Get Necessary Permissions

If the location for your session is not your own property, please ask the barn owner if you are welcome to have your horse's session there and on the date/time you would like. It is ideal to schedule sessions during days and times of low traffic for everyone's convenience and to give plenty of time to get ready. It is best to avoid high traffic times such as feeding times or busy lesson times. If you do not own the horse you wish to be photographed with during your session, I ask that you ask permission of the horse's owner to photograph the horse.

Tack and Outfits

I recommend that you clean your tack the day before the session so that you have less to think about the day of the session. Store all of your tack you hope to use in a safe location, clean and ready to use the day of. I recommend cleaning all leather products carefully and thoroughly, tucking in each strap fitted to your horse as if going to a horse show.

If wearing a special outfit for your portrait session, I suggest desensitizing your horse to it ahead of time if you think there's a likelihood they will spook (such as a long flowy dress or intensely sparkly outfit). If planning to ride in non-traditional attire for the photos, please desensitize your horse if necessary and be safe when riding in non-equestrian clothing and/or shoes.

Grooming In Advance

I always recommend preparing as if you are going to a show, especially for fine art photography sessions. I recommend tidying manes, evening tails, and any other cosmetic detailing prior to the day of the session to limit excess preparation the day of your session. If planning on dying hooves, I recommend doing it before the day of the session to avoid staining hands or clothing the day of. If clipping a horse, I recommend doing so a a few days before the session at a minimum to avoid as many flyaway hairs and give the horse some time to get used to their new "do" (since sometimes they can be a bit more spooky freshly after a clip).

Training/Practicing BeforeYour Session

As opposed to what many people think, modeling is a skill. It involves standing still in new locations and moving their body, which are all skills that can be improved. I wrote a separate blog post about some of my tips for training your horse to be a better model.

Click HERE to read that post.

What to Bring

Please make sure you have access to the tack you'd like to use for your session which you prepared prior.

(Optional) I'd recommend bringing a leather rag and leather conditioner for any last minute touchups as well.

I would keep your set of grooming supplies and a rag nearby to clean up any last minute dust and for eye or nose goop which may occur.

We all know the barn can be a messy place, so I recommend you bring the clothes you'd like to wear in your portraits to change into and wear different clothes to groom your horse to ensure a set of clean clothes.

For the summer, I recommend having fly spray on hand to decrease swishing tails, stomping feet, and headshaking during your session if your horse is sensitive. In my experience, water-based fly spray is better for photos because oil based fly spray can attract dust.

(Optional) Bring treats your horse likes as many people like to reward them for good behavior or to be used as additional motivation to get horses' attention.

Turnout or Exercise

You know your horse a lot better than I do, so I will not recommend tell you to do anything before your session, but some activity before the session can help horses relax and focus during the session. If you are think your horse will struggle to stand still for portraits without turnout or a lunge or ride earlier, I'd say go for it! Just remember to leave yourself plenty of time to bathe or groom out sweat marks, dirt or grass stains before your session time. Drying from baths usually takes longer than you think it will, especially in the winter.

On the other hand, for a liberty or riding session, you may want your horse to have some extra energy and opt to leave inside until your session.

Whichever route you go, just plan your day to have a clean and ready for your scheduled time!

To Braid or Not To Braid?

I recommend hiring a professional braider for black, white, or painted background sessions if you would like the sleek, show-ready portrait. Plaiting can really elevate your session and will show in your wall art. Braiding or banding can also be nice for a portrait or riding session as well for a neat and more sophisticated look. I can recommend some local braiders if needed.