Page 139 - Barrel Stallion Register 2017

Q: What is your favorite thing about living where you live?
A: I am very fortunate to live in the Black Hills, right in the middle of many of the leading breeders of barrel and racehorses in the nation. I have the opportunity to photograph and help promote their ranches through print ads, websites, and sale catalogs.
Q: If you could vacation anywhere on the planet, where would it be and what would you do there?
A: Most of my ‘vacations’ involve the horse industry—either photographing them or attending as a spectator. I have attended the All American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio, for 25 years and purposely leave my cameras locked away at home when I leave. When I retire, I hope to visit Italy and the Greek Islands, though.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote and, if so, what is it?
A: “I know I am in my own world, but it’s okay ... they know me here.” I basically do what I do in a manner that satisfies me first and, of course my customers, so in actuality I am in my own little world I guess. I am my own worst critic and never release work that I am not happy with.
Q: What drink would your friends describe you as, and why?
A: Hopefully a Pendleton! (Never been a huge fan of beer.)
Q: If you were making a movie about yourself, who would you cast to play you, and why?
A: Probably Kevin Costner—basically since he filmed the Oscar winner “Dances With Wolves” here in central and western South Dakota.
Q: What’s one thing you like about barrel racing?
A: The majority of my current customers are breeding and selling the barrel racing industry’s top bloodlines. They have for many years and continue to do so. The barrel racing world has exploded, especially in recent years, so there is still a huge demand for the highest quality, most consistent bloodlines available. I was the official photographer for the Fizz Bomb Classic Barrel Futurity, 5-State Breeders Barrel Futurity, and others for many years, along with Quarter Horse and Paint shows in this region. The breeders
have long been aware of the proven cross of speed on one side of the pedigree and the working bloodlines on the other. Those proven crosses— plus the trainability—have led them to develop some of the most outstanding broodmare bands and stallion batteries in the nation. I feel fortunate to be personally involved with so many.
Larry Larson teaches at one of his clinics where he educates students about equine photography.
SPEEDHORSE 137
THE LIGHTER SIDE