HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR EQUINE PORTRAIT SESSION
Grooming Before Your Session
So you have scheduled your session with your horse, the date has been set, outfits picked out, you are ready to go. But wait, you have to make sure your horse is ready for their day to shine during your session. I am going to give you a few tips on how to make the best out of your equine session with me, and more importantly how to make sure your images represent your horse in the most flattering ways.
Clipping
Everyone has their own process in their horse’s grooming routine, I like to clip my horse’s legs and fetlock up before I bathe him just to ensure everything is clean and ready to go (especially because my horse has white on his legs). For photos, unless you are looking for a more natural look, this should include cleaning up the bridal path, under his jaw as well as their legs. This process will give your horse a clean cut and professional look every time.
Pro Tip: Try clipping your horse a few days before your session in case you get too close to their legs, nobody likes a spotty clip job.
Bathing
I know it sounds pretty simple; however, when you are bathing your horse before your session it is important to consider a few factors. Being based in Western New York, weather conditions are always something you need to consider. If you keep an eye on the weather forecast and you see the temperatures may drop in the coming days or it is going to be a rainy few days, take advantage of the beautiful weather and get your horse groomed as if you are preparing for a show. This means purple shampoo for those white spots and really breaking through those dirty layers to bring out that shiny coat.
Pro Tip: My horse will roll immediately after a bath if given a chance, take your time in the drying process, maybe play some music and give them love with the down time. Personally, I put my horse in his stall and throw a slinky on him to ensure a flat mane and forelock!
Banding
Banding your horse’s mane can give a show ready appearance to your images, especially when you book a black background session! Banding is certainly a skill all on its own, if you are not confident in your banding job it would not be a bad idea to ask a friend or hire a pro, you won’t regret it. Knowing what type of band you want to use will determine the feel of your horse’s session. For example if you are going to do Western Banding, you will want to use western tack in your images, if you are doing Dressage Braids, you will want Dressage Tack to keep a cohesive look to your session. Lastly, if you choose to take a more natural approach to your horse’s mane, leaving it loose or braiding it with the intention of having a wave is always a classic and stunning look!
Pro Tip: After banding your horse, throw a slinky on overnight to ensure everything stays in place, be sure to check your work before your session in case touch ups need to be made. My horse always finds a way to break a band or two!
Once you have completed all of these tasks, your horse is ready to go for your equine session! Be sure to have a few items on hand throughout your session to ensure we keep your horse photo ready. I always suggest four items:
Soft Brush
Show Sheen
Mane and Tail Comb
Fly Spray
Ensuring you put the time in preparing your horse for your horse and rider session, black background session or at liberty session will help make your images pop and allow you to relax for the day rather than hustling to brush the dirt and mud off your horse. I can’t wait to photograph you and your horse!