Poppy has progressed really well with her training over the past year. She's even been out to a few local schooling shows with great results. So, before she becomes a wooly-mammoth-horse and gets her winter coat, I decided I should get a quick passport photo of her so I might actually get around to applying for her passport next year. Why is it that the things that sound so simple aren't? According to Equine Canada, I just needed one shot as described here:
It may not be any bigger than 4"x 6", and should be a side view of the horse, with no tack. Preferably the horse's head should be turned to the camera to show any markings as listed on the application.
Well, the poor horse is going to have to live with this photo forever so I wanted it to be a good one. That means getting a horse who likes to roll in mud and sleep in poo clean. Then there is the case of her white markings - which are not always white. Oh, and she's part clyde which means lots of cosmetic clipping of whiskers and leg feathers. And cleaning the bridle was in order as well - after the mould outbreak from the humid summer. Hmm...hopefully they don't consider the bridle "tack". So after a couple hours of cleaning we headed out for her photo shoot.
Along the way, I learned some valuable tips I wanted to share as I am sure many of you have, or will, find yourself in need of a passport photo.
1. Don't have the person who feeds the horse be your handler. No offence Chelsea! In Poppy's case, she likes to eat (as evidenced by her big belly), so to her Chelsea means food, and food must be investigated. Stay Poppy!
2. Even in September, you need fly spray.
3. It also helps to have all 4 feet on an even plane. In this photo, as she continued to fidget, she ended up with her shoulder and front legs closer to the camera than her back legs - not flattering as it results in a disproportionate horse. Little bum, big shoulder, little head.
4. Even if you have established Chelsea has no food, maybe if you keep trying, and beg really hard Chelsea will find you some.
5. Have patience and eventually you end up with something. Or try turning her the other way to give her something new to look at - in this case a horse in a paddock. I think this one is our winner. It only took 80+ shots to get Poppy to cooperate. You can see all of her markings - even the edges of her white knee marking. Her eyes are open, ears forward, and tail where it should be. Done.
Good Poppy!
Oh, and if anyone knows what colour I should technically call her, let me know. She's kind of grey, kind of roan, a bit sunbleached...and where her bite marks are growing back in, it's black hair. Strange.
