Equine Prep Guide
For Horse & Rider
Preparing Your Horse For the Session
*EXERCISE AND PATIENCE
If your horse tends to run HOT... lunge or ride them an hour prior to your session, especially if they have been up all day. Remember to allow enough time for them to cool down before your session, and remove any sweat marks.
If your horse is typically ANTSY on the ground... brush up on ground manners and being able to stand quietly in the doorways during the weeks leading up to your session.
If your horse is bombproof and RELAXED... avoid exercising them, and know what will motivate them to show expression and personality.
*TREATS
Your horse is more likely to enjoy this adventure if snacks are provided along the way! Treats are used as motivation to help direct your horse's movement as well as rewards for being patient during your session. If you choose to use apples or carrots, please precut them into small pieces to prevent your horse from making a mess with spit and slime! I will also have sugar cubes and peppermints with me.
*ASSISTANT, TRAINER OR SECOND HAND IS A MUST
I highly recommend having an extra set of hands during your session! It makes a huge difference when a horse-savvy friend, family member, or your trainer is there to help with posing or getting your horse’s ears and attention. When I can stay behind the camera instead of juggling both roles, I’m able to capture those perfect, expressive moments we’re aiming for—without missing a beat.
*MEAL TIME
If your session falls close to the barn’s regular feeding schedule, please be sure your horse is fed before we begin—especially their grain. A well-fed horse is a happy horse, and happy horses make for relaxed, enjoyable sessions (and better photos too!).
Grooming Your Horse For the Session
*BATH TIME
Please bathe your horse the day of your session so they are free of dust and dirt. Allow plenty of time for your horse to dry as we will not have time to wait during our session. If they are damp at all, it will be apparent in your pictures and cannot be corrected via Photoshop. Try using dry shampoo during the winter months when it is too cold for a bath.
*MANE & TAIL
Remember to comb your horse's tail and apply shine product on their mane, tail, and forelock. If you need to pull the mane, do so a few days in advance. If you plan to braid, allow enough time prior to your session. Be sure to trim the bridal path, but not to close!
Braiding or banding is highly recommended for your Equine Portrait Session. Not only does it elevate your horse’s appearance, but it adds beautiful texture, symmetry, and polish—perfect for creating timeless, fine art imagery. It also keeps stray hairs at bay, especially if the breeze decides to join us.
That said, if your horse boasts a naturally flowing mane or forelock—especially those dreamy drapes over the shoulder or nose—don’t feel obligated to tidy it up. Letting it flow can create stunning, dramatic portraits. And of course, if your horse is in their golden years, we welcome a more relaxed, natural look that reflects their story.
*CHECK THEIR WHITES:
Make sure your horse's white socks and markings are free from stains. Baby powder or Shapley's White Spray will help make these areas look pristine. Also, purple shampoo works great too!
*BRING ON THE SHINE:
Use shine spray on your horse's body to make them as radiant as possible. Also, dab a small amount of baby oil or Vaseline on their nose, in their ears, and around their eyes to get rid of any dusty-looking areas.
*CLIPPING TIPS
If you’re planning to clip your horse for their session, please do it at least 7 days before your photoshoot. This gives the hair time to grow in just enough so those clipper lines fade away.
Clipping the day before (or the day of) will leave visible lines in your final images—and while I can retouch them, it will come with an additional fee. A little early prep goes a long way in making your horse look their very best!
*DON'T FOREGT FLY SPRAY!
Choosing Tack For Your Session
Clean tack is a must! Please make sure all tack is cleaned and oiled before your session—including saddle pads, bits, polo wraps, and bell boots. For portraits, I require a leather bridle or halter. If you don’t have a show or leather halter, we’ll use a clean bridle instead.
Please also have a clean lead rope without a chain on hand. Chains tend to distract and clutter the image, and they won’t be edited out after the session.
Here’s a quick rundown of your tack style options:
-
Bridle Look:
This gives your horse a more formal, polished “black-tie” feel. A simple metal snaffle bit works beautifully, but I also welcome dressage, jumper, or western bridles. Just make sure the reins can be removed, since most bridles are photographed without them—we’ll swap in a lead rope that will be removed in editing. -
Halter Look:
A halter gives a more relaxed, everyday vibe. Show halters are preferred, but a clean leather halter works great too!
Hair & Make-Up
I want you to look like YOU in your photos, so I recommend you keep your hair and makeup simple and natural.
- Get your hair cut and colored at least two weeks before the session so it has time to grow out a little and look like your normal style.
- Use a good foundation and powder to give your skin a smooth, matte look.
- Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal. Adding a little drama to your everyday look can help your features stand out.
- Fill in your brows. If they are visible and even, it will bring attention to your beautiful eyes.
- Use waterproof makeup if your session is going to be during warm weather months.
- If possible, apply your makeup in natural light so you can see how it will look in the photos.
- Bring lip balm or gloss to keep your lips from looking dry.
- Just before the session, dab a little concealer on any noticeable blemishes.
What to Wear
As you are planning your outfits for the session, there are a few things to keep in mind to help you look and feel your best in front of the camera.
- Dress in clothing you feel good in and are comfortable wearing.
- Clothes should be simple, avoiding very bold patterns with contrasting colors or tones.
- Choose ivory over pure white, as white draws the attention away from your face. And keep in mind that lighter colors are more difficult to keep clean around horses!
- Looser-fitting clothing will allow more movement and will be more flattering when seated.
- Wear a neutral or skin-toned bra. If you wear a cami under your outfit, choose a coordinating or neutral color.
- Shirts with sleeves are usually more flattering than those without.
- Make sure your clothing is free of wrinkles.
- Wear season-appropriate clothing
- For safety purposes I recommend only closed toe footwear.
For helpful outfit ideas and styling inspiration, be sure to check out our What to Wear Guide before your session.