Tips And Tricks

[Nancy Krebs]

Hi! I was just wondering what types of methods you use to get the horse's attention (as in ears perked without "donkey ears"). The last photoshoot I did with my friends horse, I took my dog's squeeky toy but it only worked for a few shots. I am doing my friend's daughter's senior pictures next month and could use some help! Any other tips and tricks for taking portraits would be awesome too!! Thank you!

[Peter DeMott]

I have sound clips on my iPhone of horses talking to each other. I forget where I got it. Google for horses winney

[Judy Bosco]

I second what Peter said. I did a photo shoot where the woman had a small toy horse that whinnied. Did the trick every time. At the KY workshop last October, Shirley had a small tape recorder that has real one's on it and it was VERY effective also.

[Diane Horton]

I have used a squeaky hopping stuffed battery run bunny, a good sized mirror, another horse walking from around a corner, as well as previously mentioned horse sounds. I know there is more but I'm blank.

[Belinda Jones]

Interesting question. I used a bellydancer once, with jingles on her hips What works well though is a miniature donkey - preferably if the horse is not accustomed to seeing one. See attached photo. A noisy plastic bag or a large ball thrown in the air some distance away so as not to spook the horse entirely.

[Laurie Taylor]

In addition to "all of the above" an old soda bottle with a few pebbles in it can also work.

Be sure to collect a number of items; as you've found out, each tends to work for a short while, then the subject tends to get the "been here, seen that" expression.

Cattle worked well for my old boy (he is fascinated by cattle).

[Lee Locke]

Trail horse win photos - finally attached a lead rope to a large cardboard box - then tugged from WAY OVER THERE - worked to get all 3 sets of ears.long enough. Also kiddy fishing reel with bag and weight on end - can cast or drag.

[Laurie Taylor]

That reminds me - I just got eight ears on four trail horses in a win photo, with an old magazine

[Andrea Boody]

I had good luck with the little stuffed animals that sing and dance - you'll either have to trigger them yourself or have someone else hit the button, but they usually bring out the curiosity.

I've also borrowed a friends coyote lure - its a remote control electronic box that has wounded animal sounds and a motion lure that snaps back and forth. Its usually used to call coyotes for hunting, but horses are mesmerized.

I've seen people using the screaming monkeys, too - the ones you launch like a rubberband.

[Nancy Krebs]

Thank you so much!!! I appriciate it!

[Carol Lynn Coronios]

A small (cosmetic) mirror. Have assistant use ONLY when you're completely set up and only need ears. Catch horse's eye with it or reflect the light with it.

One of those big lots of ringlets bows - with some jingle bells tied on. Or the bow stuck on a film container with a few pebbles in it. You or assistant toss it out in front of the horse.

I've seen some assistants use a lighter - just flick it on.

Biggest thing's been said - the novelty only lasts a few times, so bring a bag of tricks - but don't show ANY of them until THE MOMENT you need them.

[Josee Talbot]

For me, an umbrella usually does the job! Of course, you need an assistant for that! A small mirror also works well. One day, I used an aluminum plate and placed some small stones in it and shook it. On the iPhone, there is a sound of a dog barking... Got me out of trouble with a mare who didn't react to any of the tricks I usually use!

[Anne Whiting]

I use one of those folding pop-up nylon windshield sunscreens. When you need it just let it expand and it's worked everytime. Also easy to carry around under my arm.

[Sharon Packer]

An assistant tossing dirt, leaves into the air usually works. I use "Horse." It is an application for I-Phone which works when tapped or when I move. It has never failed to get ears up and usually elicits loud responses from the horses I'm working with. Be careful with that umbrella! One of my own horses would have been in the next county if you'd opened the umbrella monster around her!