If you’re taking on the task of preparing yourself and grooming your horse beforehand, kudos to you! Oftentimes I get asked if I have any special tips and tricks when prepping your horse for a photoshoot session. I prefer to keep my horse grooming and prepping tips quick and simple that way anyone can manage.

Paint Their Toes: Ensure your horse’s hooves are clean and free of dirt, I recommend applying a clear polish such as SuperShine Clear Polish.

Mane & Tail: Don’t forget to get those tails combed through and use a shine product on both their mane, tail, and forelock. Also, plan ahead of time, if you need to pull their mane do so a few days before. If your horse’s mane has any flyaways or stands up on the end make sure and use bands or a neck wrap to tame their mane for a few days prior to their session if you do not plan on braiding or banding for the pictures.

Shine: Preparing your horse for weeks prior to the session by intensive grooming can help with their natural shine. The right shine spray also goes a long way, I recommend Pepi Coat Conditioner. Make sure you don’t leave any wet spots. I recommend a small dab of baby oil or vaseline inside of their noses or ears to help darken up those spots that tend to look dusty on dark horses.

SuperShine Clear Polish: Tractor Supply or most any feed store

Show Sheen: Tractor Supply

Pepi Coat Conditioner: Farm Vet