Docs Magic Frost

Katie shares a little love with Frost.

Almost everyone who has loved an animal has faced the pain of saying goodbye. If we could take a vote to extend the lifespans of our favorite horses, dogs, and cats, I know we would, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. Katie made the brave choice to contact me for a photo session with her mare Frost when she knew her time with her heart horse was facing the end. It’s not always easy for us humans to be vulnerable, but Katie knew the photos she would have would be worth facing those emotions. Katie had owned Frost since she was 10 years old and Frost was a yearling, starting a relationship that would form an undeniable bond.

Katie and Frost striking a pose.

Frost was the go-to horse for someone who wanted to ride a horse, carefully giving rookie cowboys and cowgirls their first rides and helping others rebuild their confidence with her gentle demeanor. Katie shared that Frost competed in rodeos, horse shows, rodeo queen competitions, fundays, the almost-famous White Earth Valley rodeo shovel race, trail rides, parades, and even some trick riding shenanigans. Frost was a horse for anyone and everyone.

Frost's gentle demeanor made her a fast favorite for the many people who were blessed to meet and ride her.

We scheduled Katie and Frost's session for an early morning before a horse event Katie would be attending with her other horses, checking the time for sunrise and planning their session accordingly. We agreed to meet at the fairgrounds before the busyness of the day’s events started.

An undeniable bond between a cowgirl and her red mare.

The weekend of the photoshoot, the weather showed up for us, with the type of fall sunshine that feels like a little bit of leftover summer warmth. The fairgrounds were quiet, with just a few other competitors feeding their horses and preparing for the day. We started taking photos, and as the sun climbed over the horizon, Katie reached up to slip Frost’s halter off. The trust between Frost and Katie? Unmatched. With a gentle tug on Frost’s mane, she’d move to exactly where Katie directly her, with no concern for her buddies at the trailer or the traffic on the nearby road.

Katie removes Frost's halter early in our photoshoot.

We were able to capture some beautiful images of Katie and Frost, and Katie had just over one more year with Frost before she had to put her down. Katie chose to order a keepsake image box with prints from her session, and she'll forever treasure all of the photos she has of Frost, the ones from this photoshoot, the many competition photos, and cell phone photos of all of the candid moments with her companion. The loss of a great horse is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind. If you're ready to visit about a photo session with your heart horse, reach out here.

Docs Magic Frost

2001 - 2025

The golden hour light glowing on Frost's flaxen mane.