PhelpsSports.com is coming! Due to launch in August, PhelpsSports.com will be opening its doors to advance subscriptions in June – so watch for special announcements and don’t miss the most comprehensive coverage of the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany. This brand new, dynamic and exciting internet-based news network is already creating a buzz throughout the equestrian world. The Internet will guarantee up-to-the-minute sports coverage and late-breaking news from grassroots to Olympic-level equestrian sport, while video clips and unique personal audio interviews will provide an exclusive component. According to Executive Editor, Jean Llewellyn; “Mixing together a team of world-class contributors with cutting-edge technology is an explosive combination which will deliver an unprecedented news service and create a lasting legacy for the equestrian industry. The enthusiasm and support for PhelpsSports.com, even in advance of our launch, is quite simply mind-blowing.”
Providing a Glimpse of New Zealand’s Equestrian World, Barbara Thomson Will Bring Photographic Flare to PhelpsSports.com
Wellington, FL - June 6, 2006 – “Having met her for the first time at the Stockholm 2000 World Equstrian Games,” Jean Llewellyn said, “Barbara’s name immediately came to mind when I was putting together a list of prospective contributors for PhelpsSports.com. New Zealand has undeniably rich equestrian traditions and a world-class record in terms of high-performance sport, especially eventing, which cannot be ignored, so Barbara’s proven photography skills will be a great accompaniment to Virginia Caro’s regular column and event reports.”
Barbara was born and raised on a sheep and cattle farm in the central North Island, some 25 miles from the nearest town, Hastings. Not surprisingly, her equestrian career began out of necessity “… and usually bareback when I rode five miles to school, which in those days provided paddocks. The pony often arrived home first, and I trailed in some time later! Nobody was unduly concerned and I loved riding so much that even when a local school opened, I insisted on riding the half mile!”
Sharing her dad’s interest in photography, Barbara worked in a photographic studio for two years after she graduated and subsequently combined this with her passion for horses. When she began traveling with her husband, Tom, an Air Force officer, she starting working freelance as an equestrian photographer, and guiltily admitted that she often turned a base laundry into her personal darkroom for developing and printing.
Having eventually returned to their homeland, Barbara created Thomson Photography, and her high-class work, focusing on the New Zealand scene, and her work now appears in equestrian publications worldwide. Barbara’s other horse interests include membership of a thoroughbred breeding syndicate with winning progeny at home and in Australia, and she was also a member of Eventing World Champion Blyth Tait’s syndicate that sponsored his top horse, Delta. Barbara currently owns three eventers in partnership with New Zealand international Heelan Tompkins, whom she also sponsors. “I can't imagine life without the challenge of getting that extra special shot in the arena, and owning good competition horses also gives me that additional interest and incentive.” Barbara added, “I love horses and photography and am so lucky to be able to combine the two and have the opportunity to travel the world and meet so many interesting people at the same time.”
Barbara is the official photographer for the New Zealand Equestrian Federation, has attended events from Olympics and World Equestrian Games down to grassroots, and still derives great enjoyment from photographing small children with their ponies. “With a 25-hour flight and huge cost to attend major competitions in Europe, it’s really only been practical to get to WEGs and Olympics, and on occasions Badminton or Burghley. But it is always great to meet up with the old and new faces on the equestrian circuit and update my international photo library.”
In conclusion, Barbara added, “I am truly flattered and excited to be involved with PhelpsSports.com and look forward to having the opportunity of providing photos and promoting equestrian sports from this side of the world.”
Phelps Images is coming in August!!
Phelps Images is a joint venture between Phelps Media Group, Inc., International and HorseSource Ltd. One of the world’s largest stock photo agencies for equestrian images, HorseSource has serviced the industry for some 25 years. A huge resource of over 500,000 images – rapidly growing as more affiliate photographers sign on – includes a historic collecting dating back to the 1880s, and encompasses no fewer than 19 Olympic Games. HorseSource represents the most comprehensive library of equestrian photography worldwide. The formation of Phelps Images represents a major step forward for the equestrian industry, and in particular one-stop shopping for images and media services worldwide.
