Tips for Including Horses in Your Quinceanera Photos – Featuring Ericka’s Vaquero Dream.

cayupe30
20 hours ago
3 min read

Lately, I’ve noticed more and more quinceaneras asking about including horses in their sessions—and I get it! Whether it’s part of a Cinderella theme with a full-on carriage, a rustic vaquero vibe, or simply because the quinceanera has a love for horses, they’ve become a beautiful and meaningful addition to photo shoots.

That’s exactly why I put together this guide with Tips for Including Horses in Your Quinceanera Photos, inspired by Ericka’s unforgettable vaquero-style celebration.

But before saying “yes” to horses, there are a few key things to consider.

First, not every venue allows animals. Some ranch-style venues offer horses as part of their packages, and in those cases, everything from safety to cleanup is usually handled. But others only allow their own horses or may charge extra if you bring one in from the outside. And if something happens—like the horse munches on the landscaping or leaves a little “gift” behind—you might be responsible for the cleanup or replacement costs.

So, what comes first: choosing the horse or the venue? That depends on your priorities. If you already have a horse in mind—maybe one you know, or one available for rent—it’s important to find a venue that allows outside horses. If the venue is your starting point, ask if they offer horses as part of their services, or if they allow external ones.

These are some of the most important questions to ask:

Does the venue allow horses at all?
Can we bring in our own, or must we rent theirs?
If horses are provided by the venue, what’s the cost?
Can we request two horses instead of just one?
Who chooses the horse—us, or the venue?
Are the horses used to camera flashes, dresses, and groups of people?
Are we allowed to ride them, or are they just for posing?

You’ll also want to check if the horses can be decorated to match the quinceanera’s colors—ribbons, flowers, bows in the mane. Some venues take care of that; others may ask you to bring your own.

And here’s something I always emphasize: horses aren’t props. They move, they react to bugs, sounds, and emotions. That’s why there’s usually a handler present—someone who helps reposition and calm the horse throughout the shoot. It’s a dynamic situation, and it takes time. That’s why I always recommend scheduling at least an hour and a half, or even two hours, if a horse is involved—especially if the quinceanera plans to ride it.

And if she’s never been around horses? Spend some time with the horse ahead of time. Let her connect, talk to it, build that familiarity. Horses can feel when someone’s nervous. That bond can make all the difference on the big day.

Now, let me tell you about Ericka’s quinceanera—a perfect example of how to bring a personal and cultural touch to your celebration.

She always knew she wanted a horse to be part of her story. Her connection to ranch life runs deep in her family traditions, and it felt like the perfect way to honor her roots cowboy/cowgirl theme and made it her own—from her dress choices to her grand entrance.

Ericka wore two dresses that day: one elegant champagne gown for the Mass and early photos, and a bold red one for the presentation and party. Both dresses made an appearance in her horse session, adding a perfect blend of softness and strength.

Her court looked just as incredible. The boys wore formal vaquero outfits—black jackets, jeans, western buckles, and tejanas. The damas wore short black dresses paired with cowgirl boots, bringing a fresh mix of formality and cowboy flair.

One of the most memorable moments was her entrance. In many parts of Mexico, it’s tradition for the quinceanera to arrive with a banda playing, and that’s exactly what Ericka did. It set the tone for the entire evening—joyful, energetic, and full of zapateado dances.

Including a horse in her celebration wasn’t just about the photos—it was a way to stay close but a way to stay close to her family roots.

So if you’re thinking of incorporating a horse into your quinceanera, ask all the right questions early. Make sure the horse, the location, and the timing all line up with your vision.

Would you picture something like this for your big day? Let us know—we’re ready to capture it all, your way.

Photo & video: Cayupe Eclipsi Photography Esteban Segura Tico @supertico80