#JumperNation Candid Camera: WEF Week 1

Your life. Your photos.

The 2016 show year kicked off in earnest last week, with the first competitors of the Winter Equestrian Festival entering Wednesday morning.

And while the show ring has a life of its own, there’s just as much if not more going on behind the scenes: moments of heartfelt (or hilarious!) interaction between horses and riders, back-at-the-barn antics, the buzz of an in-gate pep talk, the beauty of a sapphire-skied Florida afternoon.

Each week we comb Instagram for photos we think captured “the moment,” whatever that moment may be, perfectly. Here’s our latest batch:

Round two of the @andrewrybackphotography challenge between @jumpersthrumylens and I, is finding the humor within our sport? Therefore, I decided on this photo because after the ring master handed out the awards he made a comment to this girl who then couldn't stop laughing❤️?

A photo posted by Carly Marie (@carlynasznicphotography) on Jan 17, 2016 at 7:00pm PST

Always does this when she gets a treat!? #Quiloa #freakofnature

A video posted by Skylar (@skylar_rogalny) on Jan 17, 2016 at 5:04pm PST

Round three of the @andrewrybackphotography photography challenge between @jumpersthrumylens and I, was to pay attention to detail and see what story your photograph tells!!! This photograph was taken after these three girls finished competing in the Big Eq. On there way back to the barns, one of the girls reached over to her friends horse to give him a pat on the neck❤️ I was photographing the ring and at the very last second turned around and was able to capture this moment only to realize that no matter what happened in the ring, you always have your friends by your side and willing to support you! A photo posted by Carly Marie (@carlynasznicphotography) on Jan 18, 2016 at 11:57am PST

? A photo posted by Calvin Farias (@notmycalvins) on Jan 18, 2016 at 2:37pm PST

Throwback to 80’s hair. #WEF2016 #leadline #pony A photo posted by @heelsdownmag on Jan 17, 2016 at 12:48pm PST

 

ready for WEF❤️

 

A photo posted by phoebe (@phoebea04) on Jan 15, 2016 at 5:29pm PST

I’m okay with that skyline. ?? A photo posted by Kathlyn Hossack (@katmah1) on Jan 17, 2016 at 12:44pm PST

 

There was a princess sighting during today’s lead line class! #wef2016

 

A photo posted by Winter Equestrian Festival (@esp_wef) on Jan 17, 2016 at 11:56am PST

A photo posted by Irene Martins (@irenemartins) on Jan 16, 2016 at 3:17pm PST

Waiting for the first horse…morning spectators. #WEF #firsttogo #letthewaitingbegin

A photo posted by Sissy Sciarpelletti (@big.sis3328) on Jan 16, 2016 at 5:11am PST

Familiar faces all around. What friends are you looking forward to reuniting with at #WEF2016? Tag them in the comments and then make plans for crêpe dates, Saturday Night Lights fun, and ringside cheering. #wef2016 #makememories #pbiec #winterinwellington A photo posted by Winter Equestrian Festival (@esp_wef) on Jan 14, 2016 at 6:14pm PST

I love this

A photo posted by Carly Marie (@carlynasznicphotography) on Jan 14, 2016 at 6:10pm PST

so happy with Z today – first class back after a well deserved break after Harrisburg ? A photo posted by Louise Graves (@louise_graves) on Jan 14, 2016 at 5:15pm PST

Can’t even handle how handsome our Boogaloo pony graduate #Davidson is!!????? we bred Davidson and are so proud of all he’s achieved ❤️ #wef #ponypower #repost from @kayla.brusie

A photo posted by Boogaloo Boots (@boogalooboots) on Jan 14, 2016 at 3:25pm PST

good start A photo posted by Helen Graves (@helengraves) on Jan 14, 2016 at 12:39pm PST

Hope everyone who showed had a great first day of #WEF2016! Super excited to go on Saturday and see so many old friends & meet new ones! ??❤️ #favoritepartoftheyear #itslikedisneybutwithhorses

A photo posted by Farah at Equine Photoz ? (@equinephotoz) on Jan 13, 2016 at 4:24pm PST

  Where Dreams Come True! #wef2016 #wef   A photo posted by Chad Keenum (@ckeenum13) on Jan 13, 2016 at 6:12am PST

Let the games begin

A photo posted by Ava Stearns (@ava_stearns) on Jan 12, 2016 at 4:08pm PST

  Dirty? Yes. Dumb? Yes. Good barn dog? Maybe. #muttsofinstagram #sneakers #wef2016   A video posted by Charlotte Fisher (@charfisher92) on Jan 12, 2016 at 6:43am PST

The Original #SquadGoals ??#visorsoptional #pcjonwood

A photo posted by kathagatto (@kathagatto) on Jan 18, 2016 at 5:19am PST

Top coach. #spotted #europeinamerica #wef2016 A photo posted by Show Jumping At Its Best (@floydconsultants) on Jan 17, 2016 at 7:35pm PST

Our newest member of the Spur Creek team, “Happiness Is”, enjoying some well deserved kisses after being champion out of 38 in the younger children’s at WEF!

A photo posted by Spur Creek LLC (@spurcreekllc) on Jan 17, 2016 at 4:11pm PST

#Stella looking fly A photo posted by Kelsey Boo (@kelseyboo1001) on Jan 17, 2016 at 11:14am PST

Don’t forget to tag your photos #JumperNation and follow us  on Instagram at Jumper_Nation!

Go Jumping.