Circle L Ranch Horse Photo Shoot

Circle L Ranch Horse Photo Shoot.

Circle L Ranch Animal Rescue and Sanctuary welcomed me on to their property a few weeks ago for a photo shoot.  I had visited this animal rescue and sanctuary many times before but this was the first time that the sole purpose was to photograph their horses.

Arizona Monsoons prevent horse photo shoot

I enjoy shooting just as the sun is setting during that “golden hour”.  However, summertime in northern Arizona means monsoon season. Typically several days a week- late afternoon clouds build and the storms set in. Lightning, thunder and flooding. It’s absolutely fantastic but certainly not conducive to an outdoor photo shoot.

I finally got some date and time options that were workable for everyone involved and the weather was perfect.  It wasn’t too hot and no rain. Christy of course came along- she’s so amazing with horses and any animals and of course, people love her too.  She keeps me on track to get the shots I want and is able to amuse and move the horses into position.

The work of Circle L Ranch

Circle L Ranch Vision 

• Circle L Rescue envisions a time when all domesticated animals are recognized as an integral part of our natural world.  Animals are to be protected, honored, and served.

• Circle L Rescue envisions being a permanent community resource. It is our mission to instill compassion and stewardship in young minds and a place to reconnect the public with the beauty and benefits of all animal life and habitat.

• Circle L Rescue envisions a time when the community as a whole participates in the safekeeping of the natural world.

“Circle L Ranch Animal Rescue & Sanctuary was founded in 2006 by Dr. Deborah Wilson, who resides in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her love of animals has inspired many and her commitment to them is nothing short of extraordinary. Beginning initially with the rescue of birds, both exotic and domestic, Dr. Wilson quickly expanded her mission to include the rescue of horses, goats, cattle and of course, dogs.  There is no such thing as an animal that is “left behind” at Circle L Ranch. We are limited only by funds and space. Read an article about Dr. Wilson in Phoenix Magazine’s Top Doctors.”

​Circle L operates with limited paid staff and relies heavily on volunteers.  Their staff, however is well qualified and trained to provide the best care in a very loving environment.

I was extremely impressed by the mannerisms of all the horses in their herd.  Most share a very large pasture and co-mingle with each other.  The smaller corrals are for horses with injuries, recovering or just too disabled to be among the other horses. 

Dr. Lucy Berg is the ranch manager and was a wonderful tour guide filled with information about each horse.  I was so impressed with Lucy’s demeanor and peaceful and gentle way she interacted with each and every animal.  Lucy seemed perfectly content to just hang out until the sunset and allow me the time to get the shots I wanted.  I could tell she was the kind of horse woman I admire.

The Horses of Circle L Ranch

Lucy shared some of the stories behind these rescued horses that are lucky to be living the remainder of theirs lives at Circle L Ranch with loving caretakers.  Unfortunately, I was busy shooting that I can’t recall the backgrounds. I’m sure if you contact Circle L Ranch they will be happy to share the stories.

Please visit the Circle L website and arrange an onsite visit. They need volunteers and of course donations. Also, I will donate 20% of the sale for ANY purchases of Circle L Horse Photos. Click below to browse through the gallery and share with your friends.

Jody Miller is a professional photographer specializing in Horse Photography, Equine Photography, and Equestrian photography.  Her work can be viewed online here in her gallery section, and she is also featured at these Arizona Galleries:  The Phippen Art Museum, Hart of AZ Gallery and Dragonfly Arts in Old Town Cottonwood and Coops Coffee House at Talking Rock Ranch.  Van Gogh’s Ear Gallery in Prescott, Arizona