(PHOTO - LAURIE OVERTON and her special friend Splash, photo by Glenda Travis; thumbnail phot of Laurie at the track by Lori Rundle)
The horse that changed my life
If you have attended the races at Ajax Downs, you surely would have seen the friendly face of Laurie Overton zipping around the track, camera in hand.
A horse lover and Quarter Horse racing fan, Overton recently talked with Ontario Horse Racing about the horse who changed her life and her involvement in racing.
OHR: Who is that special horse who changed your life Laurie?
LO: He is a wonderful Pintaloosa gelding named Splash. I lease him from a friend and of all the horses I have ever ridden over the years, Splash is for sure a perfect fit for me. He is so full of spirit a such a pleasure to ride. I am so happy that he is a part of my life.
OHR: How did you come to be involved in Quarter Horse Racing and regularly contribute to various organizations and publications with your superb imagery?
LO: I have been a huge fan of horse racing since I was a little girl and still, to this day, there is nothing more magnificent to me than seeing beautiful equine athletes thundering down the track giving their all.
I got into serious photography when I moved out to the Durham Region in 2009. That's when I discovered Quarter Horse Racing at Picov Downs in Ajax Ontario.
I went to see the races at the old J track, the last season at that track before the new one (Ajax Downs) opened. I was hooked immediately and I was in awe of the speed and excitement. I decided to try my skills at photographing Quarter Horse Racing and I just loved it. After a couple of seasons at the new track (Ajax Downs) everyone involved in racing got to know me and I quickly discovered how dedicated and caring they are of the sport.
OHR: What types of jobs have you had using your camera at the track?
LO: Eventually I ended up doing some freelance work for the track : doing many of their program covers, billboards and a regular contributor to
Racing Quarterly Magazine as well as some work for the Ontario Racing Commission and QROOI.
I have to say the novelty has not worn off and I love every minute of it I have the privilege of working with the greatest people around and it has resulted in many wonderful friendships and memories too. I am so fortunate to be able to do what I love and with great people to boot!!
And the icing on the cake is being able to be up close and personal with the amazing Quarter Horses; quite the characters, so many personalities, I love them all and they are all champions to me.
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