LESSON LEARNED, ACCEPT TRAVEL INSURANCE.

I made an extremely costly mistake. I had no idea about the Dubai World Cup until a friend brought it to my attention but unfortunately this was after I had all of my flights booked a week ago from today.

Since then, I've been trying to get rights to the event to photograph as media, so that I can get my pictures from the infield, winner's circle, front side of the track, the paddock, etc.

However, even if I do get accepted to enter the event as media, the cost to change my two flights back home (Dubai to New Delhi and New Delhi to Calgary) to two days later, plus the extra taxes, Air Canada's fee, New India Airline's fee are unfortunately going to be too costly and the airline's are not willing to waive or reduce the fees. I got extremely lucky with United Airlines last Fall on my flight to Kentucky, moving it up one day and having the $200 fee waived, however not this time.

Even though I did not pay for the air fare for my original tickets booked, the flight's as of booking today from Calgary to New Delhi have skyrocketed and are exactly DOUBLE what it was exactly one week ago, yikes! And because this was my mistake and my decision, if I was to extend my stay by two days, I would be responsible for covering the doubled airfare, airline fees, and taxes.

I would still love to be at the Dubai World Cup if I get qualified to enter as media but it will come at a huge price, so I will most likely be chalking this up as a valuable lesson learned and that lesson is to accept the optional travel insurance when booking flights, especially one that is two months away.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

To me, life is always about delivering more than what's expected of you. Giving it your best, delivering on your promises and always pushing yourself to new heights. We each have our own personal and sometimes complex ways to getting better at what we do in life. So I would love to hear what gives YOU motivation in what you do and to getting better? Are horses a big part of your drive?

One of the best quotes that I remember from years back is “Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do. Don’t wish it were easier; wish YOU were better.”

I can't argue with that as I believe it's 110% accurate and it has been proven time and time again on just how true it is.

HAVING AN ASSISTANT IN DUBAI

Wow crazy, tours in Dubai are almost half the price when you book two people as opposed to just one - a substantial difference. If there is one thing that I wish I could bring with me when I leave, it's an assistant. There are so many benefits when I have one with me, I have more freedom, more control and overall I have less things to worry about. I've seen it all last year, seen it in Kentucky and will see it again in Dubai.

DONATION CONTRIBUTION TO LIVE AUCTION FOR LYME DISEASE

Here is my smallest offering for horse portraits - a 6x15" on canvas, real wood custom frame, that Paula Johnson and I donated last night in an auction raising money and awareness for their good friend who is battling Lyme disease.

Thank you Paula for letting me contribute with this donation and thank you Ryan Smith for your invitation to the event. Even though I was unable to stay for the live auction, I am glad to help out any way I can.

I would also like to congratulate Gord Marsh for taking this piece of Equine Wall Art home, I hope you enjoy it!

My third print (which is also a 6x15") will be shared shortly, it is of another wild horse stud!

I AM HEADING TO DUBAI!

Ever since getting into the Equestrian world, one thing that I've had on my list to do, is to capture the beauty of horses from another culture. Well, I am about to do that, as last week I received my first invite and opportunity on the table on the international stage, in which I gladly accepted. So this March I will be heading to Dubai, for the leading and finest Equestrian Business Event of the Middle East - the Dubai International Horse Fair.

On a few different occasions, I've talked about how learning from past mistakes is a vital and absolute necessary component to getting better - not only as a commercial artist but also as a business professional. I loved my trip down to Kentucky last Fall but with my biggest regrets, deep down I knew that I wasn't there long enough. I wanted to visit Keeneland and so many other well known landmarks that this state is known for but I just didn't have enough time and I wasn't able to extend my stay due to other commitments. Heading back to Calgary that Sunday morning, I felt like I was just getting started in Kentucky.

With that being said, I am not making that same mistake again. So my time in Dubai will be just under 10 full days to give me the extra time required to document the horse culture in this nation from several locations and landmarks. Riding a camel in their deserts? Photographing horse's in their deserts during a sunset? The potential is sky high and the possibilities are endless.

Time flies and this trip is only two months away but as I plan my list and my routes, I will post any exciting updates.

INTRODUCING MY LARGEST EXCLUSIVE SIZE FOR HORSE PORTRAITS - 20X40"!

Here is my second print finished in it's largest exclusive size for horse portraits - 20x40" Paper Framed, double matte in black! The next one coming up is the smallest size for horse portraits - 6x15".

This picture is quite recent as I am sure many of you recognize it. It was taken last December on my first wild horse trip of that month, just west of Sundre, AB.

Also on another note, my international trip has been set and I will be announcing it this Friday!

AN ADDED BONUS TO MY EQUINE WALL ART SERVICE!

As many of you may already know, one thing that I love doing is giving back to people and in this case it would be to show my appreciation. So I am proud to say that gift vouchers have been added to my Equine Wall Art service.

For complete info, please click HERE.