What better way to honor your four-legged best friend than by including them in your senior session. As a lifelong horse lover myself, I know just how special these animals are. Plus I know just how to pose them with you so you look great! Senior pictures with your horse are some of my favorite pictures to take!
How to Include Your Horse in Your Senior Session
First Let’s Set Some Goals for the Senior Pictures with Your Horse
It’s important to communicate to your photographer (hopefully me :)) how much of your session you want to be with your horse. We will also discuss if you want one or multiple outfits with your horse. I recommend planning to spend 15-30 minutes of your session with your horse and 1-2 outfits.
Portraits at Your Barn
Depending on your barn’s location and options for pictures, we can either do your entire session or part of your session at the barn.
Portraits at Your Farm
It is always nice to go to the horse’s natural home for portraits, if that is your farm and you have some open fields or other pretty areas, I am happy to travel to you. Then depending on your other outfits and desired style, we can do the rest of the session there or come to the Amber Langerud Photography locations, or other nearby areas.
Portraits with Your Horse at My Location
Don’t have a beautiful barn or farm? Or don’t want to have to worry about the travel time between your barn and other locations? You are welcome to trailer your horse (or cow or pig or sheep – yup we’ve had all those visit the farm too!) to the Amber Langerud Photography farm location.
Styles to Consider When Planning Your Senior Pictures with Your Horse
First off think about your riding style. Are there any styles of the English or Western riding disciplines that you would like to include?
Western Style Senior Portraits with Your Horse
You can incorporate this in multiple ways. This can mean full-out western wear, bridle, and saddle. It can also mean something a little more subtle. You might wear a dress with western boots and have your horse in a western bridle. Or jeans and a t-shirt with your boots. Do not be afraid to think out of the box. You can be as traditional or unconventional as you like. Remember these are your senior portraits!
English Style Senior Portraits with Your Horse
English is such a beautiful and elegant discipline. I recommend outfitting your horse in either a simple leather halter or English bridle for your session. Your outfit should be something sleek and professional, such as breeches and a polo or simple jeans with a plain shirt. A jacket can even look really nice.
Be Bold & Elegant Senior Pictures with Your Horse
Feeling a little extra? Do not be afraid to pair a beautiful gown or other bold, nontraditional outfit with your horse. It is a great way to stand out and do something different than the norm!
Including Your Horses Without Including Your Horses
Want to include your horse but not the stress of prepping and/or trailering them for your senior session? There are other ways to show off your love of your horse without bringing them along.
Here are a few ideas:
- Bring along your boots, some riding jeans and a saddle or bridle
- Put together a display of all your ribbon & trophy winnings
- Wear your English breeches and boots with a bridle on your shoulder
- Pair a button up western shirt with western boots
- Bring along any other meaningful equestrian items we can use as props for your session
Additional Resources:
Preparing Your Horse for an Equestrian Session
Lunging Your Horse Before Your Session Tips
Hopefully, you are now feeling inspired and excited about all the ways you can include your horse or horse-related items in your senior session. Have questions or want to bounce some ideas, feel free to reach out!
