You Look Maaaarvelous!

When Gem and I first partnered up, Jean gave me a big rubber storage bin to store my stuff in the tack room. The carrying case I have for my grooming supplies fit in it easily, with room to spare. I never in a million years thought that I would fill this tub. But, I found myself in the local tack shop weekly and could easily waste away an hour looking at stuff. I rarely left empty handed; a new brush, a new saddle pad, a new pair of Spanx-like breeches so that I look good while on Gem. :-) I now have enough treats, shampoo, conditioner, face cloths, body scrapers, fly spray, and various brushes to open my own tack store!! The stuff that I can't fit in the tub are placed on top of the lid; Gem's towel, blanket and saddle pads are all folded neatly. Overflow has somehow made it's way to my trunk.

When I am in the drug store and I see a new shampoo or lipstick or moisturizer, it calls out to me - buy me, buy me! I will use it for a while and, more often then not, the half full or barely used product will go into MY Tupperware bin at home - yes, I have a big Tupperware bin, too!

"It's better to look good than to feel good!", as Fernando/Billy Chrystal would say. I live up to that quote, I think. ;-) But to look good, you have to do a lot of prep work. Skin, nails, hair and makeup, each with a bunch of products. As I have reminded my husband on more than one occasion when he complains at the amount of time I spending beautifying, "Perfection takes time, money and sometimes pain." ;-) I find that Gem has just about as many products as I do! Not all of these products are used every day, but I find our grooming requirements and routine to be very similar. Have I turned my horse into me???!!!!

I wash my hair 3 times a week and each time it takes about 20-30 minutes to dry and style it. Gem gets brushed, including his mane and tail, 3 times a week and it takes about 30 minutes each time.

I use one comb and two brushes to do my hair. Gem requires one comb and three brushes.

I put deep conditioner in my hair once a week. Gem gets conditioner/detangler once a week on his mane and tail.

I buff my nails. Gem's gets his hooves buffed.

I give myself a facial once a week. Gem gets his face and nostrils cleaned with a warm facecloth once a week (more in the summer).

I am "over-conditioned". Gem is "over-conditioned". We require "plus" size items.

I try to look put-together and I try to make him look put-together by coordinating his saddle, bridle, saddle pads, and saddle blankets.

I get my nails done every 6 weeks. Gem gets his feet done every 6 weeks. The cost is the same for both of us - $32.00.

Perhaps I was attracted to Gem because he reminded me of myself. He's big, with dark hair and eyes, a flirt, a bit bossy and likes to have fun. Me, too. :-)
I actually love grooming Gem. I could brush and fuss over him for hours if he could handle standing in cross-ties that long! I find it relaxing, and I think he does too. This is a picture from last summer, just as the sun was setting after our lesson. I think his beautification routine has paid off. He has slimmed down a bit since this picture - I wish I could say that I have! Do you think he knows he's handsome?? I wonder sometimes. I watch his body change when he's around other horses. He seems to stand taller and puff himself out when there are mares in the neighbourhood. Hey, how you doin'? Have I created a monster? Or was he already full of himself? Hmmmm, I wonder if he thinks I am a good accessory..... :-)

What was I thinking....?