“To many, the words love, hope, and dreams are synonymous with horses.”
– Oliver Wendell Holmes
On a beautiful, slightly windy August evening, I drove the 45 minutes from my studio to Lapeer, Michigan, full of anticipation for a portrait session with high school senior Kylie Alexandra Ossege – Oxford High School class of 2022 – and her beloved horse, Blaze.
As both a portrait artist and a horse lover, equestrian senior sessions are always extra special for me. There’s something magical about capturing the bond between a young rider and her horse, and I was eager to see this connection firsthand.
When I arrived at the barn, I was warmly greeted by Kylie and her mom, Marita, as well as a friendly black barn cat named Sirius, who immediately made himself known. The sight of him weaving between our feet was a sweet, grounding moment before the session began.
The property itself was breathtaking. To the right of the barn stretched a wide field of golden wildflowers, swaying gently in the wind, and I knew instantly that the combination of Kylie, Blaze, and the approaching sunset would create something truly magical.
Marita shared a detail that made me laugh: they were about to ‘finish putting Blaze’s tail on.’ I hadn’t realized that horses sometimes wear tail extensions for shows. It was such a charming, humanizing glimpse into the care and dedication involved in equestrian life.
Kylie and her mom gave me a quick tour of the barn and grounds, and together we loaded all of Kylie’s clothing changes into a golf cart. This little helper made navigating the grounds effortless as we worked within the fleeting window of the golden hour – that magical time when light feels like honey over everything it touches.
Then came the moment I had been waiting for: Kylie, with her long, dark hair flowing and her naturally gentle presence, standing next to the majestic Blaze. Watching her interact with him, I could see the depth of their bond – a connection built on trust, care, and quiet understanding.
We ventured into the field, but nature had its challenges. Mosquitoes swarmed, and Blaze, though calm under Kylie’s gentle touch, was understandably spooked by passing cars and the buzz of insects. Yet Kylie remained patient, guiding him with soft words and careful hands. That quiet, steady love between them was palpable, the kind of trust that takes years to build.
Capturing Kylie in these moments – laughing, relaxed, glowing in the golden light – was a gift. She radiated warmth, kindness, and intelligence, the essence of a girl on the brink of her senior year, ready to step into the next chapter of her life.
And yet, reading her story now, knowing the unimaginable tragedy she endured – the injuries, the pain, the life-altering experience she survived – it’s hard to comprehend. The innocence and joy captured in these photographs contrast sharply with the horror of what followed.
When will the nightmare of children shooting children in our schools end? The question is unbearable. As we grieve the innocent lives lost, let us also lift those still healing. If you are able, please consider supporting Kylie in her recovery, helping her reclaim moments of joy, and, one day, return to the saddle.
I hope that day comes soon. I hope Kylie will once again ride Blaze through endless fields of flowers, the wind in her hair, her smile wide, and the golden light surrounding them both – a symbol of resilience, love, and hope.
