Wellington, FL – February 9, 2011 – Noted and distinguished photographer Susan J. Stickle has been announced as the professional photographer for two exciting events that are coming to Wellington the week of March 10-13. The World Dressage Masters returns to Wellington March 9-11, 2011, for the third year on its international tour, with three different competitions for dressage enthusiasts and the public alike held at the Jim Brandon Center. The weekend events wrap up with the tenth annual Challenge of the Americas March 12, 2011, which includes a Grand Prix team dressage quadrille and musical freestyle competition. This year, the Challenge will also feature a four-on-four polo match featuring patron level players. The Challenge is held at International Polo Club Palm Beach and benefits the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Stickle, originally from Maplewood, New Jersey, has been shooting professionally since 1995, covering local, regional and National Dressage championships. She bought her first camera at age 17 with her very first paycheck after always having an interest in photography. She began riding western at age 20, and then moved to a dressage barn where she fell in love with the sport.
“At that time, there were no real professional photographers shooting the actual classes, only the awards,” noted Stickle. “We just shot each other and our friends, and never looked back.” Stickle started her business, Susan J. Stickle Photography, with longtime partner Jonna Koellhoffer and the two continue working together today. Susan rode dressage competitively with her chestnut Thoroughbred mare, Bonnie. The pair were high score champions at training level and went on to compete thru the lower levels. Her love of horses and her knowledge of dressage have given her a wonderfully keen eye that shows in her work.
