Cruz the Shire Horse Goes High Fashion: A Sydney Model Horse Photoshoot


Every so often a shoot comes along that flips the script completely. This time, I wasn't behind the camera — I was Cruz's groom and handler for the day, while stylist Sareena brought her own photographer and a vision she'd been planning for six months.

Woman in burgundy gown poses with large shire horse in a serene forest setting near a pond during a photoshoot in sydney with a horse
A woman in a burgundy gown stands beside a brown and white horse in a sunlit forest setting during a photoshoot in sydney
Woman in burgundy jumpsuit stands beside a majestic shire horse in a lush green forest setting during a photoshoot with a horse in sydney

When a Stylist Books a Horse for a Photoshoot


Sareena reached out wanting something different: a fashion photoshoot with a horse in Sydney, built entirely around her creative direction. She'd had the concept locked in for half a year, waiting for the right weather to line up. Instead of booking one of my usual photography packages, she simply hired Cruz for the session — proof that horse hire for photoshoots doesn't always come with a photographer attached. Sometimes it's just about the horse.


And the weather actually cooperated. On shoot day, everything Sareena had pictured for months finally came together.

Woman in white blazer suit holding reins beside a dark brown horse outdoors in natural light photoshoot with a horse in sydney
Woman in burgundy gown with fur stole poses beside a brown shire horse near trees and a pond photoshoot with a horse in sydney
Young woman in burgundy velvet dress and fur stole poses with dark horse outdoors in winter setting photoshoot with a horse in sydney
woman in burgundy dress poses with a large shire horse in a sunlit forest setting in sydney photoshoot with a horse
Woman in burgundy outfit with fur stole poses beside a large shire horse in a forest setting during a photoshoot in sydney
Woman in burgundy gown with fur stole stands beside a shire horse near trees and a pond during a photoshoot in sydney

Two Looks, One Very Patient Model and a horse


The team came prepared with two outfits — a rich burgundy look and a clean white look. Where I usually move around the property chasing different backdrops, this shoot called for the currently popular flash-lit, single-location setup. The whole team set up in one spot and stayed there, working the light rather than the landscape.


That meant Cruz had to hold his position, stay calm under studio-style lighting, and be the centre of attention for hours. He handled it like an absolute professional and he loved every bit of the attention. His favourite part were probably the carrots.

Woman in white suit holding reins beside a dark brown horse in a forest setting during a photoshoot in sydney with a horse
Woman in white suit holding reins beside a dark brown horse outdoors among trees during a photoshoot with a horse in sydney
Woman in white blazer suit holding horse reins beside a dark brown horse outdoors during a photoshoot in sydney with a horse

Meet Cruz, Sydney's Model Horse


Cruz is a gentle giant Shire horse, and after plenty of time together, I know his temperament better than almost anyone at the moment. Being his handler for this shoot instead of his photographer gave me a whole new appreciation for how steady he really is. He didn't just tolerate the attention, he clearly loved it.


If you're picturing a fashion, commercial, or editorial shoot with a horse in Sydney, Cruz is exactly the kind of calm, camera-ready model who makes it possible.

Horse Photoshoot FAQ

Can I hire a horse for a fashion photoshoot in Sydney?

Yes. Cruz, a Shire horse based in the Hills District, is available for hire for fashion, editorial, and commercial photoshoots — with or without a bundled photography package.

Is Cruz used to studio-style lighting and staying in one spot?

Yes. Cruz is well-suited to both moving, location-based shoots and static, single-setup shoots using flash or studio lighting.

How far in advance should I book a horse for a photoshoot?

Given weather and horse availability, it's best to plan several months ahead, especially for larger creative or commercial concepts.

Do I need to book Eva as the photographer if I hire Cruz?

No. You can hire Cruz on his own if you have your own photographer or styling team, or book a full photoshoot package with Eva behind the camera.

What breed is Cruz?

Cruz is a Shire horse, known for his calm, gentle temperament — which makes him a great fit for fashion and styled photoshoots involving close contact and long shoot days.