Today I headed out to the Peekaboo Corner Eventing Facility near Norton, NB, camera in hand, to capture the province’s final cross-country event of the season. Low gray clouds pressed down, the sun only daring to peek through now and then, and the sharp NW wind had a real bite, so I bundled up in layers to stay warm while I worked.
Eventing competitors are a hardy lot, and the raw cold didn’t faze them for a second.
These are some of my favourite shots as I stood, shivering, on top of the hill.
The view from up there is absolutely breathtaking, sweeping out over the Kennebecasis River Valley in a wide, colourful panorama.
I doubt that the competitors paid much attention to the view as they were focused on riding the winding course of jumps accurately and within the time allowed. Despite the chill in the air, they all looked like they were having fun.
It was a good day out in the fresh air, the kind that leaves your cheeks stinging and your lungs feeling wide awake, although I was quite happy when I got home and wrapped my frozen fingers around a mug of sweet hot chocolate, letting the warmth slowly creep back in while I replayed little moments from the day in my head.
Eventing is done for this year, and there’s a quiet sort of satisfaction in packing away the gear, scrolling back through the images, and knowing these rides and muddy boots and cold noses are all tucked safely into memory until the next time. See y’all next season, when we’re back out in the fields again, chasing fresh light, new stories, and more days like this.
