Black Beauty

This black stallion is Reggaeton La Estrella. He is an upcoming 4 year old performance colt and the pride and joy of Rancho El Destino. You can see why! He's just gorgeous!!!

Now Reggaeton is one spirited boy, let me tell you what! On my second day of photographing, Juan tells Lisa to just let Reggaeton run loose around the arena so I can get some action shots. So after a little grooming, to make him nice and pretty, Lisa walks the, seemingly docile animal, to the arena. She asks if I'd like to stand in the center of the ring. I politely decline (thinking to myself "There's NO WAY I'm standing in the center of that ring while that horse runs laps around me!!!) :) Good thing to! As soon as the halter came off Reggaeton kicks up his heels and takes off, hooves thundering, as he runs with sheer abandon around the large arena. "WOW!", I'm thinking. "He's so beautiful and so happy!" It was all I could do to keep up with him (camera-wise). Twice around he goes, then he slows down just a bit when he comes to the gate, sorta nudges it open a little and leaps over the rest (out of the arena!) and takes off around the corner of the barn!!! Lisa, my oldest daughter (who came with me that day), and I were totally shocked! Lisa said something like "OH NO HE DIDN'T!!!", before running after him dialing for help as she ran. I said something like "HOLY COW!!!" And my daughter just stood there mouth gaping while she uttered this nervous little laugh ...... but, don't worry folks. This story has a happy ending.

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Reggaeton, being a typical male, only made it as far as the pretty mares on the other side of the barn. It was there, while strutting his stuff, that he was captured and led back to his stall for bad behavior.

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I'm sad to say, I totally missed the shot of him jumping the gate that day. I was much to busy picking my gaping jaw up off the ground!!! But, next time, you can bet I'll be ready! Bring it on Reggaeton!!

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Here he is running with such joy - right before the Great Escape!!

Reggaeton truly is a beauty. He has such a regal air about him, and yet could sit for hours while you rub his silky soft nose. He's definitely a fave of mine.

Lisa pictured with Reggaeton, above, and Juan with him below.