Horseytalk.net Special Interview
Tim Smith
A Master at Work at Hickstead
Tim Smith goes behind the scenes on a photo-shoot with renowned photographer Matthew Seed as he captures Trevor Breen and Adventure de Kanaan in preparation for the launch of the 2015 Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting.
It's not every day you have the chance to get close up and personal with a one-eyed wonder horse like Adventure de Kanaan, winner of the 2014 Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby.
So driving four hours in the pouring rain on a Bank Holiday after just five hours sleep didn't seem such a chore!
Arriving at Trevor and his wife, Caroline's base in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire I was met by a warm welcome from the team, even if photographer Matthew was looking a little concerned about the damp weather.
In the space of just a few hours there was a lot to get through with images required for the Derby Meeting programme, the launch of this year's iconic event and for a feature with Equestrian.com CEO, Lorraine Meadowcroft who had made the long journey south with her brother Nigel and grandson Joshua.
Also in attendance for support and to keep everyone's morale buoyant was Hickstead Sponsorship Manager, Simon Gaskin and Hickstead Press Officer, Victoria Spicer so it was very much a team effort on Good Friday.
To my very untrained eye, watching Matthew set up for the day it didn't look as complicated as I thought it would be – but then it wasn't me pushing the right buttons or making sure the lighting was in the right place at the right time – so I will stick to the point and press method!
Holding the support role was his very able assistant Anne-Marie who never faltered in her commitment to the process and making sure the very expensive looking equipment survived the showers!
For anyone who knows Matthew's work, his skills and artistry are second to none and being able to watch him in action and get a little involved was a fantastic experience.
The occasion wasn't made any easier as just a few days earlier Trevor had broken four ribs in a fall from a young horse leaving him in quite some pain when standing for long periods of time – thankyou that chair!
His relationship with Addy is clear for all to see and Matthew managed to coax's out of them the true closeness and bond they have whether at home on the yard or jumping some of the biggest fences around the world.
Wanting to create the dramatic images he is well known for Matthew took time to let Addy adjust to the flash with the help of his groom Fran Callan, there to hold the lead rope in between shots.
Everything in place and the weather still holding, despite the grey sky, we were soon underway with the Cheshire-based photographer continuing to bring new highs and an extra dimension to the equestrian world.
To add to the occasion Freddie the Labrador kept everyone entertained while the Hickstead team put on a fantastic lunch, much needed after a busy morning and to revitalise energy levels.
With the aim of securing a variety of images from Addy on his own to Lorraine, Trevor and Addy featured looking relaxed, it was great to tick off the list of photographs as the clouds loomed ever darker and Caroline and daughter Mia joined in for the family portraits.
The day had soon come to an end and I for one can't wait to see the final images which I am sure will no doubt resemble a piece of art and will be a huge hit!
Find out more during the 2015 Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting – June 25 to 28 – and make sure to get your programme.