Best Event Ever: One Last Look at Plantation Field 2016

I’ve been fortunate to visit some picturesque, new-to-me events this year, like Bromont (oh, mountains!) and most recently, Plantation Field. The Best. Event. Ever. has so much happening on any given day, you wind up pointing your camera at much more than just the competition, and the rolling terrain, flying flags and autumn decor kept me joyously shooting away. Here are some of my favorite moments from Plantation Field that didn’t get shared during our daily coverage.

Buck Davidson gives Park Trader a pat after a super three-star dressage test. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Buck Davidson gives Park Trader a pat after a super three-star dressage test. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Legendary commentator Mike Tucker working at his post during dressage. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Legendary commentator Mike Tucker at his post during dressage. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

A butterfly lighted on photographer Susan Stickle's lens, momentarily distracting us all from the dressage tests. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

A butterfly lighted on photographer Susan Stickle’s lens, momentarily distracting us all from the dressage tests. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Teamwork makes the dream work. Will Coleman's crew put the final touches on Soupcon du Brunet before they head down centerline. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Teamwork makes the dream work — putting the final touches on Soupcon du Brunet before Will Coleman went down centerline. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Fran Robinson, a member of the Lord Willing Syndicate, congratulates "Liam" and Allison Springer after winning the CIC*-A division. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Fran Robinson, a member of the Lord Willing Syndicate, congratulates “Liam” and Allison Springer after winning the CIC*-A division. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Clayton Fredericks and FE Mississippi in show jumping. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Clayton Fredericks and FE Mississippi focused on the task at hand. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Sarah Kozumplik Murphy and L'Alezane. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Sarah Kozumplik Murphy and L’Alezane on course. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Sara Moore and Polaris jumping nearly out of frame as they catch major air over a maxed out CIC3* table. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Sara Moore and Polaris jumping nearly out of frame as they catch major air over a maxed out CIC3* table. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Erin Sylvester reaches up to praise Paddy the Caddy after jumping through a brush table to right hand corner on the Advanced course. He's been struggling with this type of question she said, but locked on never before at Plantation. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Erin Sylvester reaches up to praise Paddy the Caddy after jumping through a brush table to right hand corner on the Advanced cross country course. Paddy’s been struggling with this type of question, she said, but locked on like never before at Plantation. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

While her horse was still locked on to the next fence, this rider managed to recover from what seemed an inevitable meeting with the ground and they went on to complete the course. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

While her horse was still locked on to the next fence, this rider managed to recover from what seemed an inevitable meeting with the ground, and they went on to complete the course. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

How about a little live music to go with your cross country, local beer from Victory Brewing Company and lobster rolls at lunchtime?

This young rider's position over a five foot wall is about as good as it gets! Oh, and she's riding bareback. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

This young rider’s position over a 5-foot wall is about as good as it gets! AND she’s riding bareback. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Bruce Davidson, Bruce Miller and Waylon Roberts after the puissance. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Bruce Davidson, Bruce Miller and Waylon Roberts all smiles after the Legends High Jump. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

All credit to the horses. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Show jumping course designer Chris Barnard used the EN jump wings (designed by the one and only Brody Robertson) on course, and it became my personal mission to figure out how many ways I could incorporate the signage into my photos.

Charles Owen sponsored a special ceremony honoring Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice's bronze medal winning performance at the Rio Olympic Games. You've go to wonder what Phillip is thinking here. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Charles Owen sponsored a special ceremony honoring Phillip Dutton and HND Group’s Mighty Nice’s bronze medal winning performance at the Rio Olympic Games. You’ve got to wonder what Phillip is thinking here. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Happy had eyes only for Emma Ford, at least until it was time for his adoring fans to snap selfies with him. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Happy had eyes only for Emma Ford, at least until it was time for his adoring fans to snap selfies with him (and what’s that logo lurking in the background?) Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Go Eventing.