Women on horseback

What an exhilarating experience to watch these strong young women riding with such confidence!

As it was pointed out by the MC, riding in groups like this is not an easy feat.

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Horses and flags

I was exposed to a lot of things that people are doing on horses at the Fall Festival...and I have so many great pictures that prove it, like this one.

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The Northern Illinois Outlaws

The Northern Illinois Outlaws are a Cowboy Mounted shooting club, affiliated with the Cowboy Mounted Shooting association. Mounted shooting is one of the fastest growing equestrian sports, and these fellas did a great demonstration at the Fall Festival at the Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton, Illinois.

Their demonstration showed how mounted contestants compete in fast action timed events, using their .45 caliber single action revolvers, loaded with just five rounds of specially-prepared blank ammo. Even though they were firing blanks, the crowd was asked to step away from the surrounding fence by an arm's length.

A took a lot of pictures of the action...

And they were clearly having a great time.

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Some Pix From Danada Equestrian Center

It wasn't all 'shoot 'em ups' - it was a lot of wholesome family fun. This picture is one of the "Northern Illinois Outlaws" demonstrating his riding prowess while shooting his 45 revolver. After each of them had a turn, they then took turns shooting their 45's and their rifles at strategically placed balloons while evasively maneuvering around some barrels on horseback. It was quite a feat.

There was a demonstration with three mustangs in the ring. Two were being ridden, this one was not. Danada Equestrian Center has a number of mustangs there, and they are an integral part of what goes on at the Center. Some of the horses in the Fall Festival program had amazing rescue stories.

There was a dressage demonstration in the main ring, which included three riders - two women and a gentleman, all decked out in period dress, with their horses prancing like dancers.

This is a draft horse that kicked off the demonstrations in the main ring. He weighs over 2,000 pounds.

There were two young ladies who demonstrated an unusual skill on horseback, while the horse galloped around the ring. It was almost like a circus act.

There were greyhounds there, and children seemed to be drawn to them. The owner of one told me that his dog was a 'retired' racing greyhound, who broke her leg and was forced into retirement because of her injury. They had a table by the concession stands to raise awareness about these wonderful dogs.

There were many opportunities to take pictures of the horses and their riders. Every time I turned around, just about - there was another photo op.

This man told me his horse is better lookin' than him - so that's why he gets all the attention. Funny thing is, they both posed really well for the photographs...

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