Here another rider shot, taken on a hazy autumnal morning in early November in the forests near Hilversum. I just came home from my first long photographic excursion when I met this rider on the so-called Dutch ditch, the long borderline between the provinces of Utrecht and Northern-Holland. Here both a cycling and a riding path stretch out for several miles.

To say the truth this friendly rider agreed to turning round and galloping down the lane on my request. Without his cooperative reaction I would never have managed to get this lively shot. Some time ago I would never have dared to ask for such a favour, but when people these days react in a positive manner to my taking some pictures, I have fortunately become a bit more daring.

I surely must add that he reacted wonderfully when I had sent him some of the pictures. He and his horse had been together for twelve years already, but never before someone had taken such beautiful pictures of them. I often get great reactions when I send the pictures, but this one was surely the most heart-warming of them.

Near Hilversum, 8th November 2009, 0.03 pm
Nikon D80, Nikkor 18-200 mm at 200 mm
F 13, 1/125, ISO 1000