A Sunset Session in Buffalo, WV - Braylea, Tater & Betty

There are some photo sessions that feel like stepping into a story—and my evening with Braylea, Tater, and Betty was exactly that. The golden sunset over their farm in Buffalo, West Virginia set the perfect backdrop for capturing the bond this young rider shares with the horses who have shaped her life.

Meet Braylea: A Young Rider With Big Dreams

Braylea has been riding for 11 years, and in that time she has developed the kind of confidence, grit, and softness that only horses can teach. She’s a competitive American Saddlebred rider who shows across the country, yet she’s just as comfortable slipping on her boots and heading out for a quiet barrel race at home. Her passion for the sport—and her horses—is evident in everything she does.

Tater: The Retired Quarter Horse With a Big Personality

Tater, her 19-year-old Quarter Horse, is officially “retired,” but he definitely hasn’t retired from running the pasture. According to Braylea, he runs the place—and I believe it. He carried her through barrel racing seasons, taught her the ropes, and became the steady partner every rider hopes for.

During the session, he showed off his bossy little head tosses and kept angling for attention and apples, which are his absolute favorite. 

Betty: The Young Explorer

Then there’s Betty, a sweet and curious 3-year-old Quarter Horse. She hasn’t shown yet, but she has the gentleness and bright energy of a horse who loves learning about the world. Trail riding is her specialty right now—she loves exploring new places and sniffing every interesting thing along the way. And when she’s being extra good? Carrots are the way to her heart.

During the session, Betty’s personality surprised us all. She followed Braylea around, ears perked, ready for her "horse super-model" debut.

Capturing Their Story

What made this session special wasn’t just the beautiful light or the peaceful fields—it was the way these three moved together. Braylea’s experience and quiet confidence, Tater’s wise and slightly mischievous energy, and Betty’s soft curiosity created the most natural rhythm. 

We photographed everything from soft, quiet moments to wide, sweeping portraits as the sun dipped behind the hills. My daughter Elaina, who also rides, was my assistant for the shoot and got plenty of horse lovings from both Tater and Betty. 

A Session I Won’t Forget

There’s something incredibly meaningful about photographing a rider with the horses who have carried her through so many seasons of life. And I loved being able to do this full session with my daughter. 

Braylea, thank you for trusting me with these moments.
And Tater and Betty—thank you for all the sweet ears-forward poses and treat-driven enthusiasm.

If you’d like to schedule your own equine or horse-and-rider session, I would love to help you tell your story next.