This is the first of a what to wear series that is going to give you SO much information!  I’m so excited to have this as a resource for new and returning clients!

What to wear is a question I get asked about a lot.  But before I go into what YOU should wear (that will come later), I’m going to talk about what your HORSE should wear to the session!

There are so many options here.  Do you want your horse in a halter, bridal, saddled, free, or all of the above?

Halter

The most important thing here is to have a clean, well fitting halter.  This will give your horse a clean, relaxed look.  This is probably not the halter that you have for everyday use.  Dark colors look great in pictures, and don’t distract from the subject like neon or bright colors do.

If you have a fancy halter that you want to show off that is great too!  These are great for senior pictures, bridals, etc. where the focus is really about you and the horse.  If doing sale pictures, a plain black halter (nylon or rope) is what I recommend.

 

Bridle

Bridles should be clean and well fitting.  Make sure the bit sits comfortable in your horses mouth so they aren’t trying to chomp on the bit.  Any type of reins are great – split, romels, or roping reins.  Roping reins should un-clip from one side for any pictures walking with the horse.

Saddle

Saddles should be clean and well fitting (are you seeing a trend here?).  Most of the time when you saddle we will be riding too.  You will want to think about all things associated with the saddle, including the pad, breast collar and other things attached.  You will want to use a saddle you are comfortable with and that fits the horse, especially if we will be riding.  Loping out through the fields is a dream shot, but not if you have a saddle that is pinching your horse!

 

Free (no saddle, bridle, halter, etc)

For these type of pictures, we need to make sure that your horse is OK with everything going on.  A bride riding bareback and bridle-less is an amazing image, but I will always put your safety first.  If your horse is nervous because we are in a new environment, scared of your big white dress, or just acting up as horses do sometimes we might not be able to get this shot or have to wait to do it at a better time later in the session.  There will be something attached to your horse at all times (possibly a halter, a rope around the neck, etc.) and my assistant will be right outside of the shot to help with the horse as needed.

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What to Wear – For your Horse

Here at Lauren Anderson Photography we love to capture the connection you have with your horses and family; whether it is working on the ranch, competing in the arena, or going on a trail ride. We love real moments, and love to capture you doing what you do day in and day out. We understand that horses aren’t just a hobby, they are a lifestyle.