- New Zealand
Photographing a Thoroughbred yearling for sale.
Gus Wigley (Reproduced with kind permission)
Why a good photo matters
- A standardised format for a conformation photo that allows a buyer to compare one horse with another
- A photo must show the best version of a horse
- First impressions count, especially on Gavelhouse
Sun
- Take photos before mid-morning in summer
- Stand horse directly side on to the sun
- Direct, bright sun leaves too many shadows under the horse
- Light high cloud, that still casts a shadow, is best
Scope and positioning
- Primary photo should always be the near side of the horse
- Stand 15-20m from the horse
- Always take the photo in line with the horse’s shoulder
- Take the photo from the height of the wither
- Move with the horse as it moves to make sure you’re always in the right position
- Have a clear, bright and tidy background
Head
- Horse must look bright, alert and show its rein
- Ears forward/pricked
- Head stretching forward
- Head looking forward and slightly to the left
- Download horse or animal sounds on your phone
- Bright eye
Front legs
- Near side leg should be dead vertical and locked
- Offside leg placed behind
- Off foot should be 30cm behind near front foot
- Off leg should be locked
- Off leg should cross behind off front leg 3-4 inches above knee
Hind quarter
- Cannon of near hind should be vertical or just angled behind
- Off hind should be under the horse, 50cm approx in front of near hind
- For a short-coupled horse, stretch the middle by placing the near hind behind the horse
- For a long horse, compact the middle by placing the near hind under the horse
Other shots
- Front on – feet square, camera at horse’s chest height, horses’s head out of shot
- Hind shot – feet reasonably square, taken from your chest height, leader standing to side
- Head shot – ears pricked, eyes alert, taken from at or below horse’s eyes, rump in shot
- Feet – take on solid ground, feet square, taken from horse’s chest. height, trim and dress feet
The leader
- Leader moves the horse back and forth to get feet positioning correct
- Move horse backwards with chest pressure rather than pressure with the lead
- Hold horse under chin until helper gets horse’s attention then step out of shot
- Practice – a good leader should be able to parade a yearling and bring the horse to a stop in the correct leg position for inspection
Other points
- Do not Photoshop out leads – shows a canny buyer the photo has been altered and just look weird
- Have a person in shot as little as possible
- Groom the horse like it’s going through the ring
- If you’re breeding commercially, invest in a good camera – it’s one extra bid
- Three people are needed
- Young people are awesome at editing photos – ask for help
Things to avoid
- These photos are taken from a recent lower-level sale in Australia
A 'SUPER' Photo
- A well taken photo shows a horse in its best light and can have a lasting legacy
Penny TAYLOR
04/07/2022 at 2:37 pmWONDERFUL TIPS HERE, THANK YOU!