For the week of November 6 - 12, 2002

Stoecklein’s new books breach new ground

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By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer

He’s an old cowhand, who has done more to promote the Western way of life via his coffee table photography books than many native sons. In fact, Stoecklein, a cowboy by avocation, was born and raised in Pittsburgh.

Grand Prix jumping, Wellington, Florida, by David R. Stoecklein

Now a resident of both Sun Valley and Mackay, Stoecklein has published at least 16 books under his own imprint, Stoecklein Publishing, which is based in Ketchum. Stoecklein Publishing also produces a line of wall calendars and cards featuring his photography.

Four new books have been simultaneously published: "Cow Dogs: The Cowboy’s Best Friend," "The Performance Horse: A Photographic Tribute," "Sun Valley Images" and "Lil’ Buckaroos: A Tribute to the Young Cowboy in all of Us."

"Sun Valley Images," "Buckaroos" and "Cow Dogs" are smaller scale coffee table books. They feature the constant companions of all horse and ranching folk, their dogs and their kids at play and work on ranches. Many of their photographs have been seen in the annual calendars of the same names.

The majority of the "Sun Valley Images" shots, which are compiled by season, "have never been seen before—all brand new pictures—taken over the past couple of years," Stoecklein said.

But it’s "Performance Horse" that’s truly is a gem in the collection of Stoecklein books.

Not content to merely reveal the grace and power of the western quarter horse, Stoecklein traveled the country to many horse-loving areas to capture a variety of styles.

In Florida, he found polo ponies and show jumpers. He shot racehorses and their milieu in Kentucky and in Virginia he captured the sport of fox hunting. He found dressage horses in California and at our back door with champion dressage rider Debbie MacDonald of Hailey. He also found event riding, driving, cutting, rodeo and barrel racing and, of course, horses working cattle all over the West. A full 95 percent of the images are new, Stoecklein said.

Journalist Jennifer Forsberg Meyer, who is a contributing editor of Horse & Rider magazine, penned the text. She previously teamed up with Stoecklein for "The American Paint Horse: A Photographic Portrayal."

Her commentary begins by tracing the history of the connection between horse and human, and continues with detailed descriptions of each horse style, its evolution and current status.

The book was commissioned by Bayer Aspirin’s Animal Health Division, for which Stoecklein does work. They wanted the book available by Thanksgiving, he said, which only gave him six months to complete it. "From last year, September to July was very intense."

Stoecklein spends up to 200 days on the road each year. He’s now taking time to promote the books, and spend time with his family

"This book is to specifically celebrate the performance horse. I’ll go to the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show in Oklahoma City and do a book signing. Then the American Association Equine Practitioners in Orlando, and do a book signing for Bayer. They give the book to their vets."

Stoecklein ventured west 33 years ago to be a ski photographer. Around 18 years ago he began to spend time in Mackay, where he started shooting photos of horses and cowboys. Despite the fact that he’s become known as a Western photographer, he said, "I’ve done the launch of every new Jeep for 18 years with the same art director." He also does all the Pontiac ads, as well as Chrysler, Chevrolet and GMC.

Besides the calendars Stoecklein Publishing releases yearly, Stoecklein and staff work on a whole series of books on states, gear and horses. Their next projects will be "The Wyoming Cowboy," "Ranch Style," "Boots, Spurs and Buckles," and "Quarter Horses."

Another new project is a book on the legendary King Ranch in Texas. Considered the largest ranch in the world, it was founded in 1853, and at 825,000 acres is bigger than the state of Rhode Island. It was the first ranch in the United States and pioneered the cattle business. "It’s where it all started," Stoecklein said. Though he has photographed there often for his books over the years, for the new book they’ll be using vintage photos by Janell Kleburg, whose husband Tio is a descendant of the King ranch founder.

"Her photos have a different take, most of them were taken from horse back. While her husband was in business meetings she was moving cattle, branding. They’re sensitive, I’m really excited by it," Stoecklein said.

The book will be released next June.

Another aspect of the business that is exciting Stoecklein is being able to do more work in Sun Valley. The photo scans for the new books were done at Express Printing, and Typographic designed them.

The fact both firms are in Hailey has proven to be beneficial, Stoecklein said. "It’s a really great relationship, and it’s great that we can do this work in the U.S. now."

Stoecklein’s books are available at the book and specialty stores in the area.

Yippy yiyo kiyah.

 

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.