The Do's and Don'ts of Photographing Sale Horses

Manebid is designed to make it easy for genuine buyers to find and compare horses around Australia. Sellers can best leverage Manebid's features by providing quality information, images and footage in their listings.

A well-photographed horse attracts more buyers, builds trust, and helps your listing stands out from the competition. If it fits in with your budget, we recommend enlisting the talent on a professional photographer to take your sale photos. Check out our directory for a list of equine photographers near you.

If you're going to take photos yourself, here’s a guide to the basic do’s and don’ts of sale horse photography.

✅ DO: Groom and Prepare Your Horse 

A well-presented horse gives buyers confidence in its care and condition.

• DO Groom Thoroughly: Bathe and brush your horse until its coat shines. Braid or clip the mane and tail for a clean, professional look.
• DO Use Clean, Neutral Tack: Choose tack that fits well and doesn’t distract from your horse.
• DO Present a Healthy Horse: Make sure your horse’s hooves are trimmed and polished, and its condition reflects good care.

⭐️ Manebid Feature: Customisable listings allow you to upload polished, professional-looking photos that show off all the preparation work you’ve done.

❌ DON’T: Use Distracting Backgrounds

Cluttered or busy settings can detract from your horse’s appeal.

• DON’T Include Messy Surroundings: Remove buckets, vehicles, and other horses from the shot.
• DON’T Use Overly Bright or Dull Backdrops: Avoid settings that either wash out your horse’s colour or make it hard to see.
• DO Choose a Clean, Simple Setting: A grassy field, well-maintained arena, or tidy barn aisle works best.

⭐️ Manebid Feature: Our platform can showcase your photos in high resolution, so a clean, professional setting really stands out to potential buyers.

✅ DO: Use Natural Light

Lighting can make or break your photos.

• DO Shoot During Golden Hours: Early morning or late afternoon light is soft and flattering.
• DO Use Overcast Days Wisely: Cloudy skies provide even, diffused light that minimises shadows.
• DON’T Shoot in Harsh Midday Sun: Strong shadows and glare can obscure details.

💡 Manebid Tip: Great lighting ensures your listing looks professional and appealing on any device, from desktop and tablet, to mobile.

❌ DON’T: Ignore the Importance of Angles

Buyers want to see all aspects of your horse.

• DO Include Key Shots:
• Full side profiles, near side and off side
• Head-on and rear views
• A close-up headshot
• Front and rear hooves
• Under-saddle photos
• Action shots
• DON’T Crop or Zoom Excessively: Keep the horse centred in the frame, with no parts cut off.

⭐️ Manebid Feature: Upload multiple images and videos, giving buyers a complete picture of your horse’s conformation, temperament, and abilities.

✅  DO: Use the Right Equipment

You don’t need professional gear, but clear, high-quality photos are essential.

• DO Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera: Many smartphones now offer excellent photo quality.
• DO Use a Tripod: For steady shots, especially if you’re photographing your horse alone.
• DON’T Skimp on Quality: Blurry, grainy photos can deter buyers.

💡 Manebid Tip: Pair clear, sharp photos with our intuitive interface to create listings that command attention.

❌  DON’T: Over-Edit Your Photos

Honesty is critical in online sales.

• DO Keep Photos Authentic: Show your horse as it truly is, highlighting its strengths and honestly representing its condition.
• DON’T Use Filters or Heavy Editing: Buyers will spot over-editing and may question the horse’s actual appearance.
• DON'T Forget to Include: A photo of your horse with a dated placard. This is a condition of entry and allows buyer's to see the horse's condition.
  
  

💡 Manebid Tip: Leverage our marketing capabilities and increase your listing's visibility by choosing one of our promotion packages.

✅  DO: Leverage Manebid’s Features

Once your photos are ready, let Manebid help you maximise their impact:

• Seamless Listings: Complete the nomination form and we'll upload and organise your photos and videos to tell your horse’s story.
• Targeted Visibility: Get your listing in front of more serious buyers by selecting a Gold, Silver or Bronze promotion package.
• Video Integration: Include a video with your listing to highlight your horse's movement, temperament, and performance.
• Trustworthy Marketplace: Our reputation for integrity attracts buyers who are ready to invest in quality horses.

❌  DON’T: Settle for Subpar Exposure

A great listing deserves to be seen. Manebid ensures your horse gets the attention it deserves with:

• Featured placement options for enhanced visibility.
• Social media promotion to reach a broader audience.
• Email campaigns targeting potential buyers.
• Targeted digital marketing Australia-wide.

Ready to Sell?

Selling your horse starts with great photos - and the right platform. Follow these do’s and don’ts to create standout listing, then let Manebid connect you with buyers who recognise quality.

Nominate your horse in our next sale by clicking the button below.