Hooves and Hocks Photography: 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. :)

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.

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!