🐴 Portrait Session Prep Checklist For You & Your Horse

Your portrait session is meant to be calm, connected, and unforgettable. Here’s how to prepare for a seamless experience—with tips, tricks, and inspiration!

✅ 1. Before the Session

👗 Outfit Planning

• Choose clothing you can move in safely around your horse.

• Neutral or earthy tones photograph beautifully: ivory, taupe, dusty rose, sage, rust, and denim all work well.

• Avoid logos, busy prints, or anything you’d be nervous to get dusty.

• Consider a backup outfit in case of dirt or weather changes.

  
  

🐎 Horse Grooming

• Bathe or thoroughly brush your horse the day before.

• Wipe down the face, legs, and ears right before we start.

• Apply hoof oil for a polished look.

• Remove sweat marks and check for tangles in the mane and tail.

🧼 Tack & Gear

• If using tack, make sure it’s clean and in good condition.

• A neutral halter, bridle, or lead line works best.

• Consider removing extra gear for a more timeless, simple look.

✅ 2. What to Bring

• 🧽 Grooming brush or mitt for last-minute touch-ups

• 🧻 Wipes or towels for dirt or drool

• 🥕 Treats, a bucket of grain, or noise-makers to help get ears up

• 👢 Sturdy footwear (no sandals around horses!)

• 🧍 A helper if you can—this makes positioning and safety easier

• 🧥 A cozy layer for between shots in cooler weather

✅ 3. On the Day

⏰ Arrive Early

• Come 15–20 minutes early so both you and your horse can relax and get comfortable.

• Make sure your horse has been fed, watered, and moved if needed.

🧘 Relax & Trust the Process

• Horses feed off your energy—stay calm and have fun.

• Not every pose goes exactly as planned, and that’s okay! The real magic is in the in-between moments.

🐴 Safety First

• Let me know ahead of time about any behavioral quirks or sensitivities.

• Your comfort and your horse’s safety are my top priorities.

✅ 4. Pose Inspiration

✨ Need a little pose inspiration?Check out this Pinterest board I’ve curated with equine portrait ideas:👉 View Pose Ideas on Pinterest

If you’ve seen a pose or photo you love, please bring it!We can adapt inspiration to suit your unique relationship, location, and your horse’s comfort.

🧡 Final Thoughts

Perfect doesn’t matter. What matters is the connection between you and your horse—and that’s what I’m here to capture. With a little prep and a lot of heart, we’ll create something timeless.