Preparing Your Horse For
Their Photoshoot
Proper preparation is key for the best results! And it's never too early to begin...
A few days before your shoot, weather permitting, bathing your horse to get the scurf out of their coat is a great starting point - especially for those of you with grey ponies!
Tidying up their mane, tail and feathers helps create a neat and tidy finish. Trimming a few days prior to the shoot, instead of on the day helps allow a little growth and for the hair to find it's own way to lay - helping to create a natural shape.
The same applies to clipping your horse during the colder months, to let any clipper lines grow through. The majority of my clients tend to not plait their horse as they're wanting fun, relaxed, less formal pictures of themselves with their friend, however, this is totally down to individual preference.
The Shoot Day Itself
On the day of your shoot, give your horse a good once over with a brush and remove any noticeable stains where necessary, allowing plenty of time to dry before I arrive. Some targeted stain removal products can be great for those last minute touch ups!
To finish up: a quick wipe over the nose, eyes and around the mouths and a dab of hoof oil!
Some people wish to add oil/horse make up around their horses eyes and muzzle. That is completely up to you and personal preference.
I can touch up and small imperfections (cuts etc) but the better your horse is presented, the better the results!
If you think your horse is going to be a little fresh, give them a quick lunge, allowing time for them to dry off if they get warm. You might also find giving your horse a haynet or bucket of food before the shoot to fill their belly keeps them nice and settled too.
Bridles and Headcollars
Based on experience a plain leather headcollar or leather bridle is the best headwear for your horse for their portrait. Something that will not detract from their beauty!
Making sure your leather tack is conditioned and clean before the shoot is a priority. It would be best to remove any bit guards or other accessories that you do not want visible in the images.
Please remember to clean the bit too!
For those of you with breeds such as Arabs, there may be traditional showing headpieces for your horse to wear, which I really do encourage!
For black background shoots: unless you have a double bridle, remove the reins, martingale and any other attachments you may have. We will attach a leadrope to the headcollar or bridle for you to hold, and it makes it easier for me to edit out.
(My naked headcollar is always available for you to use during these black background sessions, but it might be an idea to have a clean bridle or alternative nearby, just incase your horse decides to have an opinion on how the session is going and you want to have a little extra control. The rope halter is made of paracord and is very durable.)
