Add a touch of Horse Magic to your Wedding Ceremony

Consider your horse's temperament

 

Is your horse calm and well behaved even in a strange environment? If there is the remotest possibility that your horse will get spooked or nervous, rethink your plans. Consider having some pre-wedding photographs but avoid exposing them to the venue or to your guests.

Choose horse-friendly vendors

 

Choose your celebrant, photographer, videographer, and content creator with your horse's needs in mind. While they need not be equestrians themselves, they should be comfortable around horses and open to adjusting their normal ways of working to accommodate your horse and open to learning what they need to know.

Safety is paramount

 

• Choose your venue with your horse in mind
  A  venue that welcomes horses may not be a safe-enough environment for your horse. Is there a quiet area where your horse can be unloaded? Is there somewhere where a dedicated handler can take your horse when and if needed? Are there toxic plants or shrubs that may be hazardous?
• Consider the safety and comfort of guests
  Not everyone is comfortable in close proximity to large animals! And no-one likes being up close with horse-poo, especially if all dressed up. So make sure you have a pooperscooper and prior instructions from the venue about where they would prefer the poo to be disposed of, and that your horse minder understands that that is part of the job.
  
• Tell your florist and your ceremony stylist that your horse will be part of your wedding
  Many popular wedding flowers are toxic to horses, including baby's breath, calla lilies, carnations, ivy, gardenias, lavender, and peonies are just some of these. Make sure also that your stylist understands what to avoid to ensure that the decor does not startle or spook your horse.
• Discuss the logistics of your entrance with your celebrant
  
  • Where you will dismount to commence your walk down the aisle
  • The possible alternative of riding round to the front of the ceremony space rather than up to the beginning of the aisle and dismounting and joining your partner from there

Legal and Liability Considerations

 

Before making plans to include your horse in your wedding ceremony,   check that your venue will allow this and get that agreement, and any conditions that apply, in writing. You should also check with local authorities whether you will require a permit and whether any regulations apply.

You should also consider liability insurance coverage in case of any unforeseen incidents involving your horse during the ceremony.

Do an allergy check

 

Symptoms of an allergy to horses, specifically to their dander, might be immediate, or delayed, mild or severe. They include

• Itchy, watery, and red eyes
• Sneezing
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Facial pressure and pain
• Hives and rashes on the body
• Asthma flare

So it would be a good idea to alert your guests to your intention to include your horse in your ceremony, and ask them to report their allergy status, so that you and your celebrant can plan the choreography of your wedding to avoid close encounters between your horse and your allergic guests.

As a matter of interest, female horses pose less of a risk as they produce major allergens at a lower level than do male horses. Certain breeds of horses are also less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.  Thesea are Shetland Ponies, Gypsy Cobs and Icelandic horses, together with the
American Bashkir Curly Horse, a breed that is extremely rare in Australia.

Choose your dress and shoes with your horse in mind

 

Choose a dress that allows for ease of movement, including mounting and dismounting. Which basically means a ballgown type design with a wide skirt. Anything hip hugging will be difficult, if not impossible,  to ride in.

Ditch the bridal heels or strappy sandals in favour of suitable footwear, perhaps riding boots? You can always changes into your more glamourous shoes before you walk those last few steps down the aisle.

Consider also your own comfort and wear leggings under your stress to protect your legs against chafing.

Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse

Practice, practice, practice with your horse in the weeks leading up to the big day to ensure both of you are comfortable and confident. When rehearsing, wear a skirt that replicates the skirt of your dress in design and in weight and drape of the fabric so that your horse gets used to having their hind quarters covered and the extent to which the fabric moves and floats and rustles.

Your ceremony

 

• Work with your celebrant to make sure the needs of your horse are fully understood so that the ceremony is free of potential distractions
  
• It might be a good idea to discuss with your celebrant how they might request that your guests sit quietly for your entrance
• Communicate with your photographer to plan for capturing the best moments with your horse during the ceremony
  
• Avoid anything that might spook your horse, including loud noises and bright lights, and make sure the space isn't crowded

Logistics and Timing

 

• Coordinate with your wedding planner or venue coordinator to ensure smooth logistics for including your horse.
• Factor in extra time for your horse's arrival and departure from the ceremony site.

Post-Ceremony Care

 

• After the ceremony, make sure your horse has a quiet and safe place to rest and relax
• Provide water and snacks for your horse to replenish their energy after the excitement of the ceremony
• Discuss your horse's needs with your photographer and videographer before scheduling post-ceremony photos with your horse
  
• Consider arranging for a comfortable stable or paddock for your horse to retreat to once the festivities are over if you can't arrange for them to be taken back to their own stables while you party on.
  

Have a Backup Plan

 

• Have a trusted handler or groom assist with your horse to ensure their comfort and safety throughout the ceremony, and before and after it, including when having photos taken.
  
• Have a backup plan in case your horse becomes agitated or nervous.