Camelot Auction Graduates- Before/After Photos
One of my favorite things about working with equine rescues and auction horses is seeing the transformation that takes place once the horses are in their new homes and are blossoming with good care. It takes a little imagination for your mind’s eye to envision a slick summer coat under a fuzzy winter coat, and to add 100 pounds to an underweight horse, but these photos can help to crystalize the potential that these horses have:
Gatsby was already sold by the time I arrived at Camelot Auction on a Thursday afternoon in October 2010, but he was so handsome and proud that I photographed him anyway.
“#111 aprx 16 hds Gray Gelding rode thru calm very thin $325.00”
Gatsby at auction ©Ida Howell/Helping Hearts Equine Rescue
Little did I know that he was sold to someone who was going to keep him at the same barn where Wizard lives! I’ve had the pleasure of watching Gatsby turn into a well-loved jumper. He still has that same noble appearance, but now his coat gleams with good care and he is being prepared for the 2011 show season.
Gatsby in March 2011:
Gatsby at a schooling show in November 2010:
Gatsby at Christmastime…
Mimi is another stablemate of Wizard, and she has also become a barn favorite and a lovely riding horse. Here she is at Camelot…
“#66 Sorrel Mare 14.3 4 yrs rode thru calm- one blue eye the one she kept closing- when I blocked the light she opened it, she is very sweet and thin. $260.00”
Mimi at auction ©Ida Howell/Helping Hearts Equine Rescue
Her runny and sensitive eye cleared up in a matter of days and now her vision is perfect. Mimi in March 2011:
Mimi and her Santa outfit:
I met Ursula at Camelot in December. She was probably my favorite horse of the day; while all the other horses munched on hay and rested, she romped around her pen, leaping and playing. She has a sparkle that immediately caught my eye.
Ursula at auction.
“#746 Bay filly. 12H and yearling. Standardbred. Scared and very thin. Needs tlc big time. Led through quiet. $50”
(middle)
And here she is in March at a local barn in New Jersey:
With horse show season just around the corner, please contact me if you know of any Camelot Auction graduates who are competing. I would love to cheer them on and take some pictures.
Rock and Racehorses: The Blog 
Wonderful b&a photos, Sarah! It’s a joy to see them thriving and well-cared-for. Thanks for sharing your talent & images! Happy Trails!
Wow Sarah!! They are gorgeous! Gatsby has an amazing look to him, before and after!
All three of them look amazing! A wonder what a little love and good care can do.
Thank you for sharing!
It’s so great to see the graduates who are doing so well! Thanks so much for sharing!
What a dramatic difference !! These photos and your captions tell compelling stories !! Love happy endings and good news is always welcome – especially when the “work” of you good work seems never ending – thanks for being an active equine angel and sharing the news of the lives (both horse and human) that are rescued. Blessings, Beth
love to see these pictures of these horses who have found loving homes and are doing so well in them. Thank you for caring, we need more people like you in this world
Beautiful photographs Sarah! You have saved a lot of horses with your beautiful photography and your ability to show what’s underneath the dirty coats and skinny bodies. There is a special place in heaven for people who look after those less fortunate – be they animals or human.
I currently own and board 2 horses (the max I can afford) but have become passionate about photography – particularly horses – and I hope to be able to help out the same way. I am just about to approach rescues (including the local humane society for dogs and cats) to see if I can help in any way…..
You were the inspiration for that decision!
wow what a difference…. what a difference a little bit of time makes.. they are a credit to their owners xx
Oh my God, Gatsby is beyond adorable. Look at that form over fences. *love*
Beautiful, beautiful pics and animals.
This made my day. 🙂
Fun post!
I absolutely love what your photos have done for the Camelot horses. I’ve been to the auction many, many, times and knowing that there are people like you guys out there working together to make sure all the horses that I can’t convince my friends, coworkers, boss, etc. to take home makes me so glad.
Gatsby is an incredible transformation – so happy for him & his family. 🙂