It's spring time and there's nothing more that I love to do when the weather is nice than hop on my horse and go on a trail ride. Unfortunately my horse lives three hours away from me so I wont be riding anytime soon with my busy work schedule and photos sessions going on, but that's okay because I also love photographing people and their horses. I love to capture the love and enjoyment the horse gives the rider and the rider gives the horse. If you are thinking of getting some portraits taken of you and your lovely horse here are a few tips to get the most out of your session
First, have clean tack. Whether you are going to just have a halter or bridle on him or have a saddle too it makes a big difference when it is clean. Leather looks the nicest but a new or in nice shape Nylon halter would do. Simple cleaners like Lexol does a great job in making your leather tack come to life not to mention its good for your tack to moisturize it and keep it from cracking. As for silver, I use Wright's Silver cream. It does wonders and really makes your silver shine. If you decided to use a halter make sure to have a lead rope that is a neutral color such as black or that matches your leather halter. This alone will start to make a beautiful clean start to your horse.
Second, clipping and washing of your equine friend.. I know that your horse is shedding, it's spring who's horse isn't. In the upcoming days before your session do your best to get the big clumps of loose hair off your horse. This will also bring up dirt that has been hiding all winter long. Clip the long hairs around the hoof, along the legs, jaw line, muzzle and ears. You don't have to clip to closely just enough to make your horse look more neat and clean. Making those hairs blend into the other hairs. If its still a little chilly out and you don't feel comfortable with giving your horse a full out bath then get a bucket of hot water and a rag. Take the rag and dip it into the bucket of hot water then wipe your horse down with it. As you wipe the rag will pick up dirt.
Thirdly, dress up a little.. We just talked about how to get your horse looking its best now its your turn. We spend so much time in dirty cloths while hanging out with our horse, now is your chance to put on that cute outfit you have been waiting to wear. I would suggest putting on an pair of sweats and a t-shirt over your cute outfit while cleaning up your horse. As always I would stay away from wearing open toed shoes for your session. Even though you know your horse and won't let him or her step on your feet its still a good idea to have them a little more protected.
So, get out there and get portraits taken with your horse. Its the perfect time of year for it and a great way to capture the love and friendship with your equine friend.