I notice most Sporthorses are posed the same way in photos online, they have them stretched out through their neck but the head isn’t as stretched out (so it doesn’t seem like they’re just stretching for a treat that is off-camera).
Do people train the horse to do that? Or do they just have A+ carrot stretch technique? LOL
The photographers bring a mirror with them and hold it a bit lower than head level. It’s a trade secret lol. Apparently, horses are kind of vain and like looking at themselves in the mirror.
Also a horse that has been correctly worked to stretch to the bit develops the ability to stretch like this and the muscling to look good when he “telescopes” his neck. Some very good quality horses might be able to do it from the beginning and of course if they are all wound up and flirty. But for more regular horses, they build up over time to being able to carry the neck like that.
Not training, but a LOT of time, patience, and practice (by photographer and handler). It may take an hour to get that perfect conformation shot. Usually one person on the shank, taking direction from photographer (left front back, right hind up, he’s leaning, etc). And another assistant in horse’s view to get “expression” and ears through a variety of tricks: play a recording of horse whinny is guaranteed to get ears and alert eyes. Crinkle peppermint wrappers, rattle a plastic bottle of rocks, hold a plastic bag low and shake it gently, etc…anything to direct horse’s attention and interest, all while keeping the feet still in position.
A few horses just walk out of the barn, look off into the distance and pose while the camera shutter clicks…but that’s not training, just a classy horse who loves to show off!
As others have said, most don’t train this unless they also show on the line, but you could! And then you wouldn’t need to pay a photographer for an hour 
Any decent handler (for line classes) can get a horse to do that in a matter of minutes. It’s essentially teaching the horse “Whoa!” while tempting them just enough to get the neck stretch. It doesn’t have to be a treat, a crop with some tassles, a candy wrapper, snapping fingers, or yes the ever popular assistant throwing grass or dirt.
The problem with some of the above “tricks”, ie a recording of a horse whinnying will cause most horses to throw their heads up and invert, usually not the most attractive pose.
American Pharoah is a master at this. He knows he’s a champion and acts like it.
some horses are naturals.
This is possibly the best idea I have ever heard. EVER.
My mare is so blase that nothing really phases her, and trying to get her to “pose” has always been a challenge. But I think this might work for her! Trying this for next time hahah, thanks!
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