AHDRA II – Endure for the Cure Endurance Ride


We are proud to announce that we will be the official ride photographers for the Endure for the Cure Endurance Ride in Peoria, IL this July 9-11.

This is the second event for the AHDRA High Point award.

As it so happens, the Susan G. Komen Foundation is our 2010 charity; we are donating 25% of all sale proceeds from the endurance / competitive distance rides to the foundation.

If anyone has any additional questions please email us at dpalme@dougpalme.com

My Backyard Ride 2009


One of the events that I photograph is Competitive Distance / Endurance riding. I enjoy getting out on the trail and watching both rider and horse enjoy the crisp morning air and warm sun as they ride over trails through corn fields, wooded creek crossing and along fence lines. In 2009 one of our first rides was the AHDRA I – My Backyard Ride in Wyanet, IL on the property of Jen Allen and family.

Although I spend a lot of time shooting weddings, senior portrait sessions and cutting shows, my first love is endurance / competitive distance riding. It is the comaraderie of the riders, the environment of horse and man, the elements of nature thrown in – it is the combination of these and just my love for being outdoors; there is nothing quite like watching everyone do their part to ensure the safety of the horses and riders, and how as a group everyone pulls together to make the weekend a successful one. Equine photography will always remain a part of our business and within that endurance / competitive distance will always be at the top!

Here are a few images from the ride, it was a bright, warm weekend with no rain and blue skies. Perfect weather for riding horses!

Tony Troyer 2009 My Backyard Ride - Competitive Distance riding_MG_0587

2009 My Backyard Competitive Distance Ride - Coming down the trail

Enjoying the morning sun at the 2009 My Backyard Ride

Lori Windows pickin up the pace at the 2009 My Backyard Ride

Tony Troyer has found himself a trail mate at the 2009 My Backyard Ride

Taking it easy early on at the 2009 My Backyard Ride

A very beautiful horse at the 2009 My Backyard Ride

Riders of all ages find endurance / competitive distance riding fun!

Belinda riding her Topa at the 2009 My Backyard Ride

This pony was being a bit unruly with his owner and another rider brought him back in safe and sound at the 2009 My Backyard Ride

2009 My Backyard Ride

Taking a break on trail a the 2009 My Backyard Ride

Final stretch - Camp is 100 yards ahead! - 2009 My Backyard Ride

Vet Check time - 2009 My Backyard Ride

Waiting patiently for pulse and respiration check at the 2009 My Backyard Ride

Bringing up the tail end at the 2009 My Backyard Ride

Rick Nelson enjoying a down moment at camp during the 2009 My Backyard Ride

The 2009 My Backyard Ride Camp Manager hard at work