I wasn't thinking about the shutter speed going too low...so glad you mentioned that. I think I will get there early for the liberty shots and then do some portraity things in the 30 or so minutes of golden light.

Also didn't realize it would turn a black horse bay, the Friesian people would not like that. Makes sense that would happen though. I'm so glad I asked, thanks for this info!

Hee...I don't think I've seen 7:30 am since high school. I work on the computer 10-12 hours during the day then paint until the wee hours so I don't get to bed until about 2-3 am often. And the friesians are 2 hours from me. I love early morning but haven't been able to reset my internal clock to get to bed early and get up early. I'd be in trouble if I tried to be a 'real' photographer! But yes I can see how early morning would be ideal for dark horses.

I met a gal at the park the other day where I walk Hallie, who was walking her mini horse. SO cute...Bullet! Turns out she lives very near me, I just emailed to ask her if I could take some shots of him just before dark in the golden light. Hopefully that will work out and I can get some practice in. He is a beautiful pinto, with a flaxen mane and tail. He was a rescue and she just had him gelded a couple of months ago. He'd be a good subject if she agrees to the shoot.