Horsemanning / Horsemaning Photos

Horsemaning / Horsemanning Origins

Horsemanning, or fake beheading, was a popular way to pose in a photograph in the 1920's. Sometimes spelled horsemaning, the horsemanning photo fad derives its name from the Headless Horseman, a character from “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”  According to legend, the "original" horsemanning photo was discovered at a flea market. After a series of horsemanning photos began trending on Buzzfeed, people got inspired to recreate the horseman. Horsemanning is experiencing a revival and is best known as the new form of planking.  Check out our gallery which even includes some famous celebrities horsemanning!

Create A Horsemanning / Horsemaning Picture

The object of horsemanning is to make it appear that the photo's subject has been beheaded, like the Headless Horseman. Typically, one person lays with their head hidden while the other exposes only their head in the photo. If done correctly, horsemanning produces a brilliant optical illusion and allows for more creativity than other photo-posing fads like planking. Also, while planking is a solo game, horsemanning / horsemaning encourages social interaction as it requires a partner.

Join the Horsemanning / Horsemaning Movement

Joining the horsemanning / horsemaning movement is easy - just grab a friend and horseman! Check out our BEST OF HORSEMANING PHOTO GALLERY for creative ideas and submit your picture for posting.  You can also join the social community on facebook and twitter!