Another amazing Horse Girl

Toni Martin is another incredible woman who has devoted her days to serving horses that need love and rehabilitation, as well as the kids who ride them. I met Toni through a connection with Kim Meeder, author of “Hope Rising” when I photographed her at Crystal Peaks Ranch. I’m excited to include both of these women in my Horse Girl exhibit and book planned for this year.

I drove Up Country (loved learning a new term!) on Maui to her ranch during a recent trip with PH. Her digs are impressive and the ocean views are absolutely stunning. I was in awe of the scene up there—my next trip I plan on photographing the kids who ride these beauties. It rained on the day I went (probably brought it from Portland!) and we weren’t able to slop through the mud with her riders.

Like Kim’s ranch, this place had to be created from scratch….back-breaking work and a sheer drive to make it happen.

This arena was one of those miraculous happenings that occured during the building of this program. Toni still seemed amazed at how it turned out.

Of course, the horses called out to me and many tossed their manes in my direction, asking for a close-up. I love how this little beauty’s bangs swayed in the tropical breeze.

Toni raises miniature horses…many of which put on a show for my camera.

Cutest things you’ve ever laid eyes on. I felt like a child wanting to ask my mom if I could take one home! Put that little guy right in the overhead bin on my flight.

If you’d like to help Toni continue the work that she’s doing on Maui Youth Ranch, please visit her help page.

My love affair with Hawaii continues to grow like crazy….I hope to return soon to drink in all it’s beauty (this beach in Wailea, for instance) and visit with my new friend, capturing the magic of her creation with image-making.