Word got out (thank you Nancy) that the Budweiser Clydesdales were making an appearance at Waddel Longhorn Corral in Buckeye. A bunch of us hopped on that opportunity.
The horses and the handlers arrive in three huge semi trucks, two hauling horses and the third contains the wagon.
ISO 640, f/22, 1/250, at 24mm with Nikon D600 and 24-70mm Nikkor lens.
While people gather, the teams unload and gear up the horses. I think by the time that was accomplished I had already shot 200 photos! This is a rare look at one of them before they get their regalia and working gear.
ISO 400, f/11, 1/500 at 170mm with Nikon D200 and 18-200mm Nikkor lens.
Just seeing their handlers up close to the horses gives you an idea of just how big and magnificent these horses are.
ISO 400, f/8, 1/320, at 46mm with Nikon D800 and 24-120mm Nikkor lens.
You might be wonderening how Waddel's Longhorn Corral managed to get an exclusive appearance of these world horses. We asked. The best answer was that Waddel's serves more Budweiser than any other bar in Arizona. I can't verify that, but whatever the reason we were delighted. Several hundred people were able to get up very close and enjoy their short parade around the Corral. The team stopped in front and then entered the back area. What follows is a selection from the best that were sent to me by the photographers in our group.
We start with the team rounding the corner from their preparation and staging point to be placed in front of the Corral.
ISO 100, f/10, 1/125 at 50mm with Canon EOS 7D and EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5 Canon lens.
ISO 400, f/10, 1/400 at 70mm with Nikon D700 and 28-70mm Nikkor lens.
ISO 400, f/8, 1/1600 at 200mm with Canon EOS 5D Mark III and EF70-200mm f/2.8 IS USM lens.
ISO 200, f/16, 1/250 at 55mm with Canon EOS Rebel SL-1.
ISO 400, f/6.3, -0.33 EV, 1/500 at 200mm with Canon EOS 5D Mark III and 70-200mm Canon lens.
ISO 200, f/11, -0.5EV, 1/250 at 24mm with Nikon D600 and 24-70mm Nikkkor lens.
ISO 400, f/6.3, 1/2500 at 200mm with Canon EOS 5D Mark III and 70-200mm Canon lens.
ISO 400, f/11, 1/500 at 44mm with Nikon D200 and 70-200 Nikkor lens.
When these horses move they are awesome. It is difficult to capture their strength and grace.
ISO 400, f/8, 1/1000 at 200mm with Canon EOS 5D Mark III and 70-200mm Canon lens.
ISO 400, f/9, 1/320 at 70mm with Nikon D700 and 28-70mm Nikkor lens.
ISO 160, f/8, 1/320 at 24mm with Nikon D800 and 24-120mm Nikkor lens.
Oh, that guy in the middle. . . he is the driver with 8 reigns between his fingers. When they move, he is all business and focused concentration. What a great shot!
ISO 400, f/8, 1/2000 at 160mm with Canon EOS 5D Mark III and 70-200mm Canon lens.
When not moving, the relaxed driver enjoys the crowd. However, his hands still hold those reigns pretty tightly. How does one get a great job like his?
ISO 400, f/6.3, -0.33EV, 1/2500 at 165mm with Canon EOS 5D Mark III and 70-200mm Canon lens.
Almost as famous as the horses is the Dalmation that rides on the wagon. He is such a crack up as he naps, stands at attention, gets loved up by the driver and freely roams the area as they set up. He lives a pretty good dog's life. Notice his gold gear.
ISO 400, f/11, 1/500 at 70mm with Nikon D700 and 28-70mm Nikkor lens.
Enough yet? Not us. We kept right on shooting. There is gear and closeups of hoofs, and . . .
ISO 400, f/8, 1/250 at 70mm with Canon EOS 5D Mark III and 70-200mm Canon lens.
ISO 200, f/11, -0.5EV, 1/90 at 27mm with Nikon D600 and 24-70mm Nikkor lens.
24 ISO 160, f/8, -0.67EV, 1/200 with Nikon D800 and 24-120mm Nikkor lens.
ISO 400, f/8, 1/2000 at 160mm with Canon EOS 5D Mark III and 70-200mm Canon lens.
Maybe the most important 'gear' was on the truck. It works! Samples were offered and I am told it was very nice and cold.
ISO 400, f/11, 1/125 at 160mm with Canon EOS 5D Mark III and 70-200mm Canon lens.
These horses are known for their hoofs. Certainly no shortage of photos here. Hard to choose.
ISO 400, f/11, 1/400 at 112mm with Nikon D200 and 18-200mm Nikkor lens.
ISO 400, f/8, 1/2000 at 160 with Canon EOS 5D Mark III and 70-200mm Canon lens.
ISO 200, f/11, -0.5EV, 1/90 at 26mm with Nikon D600 and 24-70mm Nikkor lens.
Perhaps my favorite memory, not the photograph specifically, was the obvious care and love given to each horse and the Dalmation. One could easily appreciate the attention and vigilence to assure safety of both the audience and the animals. There were many moments like the one below where love and attention was exchanged.
ISO 160, f/8, 1/160, at 78mm with Nikon D800 and 24-120mm Nikkor lens.
Oh, and the hamburgers are very good at Waddel's Longhorn Corral. And the Bud was cold. The Clydesdales are gone but we may just take in a Saturday night live band and dinner down the road.
Up next, early wildflowers in a field.