A special friendship - Jana and “Nero”
The Friesian “Nero” and his owner Jana were my photo models at the Baltic Sea - but not actually in the sea itself, rather in the “Bodden”, as the lagoon areas behind the large sand dunes are called locally. The water there is very shallow and very still - so such surroundings make an ideal photo location. Jana and “Nero” had great fun and, at the same time, created some magnificent motifs for me as well as for my photographers, participating in the workshop. What impressed me most of all, however, was the strong bond between the two of them and the willingness and obvious pleasure with which “Nero” conducted his “job”. Therefore I would like to give Jana the opportunity to tell us herself, in her own words, about this very special friendship with “Nero”
“… Nero” is my absolute dream horse, we are simply meant for each other! Even as a child, I was horse-mad and absolutely longed for my own horse, and I wanted a Friesian: Later on, when I had the opportunity to buy my own horse, it was pure coincidence that I came across Nero – but I knew immediately: I have to get to know this horse. Our first gallop had the earth trembling beneath us, but at the same time I felt so secure sitting on his back. I had to have this horse! And my dream was indeed fulfilled. After a week of training, I took off his bridle and we cantered completely freely across the riding arena. After the second week, he trotted along after me. After three months, he could lie down in response to my command – I would lie down with him and we cuddled in the sand. My goodness, we experienced so many “first times“ together – first time at a show, first time riding along the beach, first time riding in the presence of spectators, a long-distance trek, with a neckring out in the countryside. Every new challenge we took on brought us closer together. I was able to teach him a lot – but I could learn even more from him. What could I learn? To be less ambitious, for example, and to adapt more to him. I had to start thinking differently, to forget my own plans, and rather to enjoy the special sense of each and every individual moment. “Nero” is a clown who quickly wins the hearts of those around him. He loves to be admired, and when he becomes aware of the fact that he is in the role of a photo model he is completely in his element. One sentence I often hear about him is: “He is truly beautiful – and he knows it.“ Nevertheless, he is a poser with the heart of a mouse. He is cautious, but also curious – he takes time to look carefully at anything which is new, and orientates himself according to other horses, or to me. For him, I am the centre of his life – and together we are so strong, we can tackle almost anything.“
More information about Nero and Jana Baade is available on Instagram under: @wunderfriesenero