Through my 41 years I have always been exposed to horses; with uncles, aunties, cousins and freinds all having their own. As a boy, my Grandfather plowed the local fields with a single horse, before tractors were commonplace.

From the age of 15, I wanted to work with or around horses, but was too shy to ask my uncles, and having mentioned the idea at a friend's home whilst the farrier was making a visit - they both laughed and told me I didn't.    

Well, that was that then. 

In 2021 a snapshot taken on a mobile phone got me hooked on photography, and having acquired a 6mp Nikon D40 from my father - I set about learning the craft. By the time 2023 rolled around,  I had better equipment, the knowledge to use it and a desire to photograph American Barrel Racing.  Of course not knowing the first thing about the equestrian world, and even less about western riding, I thought I would just pop on to my local equestrian group chat and get some info. I didn’t find much at all, but I was given one name. "There's a guy called Niall Bradley - I think he does western stuff"  Niall of course did respond when I reached out, however barrel racing was not something he did.

A year and a half slipped by and, in January 2025, an advert landed in front of my eyes as I scrolled through social media……………………  

***Northern Lights Barrel Racing International

Barrel racing clinic

March 2025

Drumcoura City, Ireland***

I nearly choked on my coffee,  Wasting no time - IIMMEDIATELY I contacted the organizer and asked for permission/access to shoot. The event organiser, Sammi Nash, granted my request and I began to prepare for the event.

The clinic turned out to be a slower paced day than I had anticipated, though far from uneventful. At the end of the clinic, Sammi asked one of the more experienced riders if he could do a couple of sliding stops for the camera. At this point I had realised that this was in fact the same guy I had spoken to 18 months prior - Niall Bradley.

Niall agreed to do a couple of passes. His mare was somewhat compliant on the first pass, not so much on the second. At this point Niall said he'd give her one more go, but the mare had other ideas.

The pair came running up the center of the arena and as he initiated the slide, she threw a tantrum.  Kicking out one of her powerful hind legs, attempting to buck and displaying some general defiance. Niall duly worked his horse to maintain control and discipline.

During this episode, horse and rider navigated through the tight dusty corner of the arena, and as they did I fired off my Nikon D610 just as they passed by an American flag style poster, with dust kicked up by the horse and lit under a nearby window.

GOT IT. I could go home happy.

Off the back of this clinic - this shot - I was invited to shoot at the upcoming Irish Quarter Horse Association show (the first after a 7 year break). Since that clinic, I have shot all  IQHA shows in 2025 and I am now the their official photographer. Sammi has held several more Barrel Racing clinics and has succeeded in creating the National Barrel Horse Association Ireland, with 2026 to be its inaugural year. I am thrilled to also be the official photographer for the NBHAI, Northern Lights Barrel Racing and western tack & apparel brand - RodeoBarn uk. 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting and very busy year for western disciplines on the Emerald Island. There may be an opportunity to shoot at an international event, there are open invites to Canadian rodeos and a host of other possibilities.

The significance, value and responsibility of the position I find myself in is not lost on me. A position I do not take for granted - I don't just get to photograph horse shows, I'm literally IN them. I've gotten to know the horses the same as I've gotten to know the riders, officials and organisers alike. The one thing that stands above all though, is the very personal messages of how much particular images mean to the riders, organisers and spectators. Regular people,battling and overcoming injury, illness and/or other hardships - only to have their moment caught on camera - by ME. It's very humbling, and I am forever grateful for your emails and messages.

Western riding isn't new in the UK and Ireland, but it IS growing rapidly thanks to society's recent obsession with the american cowboy culture.

I am proud to be part of Ireland's western scene, to help promote it and its various ranches/venues, and I'm proud to call these people my friends.

I hope you all have a successful year in 2026.

And Please…………………………………………….Don’t Run Me Over!