The Horses of Blake-Cliff Stables

First, I must apologize for taking soooo long to post! I'm suffering from a bad malady though! Maybe you've heard of it...it's called Spring Fever. The symptoms of Spring Fever are (but not limited to), going outside even though you have other more important things you should be doing. Gross neglect of other responsibilities such as laundry, dusting, vacuuming, cooking, etc.
And work. I've been neglecting that too. You see my office looks out over my beautiful back yard and well, it just calls to me. The only way I can get ANY work done is to close the blinds completely so I can't see out or, well, pray for rain. So, that's my excuse. Are you buying it???


I did want to share some more of the fabulous pictures I took at Blake-Cliff Stables! As I said before, they too, house and raise Paso Fino horses. However, whereas Rancho El Destino has stallions and mares, Blake-Cliff has geldings and mares. They are a little calmer and ... more my speed. haha! Every bit as beautiful though!! Here's Jaimie on one of their beauties.



Leonor's bribing this one with just a little treat. We were hoping for a big cheesy horse smile, but no such luck. He just wanted to nibble.

Look at these lovely eyelashes! I'm jealous!

I just love it when they pose so nicely. I wish my human subjects were this easy!

I just love their eyes.... so soulful. And their noses ... so soft. And their ears ... always moving and listening .....

So pretty.

I loved it when they opened the stall windows and they all popped their heads out. I think they were all hoping for a little treat!

My daughter was off of school that day and went with me. She was quite taken with this little one. It was tooooo sweet!

I had to laugh, because the stallions of Rancho El Destino sometimes require a few minutes to wear off a little of their "energy" before they're ready to stand still and pose nicely. Blake-Cliff Stables geldings come right out of the stall and just strike a pose! It was amazing! There was really only one or two who took any real coaxing from us. Made my work super easy!

I loved these silhouette shots. They speak to me.

Leonor said this guy is usually pretty shy, but not on this day. He was just popping that head out and posing for all sorts of pictures!

This one is a real looker! Love his color!

I can't wait till May 24th when I will be returning to Blake-Cliff stables to photograph their trail ride! I'm sure it will be a busy and eventful day with lots of photo ops! Can't wait!

Blake-Cliff Stables

Let me introduce you to Blake-Cliff Stables, a little piece of Heaven on Earth. Blake-Cliff Stables are located in Maiden, NC, almost to Denver. They also raise and train Paso Fino horses. Who knew there were all these Paso Fino stables around here. I never even heard of one until a few months ago. I thought they were just pretty little horses with a funny gait!

I was recommended to them by Juan and Lisa. Jaime Sarmiento is the manager of Blake-Cliff as well as a trainer. His wife, Leonor, gives riding lessons. Now, Leonor is an Iriarte. She is, in fact, sister to Juan Iriarte and daughter to Alvaro Iriarte, of Startown Stables.

Lisa told me that their place was beautiful ... about 500 acres of rolling pastures and hills with trails. But, let me tell you what, when I came around the corner and saw ALL that white fencing, my mouth fell open and I had to pull over and get a picture BEFORE I even pulled into the drive! I don't think I've ever seen so much white fencing in my life!

Jaime took us on a golf cart (thank goodness!) around the property first thing, so I could get some shots from all different angles. When you're up on this hill you can literally see for miles and miles. I bet it's just lovely when all the trees have leafed out and everything is lush and green.

See that fence that just kind of leads off out of the picture ... that's the long drive up to the stable. Where Rancho El Destino is small and quaint, Blake-Cliff is large and grand. Both beautiful, beautiful places.

I just loved these silhouette shots. Took several of these. Couldn't help myself. :)

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Do you see that big hill behind the stable (yes, that big white building on the left IS the stable!), well, they sponsor two trail rides a year in those hills. Actually, I'll be attending the trail ride next month, on May 24th, to take photos. I'm so excited! I know it's going to be just an awesome photo shoot!

Just so pretty, everywhere you look.

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Jaime opened up all the stall windows so that the horses could poke their heads out! How funny is that! They loved it!

This shot is from one of the fields where they grow hay for the horses. I had to use my major telephoto lens cause we were so far away from the stables! And, let me tell you, it was downright chilly out there!

It didn't matter where I looked, there was a picture to be had. Everything was just so well groomed and taken care of. I must say, these horse stables are very nicely maintained places!

I've got many more pictures of Blake-Cliff Stables to post, so be sure and check back.

Some Of My Faves ... Part II

This absolutely gorgeous horse is Napoleon De La Hacienda. This is one of my all time favorite photos. He looks like he could be a unicorn!

Juan on a cute little pinto, Chipiro Sin Par.

Love the way Silverado and Juan are looking at eachother.

These two look like they're having fun, don't they?!

This beauty is Afortunado de El Dons. I just love the braided manes!

The magnificent Reggaeton.

Lisa and La Campana del Juncal.

This is Lisa's beautiful horse, Duquesa de Quisqueya.

Please don't ask me to pronounce that. I wouldn't have a clue!!!!

Love the coloring of this photo. Reminds me of a painting.

Silverado Bravo at the beauty salon. He's getting his hair done today.