Coco is my twelve year old. It was always her dream to live on our farm in England – to spend her free time outside and be surrounded by horses. Fulfilling that dream in the last year and a half has arguably been the highlight of her life so far. The paternal side of Coco’s family is known for their dedication to horses and Coco clearly inherited that gene. When she was just a year and a half old, we spent Christmas here in England and every morning she ran to the window pointing at the horses in the field and yelling “hotchy! hotchy!” (baby speak for horsey), not relenting until we took her outside to visit them. At age two, she started riding lessons and she has never since wavered in her love of sitting on a horse. She has taken endless lessons on difficult ponies inside dreary barns on Long Island, spent entire days riding around our farm exploring new trails on her own beloved pony Polo, and made damn sure she was here in England for a week of pony club camp in the middle of every summer. Not once has she said, “I don’t feel like riding today”. As a mom, it feels like such a gift to watch my child devote herself to something so completely, to witness dedicated passion from such a young girl. In the last few years, I have noticed an evolution in Coco’s character when she is on a horse – she shows a sense of self-assurance and maturity, a quiet inner confidence that only reveals itself when she is riding. Sometimes it makes me teary to watch because I feel so proud of her.
A few months ago, my close friend Amy Astley, who is also the editor of Teen Vogue, called to ask if she could send a photographer to take a picture of Coco on the farm for their “Snapshot” page in the magazine. Amy had seen our treehouse on Instagram and she thought it would be the perfect backdrop for Coco’s portrait. We agreed. But when Sean Thomas, the photographer, arrived on the day and started to ask Coco about herself, her passion for riding became obvious to him. After completing the shot in the treehouse, Sean asked if her could take one of Coco on her horse Polo. Coco was of course delighted to oblige. Predictably, I got an email from Amy days later saying that the picture of Coco on Polo far outshone the others. When I saw the photograph, I could see why. Sean had captured that thing about Coco that happens when she gets on a horse – that transformation from everyday twelve year old girl to empowered female heroine in control her massive beast. Never has she looked more beautiful.
May i know what shes wearing its stunning! and i absolutely LoVE the outfit PLEASE! i really want this outfit!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello Amanda, I have only recently discovered your gorgeous blog. I have featured you on my blog post today, all credited and linked to you, I hope you will be happy with it.
Have a great weekend.
Thank you for the post! xx
Its not an easy thing to jump bareback – let alone in a skirt. Coco has skills! Thanks for this lovely post. All of them actually 🙂
Wonderful photos. She is beautiful.
Very nice, I just saw The Selby shoot online and got really inspired, thank you. These pictures show a powerful little lady. Indeed you should be proud.
Love from Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Beautiful
So nice to see something that shows your daughter's spirit and love of horses yet also a stunning (fashion) shot. Her passion and skill shines through. Beautiful seat.
This is so so so beautiful. I love your blog so much Amanda. It is far better than any magazine. Please never stop blogging.
Hi Amanda,
It Amazing to see CoCo almost grown up . and looking more & more like you… Beautiful!! Although last time, I saw Coco she looked like you and Chris and still a little girl @ Kimberly's book party. I am a loyal fan and love ur blog… not to mention ur Beautiful fotos. Happy Everything !!
Beautiful photos of a beautiful and very interesting young lady. How exciting for Coco!
What a beautifully written essay and what stunning photos of your girl What a beautiful thing for a young lady – to feel so sure of herself in this way, and to love it utterly. Lovely.
Best, Terri (a secret reader of your blog and an admirer of you)
Amanda, in the post the love for your daughter comes so strongly… remarkable writing, I thought. Enjoy it!
Maria
Shine on, Coco!!
Lovely post, lovely portrait.
Hello Amanda. I cannot seem to find an email contact for you so if you don't mind.. this is mine: vanessaboz@mac.com as there are a few things i would love to ask you: on Japan (going there soon with our 3 children), re. family interiors / a beautiful French magazine with whom i work and a few more things… I am so happy to have recently discovered your blog and instagrams. many thanks. vanessa
What a beautiful moving post. I'm thrilled to have found your blog, your sincerity on all things is surprisingly refreshing as is your style. Giada
Stunning! She looks like a princess on that horse. How wonderful!
Infertility, no children. I don't know you or your daughter. Her pics make me teary eyed. Why? That there is such a young woman and parents raising that kind of young woman. And, you see it in teary eyes of gratitude.
Congrats literally and for the metaphor of it all.
Garden & Be Well, XO Tara