How to Prepare my Horse
The turn out of your horse is so important for your portrait session. The better the turn out the better your horse will look in images. You want them shiny, clean and looking their absolute BEST. This also includes any tack you are using for the big day as well, you’d be surprised what the camera can catch.
Grooming Check List
Bathe your horse if weather permitting. If bathing the day before please place a stable sheet and even a slinky to help keep them clean. Horses know when it’s a special day and will 100% find a way to get dirty.
Make sure your horse dries completely after their bath.
Completely brush and remove all dirt.
Remove all manure stains and spot treat any dirty spots that appear.
Brush and remove any shavings from your horse’s mane and tail.
Clean any dirt or goop from nose, mouth and eyes.
Hooves oiled. I suggest doing this 10-20 minutes before your session so it has time to dry a bit.
Meticulously clean your bridle or leather halter of any dirt.
Clean your bit of any left over spit or dirt. If not coming off I recommend soaking to to help remove the stuck on spit.
Braided (perfect for Fine Art or Glamour sessions at your discretion).
Before Session Preparations
No matter how amazingly well behaved your horse is, on session day they can have a completely different personality. Portrait sessions are out of the norm and very different from their normal schedule and we all know how horses love their schedule. So on session day don’t fret or worry if they may be miss behaving or not acting like normal, it happens and I am happy to roll with how they act to get your dream shots. I have become quite the expert at diverting their immense energy into beautiful moments. Below I have a helpful lists on what you can do before your session to help you and your horse be amazing on session day!
Familiarize your horse with the possible areas we will be shooting in. If we are heading to an area they have never been in, they may become more alert and uneasy in that area. By taking them there and having them get used to being there it will make our day run smoothly.
Practice if you would like to have bareback shots! Whether it is just standing or galloping in a field, have you and your horse become use to it and become masters of it. Bareback images are not something to be done for the first time on session day.
Bring a friend, family member or groom along to help with your session. Sometimes I may not have an assistant and having a second pair of hands to help hold your horse or get ears forward is extremely helpful. They may also see what your horse needs before I do since this is my first time meeting them and they have known them much longer.
Pack a session bag to bring with you that has the essentials. This bag can include hairspray to help tidy hair if needed, make-up for touch ups, spit rag, fly spray and anything else you think you may need.
Ride your horse before your session. Ride them hard the night before or day of the session and lunge them. You want them nice and tired and ready for a nap! If they are nap ready then they will probably want to cuddle with you more and will help with any excess energy they may of gotten during your session because of how exciting it is!
Don’t be afraid for your sessions. Horses are horses and I never expect them to be perfect. I am always more than happy to work with their needs to make your session run smoothly. Sometimes we have to adapt to different situations to make the best out of the session. I can honestly promise that the end results you see will take your breath away!
