Behind the Lens: Horse Show Photography at the Side Saddle Association Area 9 Camp North Show, Carlisle 2026
On the first weekend of May, the Side Saddle Association Area 9 held a full 3-day camp planned at Greenlands Equestrian Centre in Carlisle: Camp North 2026. I was fortunate enough to spend two full days photographing both lessons and the Camp North Show itself, and I was thoroughly in my element. As an equine photographer based in Cumbria, events like this are a genuine privilege for me to shoot: two packed days of skilled riding, beautifully turned-out horses and ponies, and the extra pizazz of the side saddle discipline: one of the most visually striking and elegant forms of equestrianism there is and a true photographic feast for the eyes.
First devised as a national event in 2024 in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Side Saddle Association, SSA Camp North has grown into an annual training camp and show where side saddle riders from across 4 UK nations all converge. This year’s event, organised by Area 9 Chairman Stephen McGill and Secretary Karrie McGill, was held at Greenlands Equestrian Centre in Carlisle, local to me, where 24 horse/rider combinations of all ability levels came together for a weekend of side saddle tuition from 4 of the best side saddle instructors there are. The National Chairman of the Side Saddle Association, Henrietta Barton, was also in attendance for the entire weekend, meeting members and supporting them in their training. Read on to find out more…
Saturday: Lessons, Learning, and Troubleshooting
On the second day of camp, I threw myself right into photographing the various riding lessons taking place both in the outdoors and indoor area. Coached by Penny Clarke (Gloucester), Laura Gray (County Durham), Caroline De Freyne-Shrubsole (Leicester) and Sarah Holman (Norfolk), the riders could not have been in better hands. There was so much going on for me to photograph: coaching jumping outside (while the weather yo-yoed between warm sun and grey clouds), while a mix of novice and more experienced riders got lots of valuable tuition in the indoor arena. Before a single competition class had taken place, I had hours of riding in the arena to observe, anticipate, and quietly work out how to get the best from the light and the space.
Photographing in indoors equestrian arenas is one of the more technically demanding aspects of equine photography. Greenlands is a fantastic venue, but like all indoor areas, presents a genuine challenge to photography because of the light: there is very high contrast due to harsh overhead cool light, as well as a wide open door, meaning that shadows can fall quite harshly. It required me to keep fully on top of my settings to ensure I could document proceedings well.
While I still wanted to create strong images on the Saturday, I could also use this as an opportunity as a technical warm-up and troubleshooting exercise. Working in the area that day, I was able to see where the light was best, understand the darker less forgiving parts of the arena, and work out optimal settings. By the time action was well and truly underway, I had it all figured out and was free to focus on what matters the most: the horses, their riders and the top tier instruction taking place. Each camper received 3 lessons each and workshops on ringcraft, turnout and saddle cleaning as well as the opportunity to ride different horses and make lots of new friends.
Watching and documenting the lessons is also a wonderful way to connect with the horses and riders before the pressure of the show ring. You notice the personality of each animal, the way they carry themselves, the small moments of communication between horse and rider. That understanding pays dividends the following day when everything speeds up and you have a split second to capture a moment that tells a story.
Sunday: Show Day at Greenlands Equestrian Centre, Carlisle
Camp North 2026 rounded off with the Camp North side saddle show, with separate rings for Novice and Open competitors and the perfect forum for the riders to present their finely tuned skills. Many classes provided qualification for flagship finals at the National Side Saddle Championships at Addington Equestrian in July (not long to go now!). Naturally, there was the costume class and the obligatory Champagne Challenge too (but don’t tell anyone, it’s just water these days… probably for the best as most of it ended up on the riders themselves!) where riders must ride their horse up to a trot while balancing 300ml of water in one hand. Needless to say, lots of laughter ensued, and it made for some great images!
Side saddle is one of equestrian sport's most visually striking disciplines, and it's easy to see why. The elegance of the position itself, the traditional outfits, as well as the movement of horse and rider as one. There were plenty of photographic moments: the sweep of a habit skirt as a rider changed reigns, the proud arch of a well-presented head, judges inspecting details and, of course, the presentation of rosettes and sashes.
Among the big winners were:
Karrie McGill riding Penstrumbly Kevin - Open Champion, Equitation and Classical Ladies winner
Jill King riding Bottle Hill - Reserve Open Champion
Zoe MacPhail riding Langfield Billy Costa - Junior Champion and Junior Equitation winner
Fiona Aitken riding Russell - Novice Champion, Novice Best Horse and Novice Equitation Winner
Sioned Roberts riding Champagne Showers - Reserve Novice Champion
Champagne Challenge winners - Charlotte Harker and Samantha Murray
As an equine photographer working across Cumbria and the wider North of England, I find that show days constantly remind me why I love this type of work. I excel when working fast, anticipating and not relying on reacting, and I find movement always contributes to the best images. I always say I’ll photograph anything that moves fast enough, and I’m not kidding.
Indoor photography on show day adds another layer of complexity. Where Saturday's lessons had given me time and space, Sunday's classes demanded quick decisions. Shutter speeds needed to freeze movement cleanly without losing too much light, white balance needed constant attention as the natural light through the arena doors shifted through the day, and I also needed to keep in mind the colour of the horses in front of my lens: shifts from the very dark to the very light meant I could never drop the ball with my exposure. It's the kind of problem-solving I genuinely love as a photographer.
Why Hire a Specialist Equine Photographer for your event?
As a Cumbria-based equine photographer, I work regularly at venues and shows across Northern England, Cumbria, and Northumberland. I understand horses, I understand shows, and I know how to position myself to capture the images that matter most to you without getting in the way of any of your day.
Don't just take my word for it, here's what the Side Saddle Association had to say:
“Frankie was so nice to work with and captured fantastic images of all our campers and competitors.
She created a beautiful easy to use gallery, which everyone could select their favourites from.
Frankie is so professional and excellent in her communication, which made the inclusion of her in our event plan easy and seamless. She is a joy to work with and produces top quality photographs. Can’t recommend her highly enough ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”
Quality photographs of an event are what keep the memories sharp and convey the last excitement of the day long after it’s over. Hire someone who captures the moments you didn’t think anybody had noticed. Whether you're looking for coverage of a competition, exclusive coverage of you and your horse competing, or something to mark a special milestone with your horse, I'd love to hear from you.
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If you'd like to discuss me photographing your horse at a show, at home, or anywhere in between, get in touch. I cover Cumbria: Hadrian’s Wall area and the Lake District, Scottish borders, Northumberland and beyond. Plus, I’ll travel outside my 45 mile service area for the standard government mileage (45p per mile).
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