In the Eye of the Beholder

story by Ritchie Rozzelle, photography by Krystal Saint James

Around here, we know beauty when we see it. Sometimes it's in an exquisite riding style. Other times we see it in the stately mount being ridden. But in the case of Krystal Saint James, we see beauty through the eyes of a fellow beholder. You see, Krystal is a remarkably good, remarkably young horse and rider photographer. When this 14-year-old from Amelia, VA pulls out her camera at horse shows, parades and stables, one thing is certain: she will capture the essence of your horse’s character with some mighty powerful images.

"Photography helps me understand horse behavior and movement better," says Krystal. It’s helping her gain notoriety, too. "I have competed in local fairs with my photography. Most recently I captured Best in Show for color photography along with two blues and two reds at the Virginia State Fair."

Krystal's talents don't end with photography - she's also an award-winning rider. In fact, Krystal first started taking photos to study the movements of her first horse, a palomino gelding named Golden Boy Rio. "Rio is still my show horse today. We recently won a 4-H Western Pleasure Pony Championship. We also brought home a 1st in Equitation.

"I love to ride and I love photography. I see both as part of my future. I'm hoping photography helps support my riding … I know it's important to have a way to support yourself while still following your dreams."

According to her mom, Falon, this motivated wonder girl can do pretty much anything she puts her mind to. "I just try to give her what she needs to feed her interests. It's hard to keep up," says mom. "Just recently she earned her second degree black belt and she's working on her third degree. So watch out boys." Everybody better watch out for Krystal Saint James. With truckloads of talent at such a young age, she's coming up on the world, fast.