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Picture perfect: behind the scenes at a sales photo shoot

Tom Peacock sees two Whitsbury Manor mares preparing for their big day

Penny Royale strikes a pose ahead of her date at the sales
Penny Royale strikes a pose ahead of her date at the salesCredit: Lara Surman/Tattersalls

If attempting to perfect the smouldering catalogue picture pose, apparently a loud oinking noise can help.

Not probably the technique that would be advisable with David Gandy or Naomi Campbell, but when Lara Surman wants to get the attention of a horse she is photographing she reaches for the library of animal sounds on her phone.

"I've got quite a few on here," she says. "Certain noises can make the horses too alert and some don’t make any difference. Usually it's about being able to judge their temperament before you put the noise on in case you set them off – and then you’ll never get a good shot!"

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