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The crisp morning air at Aston Le Walls Equestrian Centre in Northamptonshire set the stage for what would be an incredible day horse riding for many, and photography for me. As a professional photographer, there are certain moments that stick with you—and this event, featuring dressage, showjumping, and cross-country disciplines, was packed full of them. Hired by The British Horse Society, my task was to capture not just the competitors but the essence of the event itself: the organisers, the staff, the atmosphere, and of course, the riders.

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The Challenge and the Kit

Heading into the competition, I packed light but intentionally. My equipment consisted of just two lenses: the Sigma 150-600mm Sports Lens and the Sigma 56mm f1.4. Each lens had a distinct role to play, and together they allowed me to cover every aspect of the day.

The Sigma 150-600mm Sports Lens—my first-ever zoom lens—was the real workhorse. Its incredible range allowed me to capture the action from virtually anywhere on the grounds. Whether it was a rider mid-air over a showjumping fence or a galloping horse on the cross-country course, this lens delivered sharp, detailed images every time. On the downside, it’s not the lightest piece of kit, and by the end of the day, my arms were thoroughly fatigued. But the trade-off for its versatility and performance? Completely worth it.

The Sigma 56mm f1.4, on the other hand, shone during the quieter, more intimate moments. Its compact size and exceptional clarity made it perfect for capturing the human side of the event—a rider’s quiet reflection before entering the arena, the laughter shared between friends, or the hard-working staff making it all happen behind the scenes. It may be a prime lens, but it’s one I reach for time and time again when I want to connect more personally with a subject.

aston le walls photography sigma 56mm f1.4

Dressage: Precision and Poise

Dressage was the first discipline of the day, and it’s a photographer’s dream. Every movement is deliberate, every gesture refined. With the Sigma 150-600mm, I was able to zoom in and capture the intricate details—the tension in the reins, the poised expressions of the riders, and the flowing manes of the horses as they executed their routines.

brc photographer equine events

What struck me most during the dressage sessions was the connection between horse and rider. It’s a partnership built on trust and countless hours of practice. Capturing this connection was an emotional experience, and the sharpness of the 150-600mm lens made it possible to freeze those fleeting moments.

dressage photography at aston le walls

Showjumping: High Stakes, High Action

Showjumping brought a completely different energy. The tension in the air was palpable as riders navigated their horses over towering fences, each jump more impressive than the last. This was where the zoom lens truly came into its own. Positioned strategically around the arena, I was able to shoot from a variety of angles, capturing the sheer athleticism of both horse and rider.

The bigger lens was perfect for freezing the action—hooves suspended mid-air, riders leaning forward in perfect synchronisation, and fences being cleared with millimetres to spare. The compression effect of the long lens added a cinematic quality to the shots, making every leap feel larger than life.

showjumping photographer

Cross-Country: The Heart of the Event

The cross-country course is where the grit and determination of the riders really shine. It’s a test of endurance, bravery, and skill—not to mention a challenge for photographers! The course sprawled across the stunning countryside, presenting a mix of wide-open gallops and technical jumps.

Thanks to the Sigma 150-600mm, I could capture the action from a distance without compromising on detail. The lens’ ability to track fast-moving subjects was invaluable as riders galloped past at full speed. Meanwhile, the Sigma 56mm came in handy for closer, more contextual shots—like a rider’s reaction after completing the course or the expressions of spectators cheering from the sidelines.

aston le walls cross country horse riding photographer

Behind the Scenes: Capturing the Heart of the Event

While the riders and their horses were the stars of the show, the people working tirelessly behind the scenes deserved just as much recognition. Event staff, volunteers, and organisers worked seamlessly to ensure everything ran smoothly. My brief from The British Horse Society included highlighting their contributions, and the Sigma 56mm f1.4 excelled here.

This lens allowed me to unobtrusively document the effort and dedication that goes into hosting such a large-scale event. From setting up jumps to assisting riders, these unsung heroes were the backbone of the day. The Sigma 56mm’s fast aperture also made it ideal for shooting in the shaded tents and barns, where the natural light was limited but the stories were abundant.

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The Emotional Spectrum

One of the most rewarding aspects of equestrian photography is the sheer range of emotions on display. Nervous anticipation before a round, pure joy after a successful ride, or even the quiet moments of contemplation between events—each is a story waiting to be told.

With my two-lens setup, I could adapt to these moments as they unfolded. The Sigma 150-600mm captured those candid, far-off glimpses of riders preparing for their turn, while the Sigma 56mm brought me closer to their emotions. Together, these lenses enabled me to tell a well-rounded story of the day.

dressage photographer aston le walls

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on the Aston Le Walls Horse Riding Competition, I’m struck by the richness of the experience. The Sigma 150-600mm Sports Lens proved itself as an invaluable tool for capturing the high-octane action and intricate details, while the Sigma 56mm f1.4 brought balance with its ability to convey intimacy and emotion.

british riding clubs championships aston le walls

Being hired by The British Horse Society for this event was a privilege. Their commitment to the equestrian community is inspiring, and it was an honour to document their work. For anyone venturing into equestrian photography, I can’t recommend these lenses enough. Each has its strengths, and together they’re a powerhouse duo that can tackle anything an event throws at you.

If there’s one takeaway from this experience, it’s the importance of preparation and versatility. Equestrian events are dynamic and unpredictable, but with the right gear and a keen eye, you can capture moments that resonate long after the last horse has crossed the finish line.

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