First-time calendar photographer Carley Rey of St. Claude, Manitoba., captured this adorable photo of her son Braxton checking out the foals at his grandparent’s farm, featured this February in the 2021 Heart of Harness Racing Calendar.
Rey is a self-taught photographer who has always enjoyed taking photos. This year her plan was to catch as many of Braxton’s 'firsts' on camera as possible and this photo was one of them.
“Braxton had just started walking and we had recently weaned the colts. Braxton loves animals so we decided to go to the farm and check on the babies. I decided to take my camera just in case we had some candid moments, and luckily, I did. One of the foals pictured with Braxton is named Braxtons Boy, so I really wanted to get a photo with them together.”
The horses from left to right are Braxtons Boy, I Am Carlos and Juicy Froot.
Braxton comes from a long line of horsemen. His father, Mitch Rey is a driver on the Manitoba Harness Racing Circuit and his grandfather, Richard Rey, has both his trainer’s and driver’s license.
Carley got involved with horses after meeting Mitch in 2007, and she and Braxton are now his biggest cheerleaders at the racetrack.
“I am currently a spectator at the races in Manitoba and attend every race date. Braxton and I go to cheer on Mitch,” Rey explained. “I also spend many evenings and weekends at Mitch’s parent’s farm where all the horses are kept, watching them jog and train and helping out in the barn where and when I can.”
Carley and Mitch live on a cattle farm, and with grandparents who live on a farm with race horses, it was important to Carley and Mitch that Braxton was exposed to animals from a young age.
“He is still in awe of the animals and stays pretty quiet and takes everything in. He was seven months old when the racing season started in Miami this past summer and he loved it! It was exciting to see the sport through his eyes and how excited he got for the horses on the track. Braxton isn’t a huge TV watcher, but when the races are on, he pays attention! He especially likes the tracks that have the opening trumpets to announce a race and good music in the breaks so he can dance!”
Along with her responsibilities as a mother and helping with the horses, Carley, works full time at St. Claude School in Manitoba as an Educational Assistant. When she has some spare time on her hands, she enjoys scrapbooking and practicing photography.
The Rey’s are looking forward to summer 2021 so they can go to cattle barn and visit the calves, go to the zoo, plan a family vacation and of course take Braxton back to the races!
