DAY AT LUKES
A Day at Luke Jones Performance Horses: Overcoming Cloudy Skies and Windy Weather
I started the morning bright and early at Luke Jones Performance Horses, hoping for perfect picture day conditions. Unfortunately, the day began with thick clouds hanging overhead, which didn’t exactly set a positive tone. But as anyone in the equine world knows, you make the best of the situation! Despite the cloudy start, I stuck around, determined to capture the essence of the amazing horses Luke and his clients had lined up. My patience paid off because, just as we got ready to shoot, the sun decided to make an appearance. Of course, Mother Nature wasn’t going to make it easy, as the wind quickly picked up, making the task of getting the right shots a little more challenging. But we rolled with it, and in the end, we managed to capture some solid photos and videos. Here’s a peek at the three horses I had the pleasure of photographing and filming during my session:
1. Fancy Super Chex: The Versatile Ranch Horse Introducing Fancy Super Chex, a seasoned and versatile gelding with a solid foundation in ranch work. Owned since he was a weanling, "Buddy" has been exposed to everything from feed lot duties to sorting, doctoring, and treating cattle. He’s accustomed to the everyday hustle of loaders, semis, and tractors around the yard, making him bombproof in busy environments. Currently with Luke Jones Performance Horses, Buddy is being refined in his heading skills and showing great promise in roping. His calm, willing nature makes him an excellent fit for beginners or those looking for a reliable, all-around ranch horse with the added potential of excelling in the arena. Whether you're looking for a trustworthy ranch horse or a roping prospect, Fancy Super Chex is the perfect match! Check out his full profile and more photos here.
2. Thelma's Cat: 2021 Gray Mare Thelma's Cat, affectionately known as "Thelma," is an exceptional all-around prospect with an impressive pedigree. Sired by Bowmans Metallic Cat, a versatile AQHA point earner with Lifetime Earnings (LTE) of $36,621, Thelma carries the legacy of performance excellence. Her sire, trained and shown by Luke Jones Performance Horses, was the 2019 Midwest Greatest Horseman Champion and excels in heading, heeling, tie-down, working cow horse, and ranch versatility. His offspring, including BMC Metallic Gem and BMC Wild Girl, have made waves in both cowhorse and roping events, and Thelma is no exception. Raised and trained at Luke Jones Performance Horses, Thelma is well on her way to becoming a standout in the arena. Check out Thelma's Cat for more details on this promising mare! Check her out here.
3. ROLLIN WITHMYHOMEIE ("Barbie"): 2022 Sorrel Mare "Barbie" is an exciting young prospect that’s bred for success. Sired by ROLLZ ROYCE, an NCHA Hall of Fame stallion with lifetime earnings of $354,032, and out of Lucys Lil Lena, a proven performer, Barbie has the genetics to excel. ROLLZ ROYCE's list of accomplishments includes being the NCHA Super Stakes Open Classic Champion, and his foals continue to carry his legacy in the cutting and performance world. Barbie, under the expert guidance of Luke Jones Performance Horses, is showing tremendous potential and is destined for greatness in the arena. Don’t miss the chance to own a royally bred mare with a bright future! Explore more about Barbie here.
Lessons from the Day As challenging as it can be to photograph horses in less-than-ideal conditions, there’s always something rewarding about the process. The wind and weather may not have cooperated fully, but Luke’s horses were the stars of the show. I’m grateful for the opportunity to showcase these incredible animals and the hard work that goes into making them arena-ready. If you're interested in learning more about these horses, check out their full ads and videos via the links above. Looking forward to sharing more adventures (and horses) soon!
