HOW TO MENTALLY PREPARE YOUR HORSE FOR YOUR PORTRAITS

So you have scheduled your equine portraits with me, you have the location picked out and you are ready to rock and roll right?

Just about

One of the biggest obstacles I have encountered when shooting a horse and rider session is anxiety in a “new” location. Although your horse has been at this barn for quite some time, they may not be fully comfortable or familiar with areas  that we will be shooting your session in. All horses are different, some don’t mind the change in scenery while others are extremely bothered by the change of routine. Here are a few quick tips on how you can mentally prepare your horse for your session.

Take Them on Walks

I know it sounds pretty simple, but you would be pleasantly surprised with the difference just walking your horse around less frequented areas can make. This means high grass areas, potential water, high traffic zones, that random farm animal barn we are all guilty of having. You don’t have to work extensively but I always suggest taking 1-3 walks the week before your session so there are no surprises the day of your session, the amount of work depends on your horse. It gets your horse used to the sights, sounds and smells of less than familiar locations.

Practice Ground Work

Ground work will make all the difference in your experience shooting a session with your horse. This step goes hand and hand with taking your horse on walks. Practicing ground work will allow your horse to freshen up on their ground manners: 

Good Ground Manners=Happy Session

Every horse is different, if you work with them often already you may not need to work as hard, just go over stop, stand, and backup in those less than familiar areas. If your horse has been sitting for a while I would start working your horse into a frequent routine of stop, stand and backup until the day of your session. This will ensure a smooth transition in between poses as well as locations.

Trial Run

If you are going to be shooting your equine session wearing an extravagant outfit filled with sparkles and glam, I highly suggest letting your horse get eyes on that outfit ahead of time to ensure they will not spook the day of. Speaking from experience, some horses are not big fans of flowy and sparkly gowns, if I had prepared my horse ahead of time he would have handled photos much better! Also, if you are shooting with multiple horses or including other animals, be sure to practice having them stand near each other, you will thank me later! I brought my two dogs around my horse for the month leading up to my session as my beagle mix was terrified of horses. Doing this step allowed for my dogs to be carefree and ready to go for the day of my shoot! 

Mentally preparing your horse for your session will ensure a smooth shoot as well as a happy and calm horse. The key of shooting a horse and rider session is to capture your bond with your horse, if you are sure to take them on walks to unfamiliar locations, practice ground work, and do a trial run you have laid the foundation for a smooth and enjoyable session. I can’t wait to work with you!