The Horse Fair

It is that time again.... Time for the Ballinasloe horse fair! This amazing fair is really a crazy spectacle of animals, carnival rides, and markets. The main section of the fair takes place in a massive field. There really is no rhyme or reason as to how it is organized... horses and owners claim a spot in the field early in the day, and potential buyers (and 1 crazy American photographer) have to navigate the maze of poop and kicking horses at their own risk.

I love the fair. There truly is something timeless about it. The way deals are made by slapping away and eventually shaking hands... the games of three card monte being played as lookouts watch for the Garda (Police)... the timeless look of the farmers.... It is truly a photographer's paradise! Here are just a few of the hundreds of pictures I took (more to come this week).



While standing and looking out over the massive field a friend compared it to a scene out of Lord of the Rings (the battle for Helm's Deep). I have to say... it was a good comparison!


















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