Cerafina, the mythical horse, well I say that because when I was at the barn photographing Ragazoo, they were quick to tell me all about this gorgeous mare named Cera, and how she had to have pictures done while I was in town. They quickly called Heidi, Cerafina’s mom, and made it happen. I came back a few days later to photograph Cerafina.

I was so incredibly excited to meet this sweet girl after hearing so much about her, and of course to experience her smiling for cookies, which I learned had to be done without a bridle, and also learned at Cara will stand perfectly still in the barn without a bridle or halter.

Actually, I take that back, she will stand perfectly still all of the time. When we use double bridles, I always leave the reins draped over their neck, because the curb bits looks a little funny without reins. All we had to do was position her exactly where we needed her, drape the reins over her neck and she stood perfectly still until we asked her to move again. I would consider her one of those “super model horses.” It was like she knew we were taking her pictures, and just wanted to make sure we got her best angles.

Heidi and Cerafina ride at Baywood Equestrian Center and train with Pam Andrews, although Heidi is just learning the basic moves with Cerafina, Cerafina is quite the talented dressage horse and I have a feeling these two will go really far in the next few years. Cerafina is a 20 year old Holsteiner, and like I said above she is truly the perfect little mare.

Heidi shares that Cera is her ride or die girl, and says that she has been described as being, “just like your best friend from high school.” She is all heart, tries her best for her ride, and is truly the queen. They can always put children or fearful riders on her and know that she will take care of them. Her only quirk, like most mares is that she pins her ears and makes the grumpy mare face at tother horses, which Heidi admits she secretly loves. The best part about Cera, is that she loves her people with all of her great big heart.

“I love her so much.” – Heidi