Tips for Taking Christmas Horse Photos

The holidays are all about spending time with family, making memories, and capturing the spirit of the season. Taking photos with your horse is a joyful, festive tradition—and your equine friend might just become the star of your next holiday card.

Ideas For Your Next Christmas Horse Picture Photoshoot

Adding holiday decor to your horse’s photos doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful—it can be as simple or creative as you like.

Professional photo of a horse wearing an elegant artificial garland around its neck, posed beside a decorated evergreen tree

“One of my favorites is the classic look: a wreath,” says Rachel Griffin, an Oklahoma-based photographer and lifelong horse enthusiast. “But not just a gigantic round one you pick up at the hobby store. Trust me—your horse won’t be happy if you try to force that over their head, and it rarely sits well on their neck.”

Instead, Griffin recommends using flexible artificial garlands that drape comfortably around the horse’s neck and connect neatly at the withers. While some photographers use pre-made garlands, she prefers DIY versions—adding ornaments, bows, and personalized touches for charm and character.

Beyond the traditional wreath, consider these festive options:

  • Reindeer antlers — fun and photogenic; wear a matching pair yourself for extra cheer
  • Santa theme — a Santa hat paired with a themed blanket, saddle pad, harness, or halter
  • Snowy scene — real or high-quality faux snow for wintry magic
  • Evergreen trees — real or lifelike artificial ones for natural holiday framing
  • Horse-safe stockings — filled with treats like peppermint-flavored horse snacks or probiotic soft chews
  • Holiday-themed clothing — coordinated, comfortable, and safe apparel designed for horses
  • String lights — battery-operated, cool-to-the-touch lights placed safely around the background or on non-sensitive gear
Horse gently sniffing a large wrapped gift box while wearing a subtle red bow on its halter, captured in soft natural light

“If your horse isn’t too fond of items on their body, get creative with posing near holiday elements instead,” Griffin adds. “A horse reaching down to sniff a big present—or standing quietly beside a decorated tree—is always a heartwarming, natural shot.”

Getting Ready for Holiday Horse Pictures

Thoughtful preparation makes the photoshoot smoother, safer, and more enjoyable—for both you and your horse—and helps bring your dreamy holiday images to life.

Grooming a Horse for Photos

Griffin recommends grooming your horse as if preparing for your most important show of the year.

Start with a bath—but time it carefully. Shampoo your horse one or two days before the shoot to enhance natural coat shine. Avoid full baths in deep winter if your horse has a thick coat, as drying can be difficult and uncomfortable.

Daily currying with a tool like the Roma Curry Comb Horse Brush helps lift natural oils for a glossy finish. Follow with gentle brushing of the mane and tail using the Tough-1 Great Grip Mane & Tail Horse Brush. Finish with a conditioning spray like Healthy HairCare Hair Moisturizer Concentrate or a detangler such as Absorbine ShowSheen for softness and shine.

“Don’t neglect the face,” Griffin emphasizes. “It’s often overlooked during final prep—but it’s where your horse’s expression shines through.” She suggests using a soft face brush (like the Decker Manufacturing Company Face Horse Brush) and a damp cloth to gently remove dust and highlight features.

If bathing isn’t practical, focus on thorough currying in the days leading up, spot-cleaning with waterless shampoos like E3 Argon Waterless Horse Shampoo or Cowboy Magic GreenSpot Remover, and finishing with a clean, damp cloth. A grooming vacuum—such as the FurPetVo Professional PLUS Pet Grooming Vacuum Set—can also help lift loose hair and dust if your horse tolerates it.

For horses with heavy winter coats, aim for clean and radiant—not necessarily sleek. And if cold weather gives you pause? Consider scheduling your holiday portraits in late summer or early fall.

“The benefits are twofold,” Griffin explains. “You and your horse stay comfortable—and you’ll receive your images with plenty of time to design and mail your Christmas cards.”

Tips for Desensitizing a Nervous Horse for Photos

Holiday props add charm—but they can also overwhelm horses, especially young or inexperienced ones. Gradual, patient desensitization is key.

“Holiday decorations can be quite triggering for many horses,” says Cliff Schadt Jr., trainer and owner of Cliff Schadt Performance Horsemanship in Elkton, Maryland. “Always adopt a slow, thoughtful approach when introducing new items.”

  1. Start with groundwork: Begin in a secure space—a round pen, arena, or even a quiet stall. Introduce something novel but low-risk, like a flag or flowing fabric, to gauge your horse’s reaction. If they flinch, shy, or resist when you move it near their body or eyes, they may need more time before adding decorations.
  2. Introduce the decorations gradually: Let your horse investigate each item at their own pace—first from a distance, then closer, then with gentle touch. Always pair new experiences with calm reassurance and positive reinforcement. Never rush or force.
Trainer calmly holding a small red bow near a curious horse’s nose in an open barn aisle, both relaxed and engaged