Well, 2024 is officially here, which means it’s finally time for me to publish my annual “best of” post, where I share my favorite photos from the year. If you follow me on social media, you’ve already seen a lot of these in recent days, as I’ve recapped my favorite photos taken in various locations throughout the year. In this post, though, I’ll go into a little more background on each photo, and why I took it. And, yes, there are 50 photos in this post, because when you take more than 35,000 photos in a single year, narrowing down your favorites can be a difficult process. Click here to view previous “Best of” posts.
First Foal, January 20 – Mahoney Eden Manor, Saratoga Springs, NY
I predicted when I took this photo that it would end up being one of my favorites for the year, and I was right. This spunky colt was the first foal of the year at Mahoney Eden Manor, and he was also the first foal for both his sire, Independence Hall, and his dam, Seascape. This photo is currently on display at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga as part of their annual Photo Finish Exhibition.
Naughty New Yorker in Black and White, January 25 – Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield, NY
On January 25, I spent a magical evening at Old Friends at Cabin Creek; just me and the boys. It was snowing hard, but the boys didn’t mind. This photo of millionaire Naughty New Yorker is my favorite. Click here to order a print of this photo. As always, if you purchase a print of any of the Old Friends photos in this post, I donate my profit to the farm.
Slew and Frankie Playing in the Snow, January 25 – Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield, NY
Slew’s Brew and This Hard Land were playing in the snow that night. It was nice of them to do this little bit multiple times, so I could get stills and video. Click here to order a print of this photo.
Red and Bo Wait for a Treat, January 25 – Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield, NY
This is the third and final photo from my magical evening at Cabin Creek. Red Down South and Bold Illusion were being very cute when I got to their paddock, and were very hopeful that I had treats for them, which, unfortunately, I didn’t. Click here to order a print of this photo.
Sean Gives Hennyville a Hug, February 9 – Mahoney Eden Manor, Saratoga Springs, NY
When I went to Mahoney Eden Manor to meet Goodyearforroses’ War Front filly, I also took this photo of owner Sean Mahoney hugging his and Britt Wadsworth’s first mare, Hennyville. Their close bond is easy to see in the photo.
Yearling Colt Shenanigans, February 21 – Sugar Plum Farm, Saratoga Springs, NY
I went to Sugar Plum Farm in February to take some photos, but this one stood out easily as my favorite. I love everything that’s going on in this photo!
All Over the Map Greets Cooper and Piper, February 24 – Mahoney Eden Manor, Saratoga Springs, NY
Cooper and Piper the dachshunds enjoy visiting the horses at Mahoney Eden Manor where they live. You can tell it was a chilly day, because you can see the air around Maps’ nose!
Goodyearforroses and Her War Front Filly, February 24 – Mahoney Eden Manor, Saratoga Springs, NY
I love photographing the horses running down the hill at Mahoney Eden Manor at any time of year, but it’s all the better with a fresh coat of snow on the ground.
Overheated With Her Seconds-Old Yaupon Filly, March 12 – Mahoney Eden Manor, Saratoga Springs, NY
When Britt called me to tell me Overheated was having her baby, I got to the farm as fast as I could. Watching a foaling and seeing a foal stand and nurse for the first time is a special experience. I love watching the mother and foal bond.
JoAnn and Mr. Cowboy, April 8 – Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield, NY
In this photo, Old Friends at Cabin Creek owner JoAnn Pepper gives her beloved Mr. Cowboy a kiss before feeding. Cowboy has a remarkable story, and he also has the distinction of being the only horse foaled right on the farm where he currently lives. When he was born, he wasn’t breathing, so JoAnn gave him mouth-to-nose resuscitation. She, her husband Mark, and some volunteers and friends of the farm formed a partnership called Team Cowboy and campaigned him on the NYRA circuit. He broke his maiden at his hometown track (Saratoga), and retired shortly thereafter due to injury. These days, he enjoys racing kids up the hill in his paddock (and beating them!).
Face to Face with Flightline, April 11 – Lane’s End Farm, Versailles, KY
It was a pretty thrilling prospect getting to see 2022 Horse of the Year Flightline live and in the flesh. He is pictured here in his stall. I like the way the light fell on him in this shot.
Portrait of Funny Cide, April 12 – Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY
I often tell folks that, in a way, Funny Cide, the 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner, changed my life. The first time I ever visited Old Friends at Cabin Creek, it was because Funny Cide was visiting. I didn’t even know the farm existed before the day my friend took me in 2015. Since then, it has become a huge part of my life and it’s what got me into horse racing. It most certainly has changed my life, and Funny Cide was the catalyst for it all! I really wanted to go see him at Kentucky Horse Park and I finally did in April. Sadly, Funny Cide passed away over the summer, but his legacy lives on in the memories of the millions who loved him.
Kentucky Derby Starting Gate, April 13 – Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY
I loved having the opportunity to stand right inside the Kentucky Derby starting gate and photograph it with the twin spires visible in the background. It was well worth getting up at 4 AM to make the trip across Kentucky!
Rocket Can and a Stablemate at Churchill Downs, April 13 – Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY
I love watching morning works, no matter the track. It’s the best light of the day, and there’s lots of action. Here, Kentucky Derby contender Rocket Can passes by on the backstretch.
Justify Returning from Stallion Duty, April 13 – Coolmore at Ashford Stud, Versailles, KY
Getting to see not one, but two Triple Crown winners (the other one being American Pharoah, of course) up close was another thrill I got to experience this year. The grounds at Coolmore are so idyllic; it’s a beautiful setting for these world famous stallions.
Lava Man and Michael Blowen, April 13 – Old Friends at Dreamchase Farm, Georgetown, KY
My friend Linda and I were treated to a tour of Old Friends Farm with founder Michael Blowen when we visited in April. Getting to see Hall of Famer Lava Man was definitely a highlight.
Morning Works at Keeneland, April 14 – Keeneland, Lexington, KY
I spent two mornings at Keeneland when I went to Kentucky. I like the shots I took from this spot because you can see the grandstand in the background. There were some clouds that morning, but the sun poked through.
Racing at Keeneland, April 14 – Keeneland, Lexington, KY
I brought my 100-500mm lens to Keeneland, but I love this photo I took with my 50mm lens because you can see so much more of the scene. Keeneland is such a beautiful track!
Hennyville and Her Raging Bull Colt, April 24 – Mahoney Eden Manor, Saratoga Springs, NY
It’s hard to narrow down the mare and foal shots, but I jut love how Hennyville’s colt, Rageville, can barely see out the window because he’s still so short.
Gemini Witch and her Big Brown Colt Go for a Run, April 24 – Mahoney Eden Manor, Saratoga Springs, NY
These two just love to run. I picked this photo because I liked the downhill scene, but I had so many similar ones to choose from!
Ana and Cody’s Wish, May 28 – Oklahoma Track, Saratoga Springs, NY
This is possibly my favorite photo I took this year. Ana has been Cody’s Wish’s groom since he arrived in trainer Bill Mott’s care. I took a lot of photos of the Horse of the Year prospect this year, but I love seeing the bond he shares with Ana. For those who don’t read this blog regularly or who don’t follow racing, Cody’s Wish is the namesake of a young boy named Cody Dorman, who suffered from a rare genetic disorder and was confined to a wheelchair. Cody the horse’s illustrious career brought joy to Cody the human’s life. Sadly, Cody Dorman passed away in November of this year, one day after Cody’s Wish defended his Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile title, leaving holes in the hearts of the millions who have been following his inspiring story.
Maple Leaf Mel and Mel’s Angel, May 29 – Oklahoma Track, Saratoga Springs, NY
I got lucky watching these two namesakes of trainer Melanie Giddings interacting. When I posted this picture on Facebook, Giddings herself suggested that she hoped multiple graded stakes winner Maple Leaf Mel was giving her stablemate some tips. Sadly, as many of you reading this probably already know, Maple Leaf Mel had to be euthanized this summer. I am grateful that I have this photo and others of her from earlier in the year, which evoke happier moments to remember her by. Mel’s Angel has since embarked on her own racing career.
Cody’s Wish Wins the Met Mile, June 10 – Belmont Park, Elmont, NY
Cody’s Wish may not have won the Whitney, as so many fans hoped, but he still had a banner year. I loved watching him win the Grade I Metropolitan Handicap on Belmont Stakes day in grand fashion. I took a lot of photos that day I am fond of, but this one stands out.
Giovanni and Arcangelo, June 19 – Oklahoma Track, Saratoga Springs, NY
Arcangelo came to Saratoga right after winning the Belmont Stakes, at a time when the track was still fairly quiet. His groom Giovanni was kind enough to take my photo with the colt and pose for one of his own. Yes, Arcangelo is nibbling on his shirt.
Heartland Ranch, July 2 – Millarville, AB
It seems all my horse-loving friends have seen at least a few episode of Heartland. I have watched the entire series several times, and essentially planned a trip to the Canadian Rockies so I could visit the filming locations (I have an obsession with visiting filming locations of movies and TV shows I love). Although visitors are not allowed at the Heartland Ranch, I was able to track down the location and view it from the gate. On the far left, obscured by the trees, is the house. Fans will also recognize the barn and the big arch on the right, which has a Heartland symbol hanging from it during filming. I loved this photo so much I bought a print of it to hang in my bedroom, and also gave one to my parents, who also love the show, for Christmas.
Moraine Lake at Night, July 3 – Moraine Lake Lodge, Lake Louise, AB
This year I took my third trip to the Canadian Rockies, and it did not disappoint. This was my first time staying at the Moraine Lake Lodge, which affords guests a beautiful view of the mountains from the comfort of the balcony. Click here to order a print of this photo.
Lake Louise at Night, July 4 – Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, AB
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers incredible views of the lake. I would have to say Lake Louise is one of my favorite places I have ever visited. I captured this night time photo from the balcony of the hotel. Click here to order a print of this photo.
Athabasca River from Above, July 5 – Jasper National Park, Jasper, AB
I took a trail ride in Jasper National Park, which was easily the best trail ride I’ve taken in my life. It’s hard to believe this was our view, looking down at the Athabasca River. I always bring a small camera on trail rides, in case any photo opportunities like this arise. Click here to order a print of this photo.
Mama and Baby Bear in Jasper National Park, July 6 – Jasper National Park, Jasper, AB
These were the first two of ten bears I saw on my trip to the Canadian Rockies. I was lucky enough to be in a position to observe and photograph all the bears from the safety of a car. At first, I only saw the mama bear, but when she crossed the street, a cub followed her. I saw considerably more bears in Jasper National Park than in Banff National Park. Click here to order a print of this photo.
Cavell Pond, July 6 – Edith Cavell Trail, Jasper, AB
Is this the North Pole or the glacially fed Cavell Pond in Jasper National Park? It’s the latter, but it might be hard to tell at first glance. The pond sits directly below Mt. Edith Cavell, named for a British nurse who treated soldiers from both sides during World War I. Click here to order a print of this photo.
Elk Swimming in the Athabasca River, July 6 – Alpine Village, Jasper, AB
When I watched this young elk swim across the Athabasca River, I thought the current would take him away, but he ended up safely on the other side. Sometimes, with wildlife, the better photo is a wider one, which takes in the whole scene, compared to a tightly zoomed shot. Click here to order a print of this photo.
A Lakota Cree First Nations Elder, July 8 – Lake Louise, AB
The Cree people are one of Canada’s largest First Nations. I love this man’s colorful clothing set against the backdrop of Lake Louise and the mountains.
Grizzly Mother and Cub, July 8 – Lake Louise, AB
Originally when we drove past these two bears, only the mother was visible. Then, right as we drove by, the cub popped his head out right as I snapped the shot. Click here to order a print of this photo.
Tator and Smokey, July 11 – Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield, NY
In July, Commentator was moved in with Watchem Smokey at Cabin Creek to make room for our newest resident, A Shin Forward. The day the two moved in together, they were very cute with each other. The pairing has worked out well! Click here to order a print of this photo.
Mary Union Ave arrives at Saratoga, July 13 – Saratoga Harness, Saratoga Springs, NY
This has to be one of my favorite moments of the year. I was shaking as I watched my first ever horse walk off the van, led by trainer Robbie Davis, on opening day at the Spa. She didn’t end up racing as a two-year-old, but it has been an absolute pleasure getting to visit with her and watch her train.
Rudy in the Rafters, July 25 – Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield, NY
In July, Rudy joined the “farm fam” as our new resident barn cat. Having previously been a house cat, he quickly adjusted to farm life and made himself quite at home in the barn, climbing the rafters on a regular basis.
Mage Gets Frisky, July 26 – Oklahoma Track, Saratoga Springs, NY
There was lots of excitement at the Spa when Kentucky Derby winner Mage got to town to train for the Travers. This was his mood shortly before going out on the Oklahoma Track for the first time, two days after arriving in town.
Erma Kisses Scotland, July 26 – Oklahoma Track, Saratoga Springs, NY
Erma Scott, who has been with the Bill Mott barn for over 40 years, was excited to introduce me to Scotland. The newly-minted four-year-old colt won the Curlin Stakes at the Spa, named for his sire. What horse doesn’t love a kiss and a carrot?
Erma Feeds Art Collector a Carrot, July 26 – Oklahoma Track, Saratoga Springs, NY.
Another photo from the same morning as the previous photo, here Erma feeds Pegasus World Cup winner Art Collector a carrot. I got to feed him one too! Sadly, Art Collector passed away a couple weeks after this photo was taken.
Mage with Exercise Rider JJ Delgado, July 26 – Oklahoma Track, Saratoga Springs, NY
This summer I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of JJ Delgado, Mage’s exercise rider. He was kind enough to pause with Mage for this photo while he was hot walking him.
White Abarrio Wins the Whitney, August 5 – Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
The far turn is one of my favorite spots to stand after a race. It’s a great spot to get a photo of the winning horse and his team with the grandstand in the background. Here, White Abarrio’s groom waves to fans as he walks him to the test barn. The Whitney flower blanket is visible in the foreground.
Doc N Roll Enjoys a Rollick in the Rain, August 15 – Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield, NY
It rained all through our Barn Party this summer, but that didn’t stop the boys from having a good time. Doc especially loves to run in the rain. This is my favorite shot I got of him. Click here to order a print of this photo.
Treats for Red Down South, August 15 – Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield, NY
Old Friends volunteer Margaret helps a young visitor feed a treat to Red at our Barn Party. I love watching kids interact with the horses.
A Rainbow at the Spa, August 26 – Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
A double rainbow came out over the track before the start of the Travers. Although it remained throughout the duration of the race, it was brightest right before the horses came out. Some said it was Arrogate smiling down at his son Arcangelo, the eventual winner of the race. Others said it was a sign of better things to come after the dark meet we had. Others probably said that’s just what happens after it rains. Whatever it was, it was beautiful, but perhaps could not be fully appreciated knowing that it followed a very dark day in what turned out to be a very dark meet at the Spa.
Arcangelo Wins the Travers, August 26 – Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
I have some shots of Arcangelo winning the Belmont that I am fond of, but I just love this one of him and Javier Castellano galloping own after winning the Travers. After the dark meet at the Spa, Arcangelo’s Travers win was one of the the feel-good stories of the summer.
Fuhrious Warrior Gets Some Love, September 30 – Long Shadows Farm, Cambridge, NY
In September I visited Long Shadows Farm to photograph ACTT Naturally’s Hearts in Harmony program, which promotes human-equine connection. ACTT Naturally, headed by horsewoman Valerie Buck, uses retired Thoroughbreds in their program. I met Valerie at Thoroughbred Aftercare Day at Saratoga this summer, and she invited me to come photograph the program.
Mary Union Ave Gallop Sequence, October 9 – Oklahoma Track, Saratoga Springs, NY
I love stitching photos from a sequence like this together. Any time I do this, it’s not planned out in advance, it’s usually something I think of when I get home and begin editing the photos. The foliage was at peak and Mary looked in peak form as Robbie galloped her around the track.
Lee and Handy Stan, October 14 – Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield, NY
Handy Stan came to Cabin Creek in the fall of 2022. His owner Lee Weil comes to visit him often. In this photo, you can see the love she has for him as she stares at him adoringly.
Be Bullish Channels Fabio, October 26 – Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield, NY
On a fall afternoon at Cabin Creek, I got lucky and captured Bull just as his mane flipped back in the air. Bull was excited at the prospect of his dinner arriving shortly. I was excited that I got this shot. Click here to order a print of this photo.
My Dad Gives Mary a Pet, November 10 – Oklahoma Track, Saratoga Springs, NY
While my dad is not a partner in Mary Union Ave, he too has enjoyed meeting her and watching her train at Saratoga this summer and fall. I took this photo on her last weekend at the Spa before she shipped down to Belmont.
Well, that’s a wrap on my favorite photos. Which one was your favorite? Let me know in the comments. Before I let you go, I have two videos to share. The first is a slideshow I made over 1,000 photos and videos I shot this year of horses and at racetracks and other equine facilities (email subscribers, click here to view the video). The second is a trailer for a series of videos I will be releasing in the coming year (email subscribers, click here to view the video). I hope you enjoy them!
To see more of my equine photography, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and X. To see more of my landscape photography, be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook. All photos in this post © Samantha Decker and may not be reused without permission.
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One thought on “My Best Photos of 2023”
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Just beautiful!