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Some of my favorite sessions have been equine portraits and sessions that include the “family” horse. Whether you’ve grown up on horseback or just built a special bond over the years, having your horse in your portraits makes the whole thing feel that much more meaningful. But…I’ve also learned (very quickly) that a calm, prepped horse means a smoother session – for everyone.

So if you’re thinking about including your four-legged bestie (the kind that eats hay, not snacks), this blog’s for you.

Horses and Cameras Don’t Always Go Together (At First)

Here’s the thing: a camera, a crowd, and a new situation can throw even the calmest horses off. I once photographed a beautiful and very loved older horse, and just a few weeks later, he passed away. His session is now the only set of images his owner has like that with him. It was a gift – truly. But I’ve also seen the chaos that can happen when we’re not prepared.

Listen, no judgment – horses are animals first. Sometimes the vibe is perfection. Sometimes they decide today is not about you and they’d rather sniff the palmettos.

So how do we make it work without stressing out your horse or yourself?

Here’s what I recommend after countless sessions (and barn visits).

Tips for Prepping Your Horse Like a Pro

1. Bathe, Groom, and Be Ready Early

• Aim to bathe and groom your horse so they are completely dry at least one hour before the shoot starts.
• This gives them time to dry, cool off, and settle down.
• No one likes looking rushed in photos – same goes for your horse. A clean and calm horse equals photo magic.

2. Feed First (Because Hungry Horses = Angry Horses)

• Don’t bring a hungry horse and expect cooperation.
• Try to avoid scheduling your session during or right before the usual barn feeding time. It’s basically the equivalent of trying to take your senior pictures in the school cafeteria while everyone else eats Chick-fil-A. Not happening.
• A content, full horse is more likely to chill and follow along.

3. Always Talk to Your Barn Owner or Manager First

• Before scheduling your shoot, check in with your barn owner or manager. They may have barn-wide schedules or rules I need to work around.
• They’ll often have suggestions for the best time of day when it’s quiet and low-key. We always need to consider lighting and times of day but a quiet barn is best.
• And, fun idea, ask your barn friends if they want photos too. I offer group rates when I shoot at a single barn with multiple horses so it’s a win-win.

4. Let Me Guide the Session – Seriously

This one’s important.

• Whistling, clapping, waving hats, shaking a treat bag… all very well-meaning, but more often than not, it creates extra energy your horse really doesn’t need during portraits.
• I approach equine sessions calmly and quietly. I’ve got a few tricks (no spoilers here) to perk ears and angle heads, but they only work when things stay calm.
• Trust me to be the ear-perking, horse-whispering photographer. I’ve done this before, pinky promise.

5. Plan for Patience, Not Perfection

• Not every moment will be Pinterest-perfect, and that’s okay.
• The goal is connection and personality, not just a regal photo of you and your unicorn.
• If your horse gets a little quirky or curious during the shoot, we roll with it. Some of the best images come from those unplanned moments.

Why This Matters (More than You Think)

I truly believe these sessions are about more than photos – they’re about memories. Horses are part of your story. Whether you’ve ridden competitively or just enjoyed the bond of being around them, they deserve to be in your portraits in a way that feels personal and stress-free.

These moments matter – and they disappear faster than you think.

So if you’re dreaming of a shoot with your sweet gelding, your spicy mare, or your barn’s famous pony, now’s the time to make it happen.

Let’s Make It Happen Together

Ready to plan a session with your horse? I’m in. I’ll walk you through every step from prep to gallery delivery – no chaos, no confusion. Just you, your horse, and a whole lot of memories together.

You can check out more about how sessions work or contact me directly to start planning.

And hey…maybe bring a carrot or two. For the horse, obviously. Probably.