket sales will go to charity.

The World Comes to Windsor: May 10, 11 and 13 2012. Tickets, £30-£100, on sale at www.diamond-jubilee-pageant.com

Michael Huggan releases his 2012 Cowboys & Horses Calendar

Wildlife and Wild Places, a photographers travel blog... — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 23:39:32 +0000

Michael spent May of this year photographing the great American horse traditions of cowboy culture. Some of these magical images can be seen in Michael’s new ‘2012 Cowboys & Horses Calendar’ available to buy here on-line by clicking the link.

To capture these unique photographs Michael has journeyed deep into the heart of America, including riding across the great plains of Colorado with the wranglers and staying on one of the biggest working ranches in the Rocky Mountains. It was here Michael acquired some very rare photographs of cowboys going about their everyday lives on the ranch, where not much has changed over the last 100 years.

Michael also photographed ‘the 2011 Great American Horse Drive’ where a massive herd of over 500 horses are rounded up from their winter pastures and driven over 60 miles through the town of Maybell to the home of the Sombrero Ranch by cowboys and riders from all over the world. An awesome site of thousands of hoofs thundering across the Colorado plains, which makes for some of Michael’s best equestrian images yet!

“I absolutely adore Michael’s new 2012 Cowboys and Horses Calendar. He is such a talented photographer. All of the images are truly outstanding; some of them breathtaking in their composition and quality.” Dr Mike Maloney OBE, Britain’s most celebrated press photographer.

The Calendar is available for £10.00 plus postage and packaging. All images within the calendar can be purchased individually in canvas prints, framed prints or cards. Please click here!

Cover – Terry ‘Doc’ Humphrey dressed for another days work on the ranch.

January – The mist rises from the herd due to a very cold start to the day.

February – Wranglers moving the horses across the lowlands.

March – A timeless scene with horses being moved slowly across the land.

April – A lively moment with individual horses being moved to an adjacent coral.

May – Classic image of a cowboy in pursuit as the sun goes down.

June – Butts and Boots – what more is there to say?

July – A thrilling moment with a wrangler chasing down a Longhorn cow.

August – Such an evocative image with the stagecoach thundering across the plain.

September – Two riders make their escape across the water.

October – Part of the herd in the Great Trail Dive crossing the river.

November – The herd finally arrives back at Sombrero Ranch for a long deserved rest.

December – A group of wranglers heads home at the end of the day.

www.michaelhugganphotography.com

MotorSport, Action and Michael Huggan Photography

Wildlife and Wild Places, a photographers travel blog... — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 20:41:04 +0000

: David Ashburn in the Porshe 997 GT3 R

I spent a day with Mark Paine, Press Photographer of the Year, shooting Motorsport photography at Brands Hatch. And what a day! “Full on” is the term. From the first briefing to the last, some ten hours later, Mark shared his wisdom and experience, route marched us round the circuit so we would not miss any races, or the best vantage point to photograph the cars. I was part of a small privileged group that signed up to experience a day with the “Best Sports Photographer in the business”.

: Jack Clark in his Formula 2 Williams JPH1B

At the end of the day I was totally worn out, satisfied and with a smile on my face. I came away with a set of images that surprised even me – WOW did I take that picture? Another day where I know my photography has improved, you can do the same. Mark can be contacted at www.markpaine.com

Jose-Luis Adadin in his Formula 3 Dallara waiting to join the circuit

I have been to a few Motorsport events so I thought I had a good idea of general activities. However, I was taken by surprise with the International GT Open cars. I took up position as Mark had advised, sorted out camera settings etc. and ‘WOW’ these monsters came over the brow of the hill like a bat out of hell, rushing past us at incredible speed. A flash of headlights, full spectrum of colours and with a deep roaring sound reminded me of the Pod race in Star Wars.

: Ramone Pineiro in his F2 Williams JPH1B

: Stefano Gattuso drives his Ferrari 458 GT3 in the International GT open

: John Rasse in the Exige Lotus running up to Druids

: M Puglisi in his Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 car running fast and loud!

: Axel Mertens in the Lotus Elise S2

: Mark Gooday in the Lotus 211

: Alex Brundle in the F2 Open Championship

: Nicolas Ferrer in the Lotus Exige

: Plamen Kralev in his F2 Williams JPH1B

: James Baker in the MR2 going round Druids

: Jeff Mc Call in the MR2 going round Druids

: Chris Grey in his MR2 on the inside going round Druids

: Soheil Ayari in his Ferrari 458 GT Italia

The Great American Horse Drive with Michael Huggan Photography

Wildlife and Wild Places, a photographers travel blog... — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 09:43:37 +0000

The herd finally reach Sombrero Ranch

Every year in Northwest Colorado near a town called Craig, the headquarters of the Sombrero Ranches the Great American Horse Drive takes place. Over five hundred horses are brought down from their winter pasture to the Big Gulf Ranch, part of the Sombrero Ranches group. The drive takes two days and is sixty two miles in length. The horses are managed by professional wranglers, Ed Pinkerd, the head wrangler, is responsible for the welfare of the horses and riders. As well as the professional wranglers some 60 paying guest riders join the drive. Experience of the guest riders ranges from experienced to ‘novice’ – not all finish the drive. The prize is the coveted belt buckle that is awarded to every rider that completes the drive from start to finish. This belt buckle is highly prized and cannot be bought!

: Riders leading the drive

The riders leading the drive form a line abreast to prevent the horse from running forward.

: The herd strung out for over a mile approaches a bridge

There are several stops along the way to rest the horses, plus an overnight stop. The overnight stop turned out to be one of the highlights of the drive. The horses were steered off the road into a large pasture with a stream running through the pasture. The horse came thundering through a small gate and headed for water. The horses were running back and forth across the stream trying to find others in their group. Lots of noise and activity – what a wonderful sight and a photographers dream. The second day the horses passed though the town of Maybell – right through the centre of town, what a spectacle.

: The herd crossing one of the road bridges

On the second day the horses pass the town of Maybell which has a population of 370. can you imagine what five hundred horses’ looks like running through the town of this size. People come from miles around to witness this special event.

: Cody and Rex Walker bring the herd through Maybell

: The front part of the herd enters the town of Maybell

: The main herd coming through Maybell fill up the width of the main street

: I hope she likes this photographer!

: Looking out for friends at the overnight stop

: A well deserved drink at the overnight stop

: Refreshed and active again

: The cowboys keep a watching eye over the horses

: The horses gather for the final leg of the trip

: Last call before the final leg

: Horses and riders on the drive

: The last few steps before entering the gate of Sombrero Ranch

: Running through the final gate into Sombrero Ranches corals

: Home at Last

Sombrero Ranch, Cowboys, Horses and Michael Huggan Photography

Wildlife and Wild Places, a photographers travel blog... — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 09:41:57 +0000

Early morning start at Sombrero Ranch

I have always wanted to visit a real cowboy ranch and photograph horses. A few weeks ago I travelled to Sombrero Ranch near Craig in Northwest Colorado,USA. The visit was timed to participate with the Great American Horse Drive event the following weekend. The first few days were spent on the ranch from sunrise to sunset. Temperatures were below freezing for a few days allowing for some stunning lighting conditions.

This is the first of a number of Blogs where I want to show how the Cowboy spirit lives on and thriving. God bless America.

In order to fully participate in the ‘Cowboy’ spirit I had to go on a trail ride for two hours. That means I had to ride a horse. Those who know me are aware of my photographic skills rather than my ability on a horse. I do not ride horses. For over twenty plus years I have lived with my wife and her horses, not once have I been tempted to ride. Well, you have seen it here first – I am on a horse!

: Michael and Ed Pinkard

The event was not too traumatic and I did have the most wonderful assistance from the head wrangler, Ed Pinkard. A few words about Ed. On one or two occasions in my life I have been fortunate to meet a few special people. Ed is a special person. Ed is head Wrangler for Sombrero Ranch and is the man you may have seen on the Malborough promotions and many films with horses. He looks like an American legend, and he is. Ed took charge of me from the start of the trail ride and ensured I was safely seated and enjoying the ride, intervening on occasions when required. Over the days that followed. I watched Ed manage his wranglers moving hundreds of horses on the ranch and the horse drive. He was every where, offering words of encouragement for the less experienced riders, always on top of a very fluid situation herding horses and riders over the plains. I was privileged to meet him.

For the next few days I was involved photographing the wranglers, horses, longhorn cows, roping and a stagecoach – I was in my element.

: Early morning sunshine

At an altitude of over 6,000 ft the air is crisp and crystal clear. The early morning sun has magic properties found only in Colorado.

: Moving the herd across the river

Early morning activities included moving a herd of over 1oo horses across the river. The wranglers move around the herd to get the horses in the right position to cross the river.

: Wow, that was too close

Another aspect of the wranglers day is moving the horses between corals, for grading prior to sending them off to ranches across Colorado and farther afield.

Another day on the range

A great deal of time is spent just sitting on your horse watching the herd as they graze on the range.

: Great fun riding through the water

After the wranglers had moved the horses across the river, they returned returned riding through the river on the way back to the ranch house.

: Hang on

A display of horsemanship by one of the wranglers.

: It looks so easy

Ed Pinkard showing how to make a lasso while standing on his horse!

Back to the coral

Bringing some of the horses back to the coral.

: A long earned rest

The last picture you will see of me after a long day in the saddle.

: Going home at the end of the day

Keep watching for the next Blog on life at Sombrero Ranch.

Arabian horse training in Hampshire with Michael Huggan Photography

Wildlife and Wild Places, a photographers travel blog... — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:06:33 +0000

The Arabian horse is recognised worldwide as the purest and oldest of all horse breeds. Hailing from the Middle Eastern deserts its stamina was an invaluable asset, ensuring it could carry its rider at speed across miles of open desert with little food or water.

Today, almost every breed and type of horse has traces of Arab blood and all English Thoroughbreds are descended from three horses: Byerley Turk, Darley Arabian or Godolphin Arabian, which were imported to Britain in the early 1700s.

I was so lucky to be invited to photograph a string of beautiful Arabians in Hampshire training for the coming race season.

I hope that you enjoy the images below:

Willow in his stable

Rocket in his stable

Saf in his stable