find your way around

Based in

northwest montana

•

AVAILABLE

nationwide

filed in

Life

Remembering Skipper

Kelly adopted Skipper in 2015, rescuing him off the feedlot as a freshly rounded up wild mustang from Nevada. Skipper was Kelly’s first horse, and he named Skipper after his grandfather, Skip.

At the time, Kelly lived in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Skipper making the move from Nevada to Oregon/Washingon.

Skipper settling onto the property we live on now, 2017.

The first photo I ever took of Skipper, January 2018.

He had to learn to ground tie so I could get photos of him. This was pretty difficult for Skipper because he was the most personable horse in the history of ever.

Skipper being his sweet self with Kelly’s family.

Integrating herds, Skipper leading the way.

A family photo, before we got brood mares.

He caught on to the “posing for the camera” thing pretty darn quickly.

These two… now where’s the heart-eyes emoji?!

Brothers… same age, a little different size.

You can kind of see on his right side, a little bump sticking out… Skipper had a broken rib as a youngster in the wild that always stuck out. It didn’t bother him and the vet gave the all-clear to ride him.

This is the PERFECT Skipper picture. There is nowhere else he’d rather be than in the middle of whatever Kelly was doing.

Trying to decide whether to keep playing with the other horses or come say hi.

His last day of training in Montana, Kelly riding him before we hauled him home.

Re-introducing himself to the boys at home.

I’m so glad Kelly chose to include Skipper in these photos!

We sent him out for another 30 days of training this Fall and he was progressing SO WELL.

The last photo I took of Skipper. November 29, 2019.

We lost Skipper to colic on November 30, 2019.

You never know when the last time will be the last time, especially with such a young horse full of potential like Skipper was. 2020 was going to be his year. We were so excited to start taking him out with us, moving cows, in the mountains, on adventures… and he would have loved that.

He was naturally curious, headstrong, kind… and he really loved spending time with people. He was Kelly’s heart horse and losing him leaves a huge hole in our hearts and our herd.

While we don’t get to understand why his life was cut short here for us, we know he’s running wild and free with his tail up in the air, sticking his long nose in all the places it doesn’t belong and enjoying the lush green grass in Heaven.

We’ll love him forever.

3 Comments

Jessica December 13, 2019

This made me cry! I didn’t realize he was so young. My heart hurts for you both 💔
Brittney Russell December 18, 2019

Sorry to hear this. Sending hugs!
Kristen December 25, 2019

Sorry for your loss. We just lost an incredible horse to colic on the 19th of December. You’re right, we never know when the last time will be, so cherish every moment❤️

Comments are closed.

I’M bRIANA

WELCOME TO THE BLOG

Fueled by equal parts horse hair and passion, I spend my days capturing the kinds of images that make you stop, smile and ask time to please slow down. Your story, your love, is beautiful and I can’t wait to capture it in images you will treasure for years to come. I believe in real moments and heartfelt conversations on the front porch. In the kinds of images that remind you of the joy that can be found in the simplest of moments together.

find your way around

find me on