Sharon Harbaruk of St. Thomas, Ont., captured this breathtaking image of Lyons Lass and her foal running through the field at Mac Lilley Farms in Dutton, Ont., and it’s featured as the May photo in Standardbred Canada’s Heart of Harness Racing Calendar.
Springtime is synonymous with foals being born so it’s only fitting that the May photo for SC’s Heart of Harness Racing calendar feature a mare and foal.
Harbaruk is a member of the St. Thomas Photo Guild who were graciously invited to Mac Lilley Farms in the spring of 2016 and since then have returned frequently creating a wonderful friendship with the owners. During one of Sharon’s visits to the farm last year she snapped this charming image.
“The joy of watching the horses and their young, run in the fields, is magical to me and I try to capture their strength and energy. Hopefully I have portrayed this with Lyons Lass and her foal.”
After retiring in 1997, Sharon volunteered at an animal rescue organization where she started taking photos of the cats and kittens for the website, giving her time to hone in on her passion for photography.
“I enjoy photographing animals and birds and often turn the photos into digital art. Horses were always my favourite even though I could not own one.”
Since then her passion for photography has taken on a life of its own.
Digital art created by Sharon based on photo of Lyons Lass & Foal at Mac Lilley Farms
“I am fortunate in that I now sell my work and several photos taken at Mac Lilley Farms are among those that have sold,” Sharon explained. “I have been honoured to receive several People's Choice, Judge's Choice and Artist's Choice awards throughout the years and the awards seem to just spur me on to create new work and learn more techniques.”
Sharon Harbaruk with a piece of her art
This is the second time that one of Sharon’s photos have been featured in the calendar. The first time was in May 2017 with another mare and foal photo taken at Mac Lilley Farms.