In September, I got one of those heart-igniting calls: “Are you available to shoot the next cover of the Stallion Register — Tres Seis?” As a photographer, that kind of opportunity is always exciting. The cover is a big deal, and my FIRST cover was also a Barrel Horse News Stallion Register, but that one with Frenchmans Guy. The thought of capturing another living legend, like Tres Seis — the 2026 cover stallion for Barrel Horse News Stallion Register — felt like being handed a golden ticket.

Tres Seis is no ordinary horse. A 1999 brown stallion by Sixarun out of Our Third Delight, he carries pedigree and performance in equal measure. Over the years he’s proven himself — both as a racehorse and as a father to champions. His lifetime race earnings topped $856,901, and his offspring have earned millions more. But, most recently, his name was in the social media sphere as being the sire of Tres Chasin Babe PZ, who sold for $1 MILLION at the Teton Ridge Dispersal Sale.

During the shoot, Tres Seis’ was a perfect gentleman. He was ready for his cover shoot—groomed to perfection. The light cooperated, glowing softly in the South Texas morning and allowing ample time for several different poses. Tres Seis stood regal, calm, every muscle relaxed yet full of latent power. The light hit him just right; his coat gleamed. My camera caught subtle details — the set of his ears, the soft look in his eyes, that quiet strength in his stance.

One challenge with the legendary stud, he is missing an eye. Always posed so his good eye was camere front and center was not easy, but we luckily had a cooperative horse and wonderful team to set him up.

I set my phone for behind-the-scenes video (here on my Instagram), capturing several aspects of our shoot. A time lapse of shooting Tres Seis in the barn entry, with chandeliers above him caught me capturing one of my favorite shots of the morning. I remember thinking: even if this image doesn’t make the final cover, it will always be one of my favorites. He was regal, at 26 years old. Below is how I edited that photo!

Be sure to order your Barrel Horse News Stallion Register to stay up to date on all the industry’s news. Thank you to the entire BHN team for allowing me to be part of the special issue.