If you're planning a photoshoot with your horse, you want to ensure they’re ready to shine in front of the camera. Whether it's for a special event, a personal memory, or a unique piece of art, a little preparation goes a long way in capturing those perfect moments. Here’s how to get your horse ready for a successful photoshoot!

Step One: Choose A Location Suited to Them

New environments can cause unwanted stress on shoot days, especially when the goal is to make them stand still and look pretty. The best location for your horse’s comfort will always be their home stable, where they rest, eat, and feel at ease. However, if shooting at home isn't an option or you're traveling, choose a location that your horse will feel comfortable in. A familiar, calm space can help them stay relaxed and focused during the session.

If you’re traveling for the shoot, try to visit the location beforehand with your horse. This allows them to become familiar with the area and minimizes stress on the day of the shoot. Look for a peaceful, quiet spot with minimal distractions to help your horse feel secure. If the location is entirely new, consider arriving early enough to allow your horse time to adjust before the photos begin. The more at ease your horse is, the more natural and beautiful your photos will be!

Step Two: Wear Em’ Out First!

It’s a WONDERFUL idea to give your horse a good lunge or go for a quick ride before you start prepping them for the shoot! This helps burn off any extra energy they might have, ensuring they’ll be more focused and calm during the session. A few minutes of exercise allows your horse to release pent-up excitement, which can prevent them from fidgeting or moving around too much during the photos. Whether you’re lunging them in a round pen or going for a light ride, this is an essential step to help your horse stay relaxed and present. By the time you're ready to start the shoot, they’ll be more focused on you and less likely to be distracted by their surroundings. Plus, it’s a great way to build a positive, collaborative energy between you and your horse, ensuring you both enjoy the experience!

Additionally, if your horse is typically stalled, consider giving them some turnout time the morning of the shoot. Many equine photoshoots take place in stunning grassy fields, and a stalled horse in a large field may not be the most willing to cooperate. A little turnout time will allow them to stretch their legs and adjust to the environment, helping them feel more relaxed and at ease when it's time for the photoshoot.

Step Three: A Clean Horse Makes a Happy Photographer

This step should be obvious, but it's crucial—give your horse a good bath and thorough grooming! A clean, well-groomed horse will look their best in every shot. Take the time to wash off any dirt, sweat, or debris that might be lingering on their coat, especially if your photoshoot involves close-up shots. Make sure to dry them properly and give them a final brush to smooth out their coat and make it shine. If the weather is warm, have a towel handy nearby to keep the coat looking as flawless as possible.

If you typically compete in events where your horse’s mane is banded or braided, consider doing this before the shoot to make them look as “show ready” as possible. Neat, tidy braids or bands add a polished, professional touch that will elevate the overall look of your photos. Don’t forget to also pay attention to their hooves and tail—clean and tidy hooves can make a big difference, and a well-kept tail will flow beautifully in the photos. The more prepared your horse looks, the more stunning the final images will be!

Your photographer will thank you for taking the extra effort to keep your horse looking their best, and you’ll be rewarded with photos that truly highlight your horse’s beauty and personality!

Step Four: Clean Your Gear!

All too often, I’ve shown up to shoots where the owner is dressed to the nines, looking flawless, and the horse is groomed to perfection—only to find that the horse’s halter is old, dingy, and looks like it hasn’t been washed in… ever. This can be a real letdown when everything else looks so great. Because this happens often, I usually travel with a couple of spare halters as a last resort. However, I strongly advise all clients to prepare their gear for the shoot ahead of time!

Take a moment to check your halter, lead rope, or any other tack you plan to use during the session. Clean it up, and if needed, replace any worn-out or stained pieces. A clean, well-maintained halter adds a polished look that complements your horse’s groomed appearance and enhances the overall quality of the photos. After all, you’ve put in the effort to make your horse look their best, so be sure the gear matches!

Step Five: Have a lot of patience

It’s important to remember that horses are animals with their own minds and moods. How quickly a photoshoot goes is entirely up to your horse. Some shoots can fly by in an instant, while other times, it can take 10 minutes just to get your horse to put their ears forward for a single shot. It’s easy to get frustrated in these situations, especially when you’re the model—holding a smile for 10 minutes while waiting for your horse to cooperate can put anyone on edge.

The key is patience and flexibility. Remember, horses aren’t always going to behave exactly as you want them to, and that’s perfectly normal! Instead of stressing, try to stay calm and give your horse time to adjust and settle into the shoot. Allow for breaks if needed, and don’t rush through the process. Even just having someone take your horse for a short walk while we take some human-only portraits can make them much more willing to cooperate.

As the photographer, it’s my job to keep both you and your horse calm when animals decide to do their own thing. Show them some grace, and have a little extra patience on shoot days. Trust me, the photos will be worth it!