Black Sheath

I would think that there are many females around my vintage that might think of this when I say "black sheath":

(Isn't she gorgeous?!)

Now, if you are a horse person, perhaps your first thought would not be of Breakfast at Tiffany's and Audrey in that dress. No, if you are a horse person, you probably think of this when I say "black sheath":

My friend contacted me about three weeks ago….

Her: I haven’t seen you since the beginning of April! I have been thinking about you!

Me: What a coincidence! I have been thinking about you, too. Gem needs a Willie Wash!

Her: Oh. Again?

Me: Once a year as part of his Spring tune up.

Her: Oh. I see.

Me: You helped me the very first time. I will always remember that. I am thinking that we should do this every year. Like an anniversary of sorts.

Her: Will we go for beer after??

Me: Yes. You can have as much as you want, because I am driving.

Her: OK, I’m in.

Me: (to myself) She’s so easy…. :-)

Last year’s experience was, well, interesting. As they say, the first time for anything is always the hardest. I had very high anxiety and on top of that I was embarrassed. Yes, embarrassed! Technically, I understood what needed to be done. The execution was the issue. The whole touching Gem, you know, there made me blush like a teenager. The experience did bring my relationship with Gem and my friend to a whole other level. :-)

Admittedly, I was still intimidated by the K-Y counter at the pharmacy. Once again, I did not go to my regular store because I didn't want any of my usual clerks to see what I was buying! And, I was still a bit anxious when we arrived to do the "act' this past Sunday. My friend started grooming him as I got prepared. K-Y - check, facecloth - check, bucket with lukewarm water - check, gloves - check. Assume the safety position - go!

After the initial shock of how deep the sheath is, I got down to business. Gem gave me that "what the heck are you doing back there?" look, but then went back to enjoying my friend's brushing. He was a gentlemen once again this year. I am so lucky. He was actually pretty clean. I suspect that last year was the first time in a long time since he had been cleaned and that's why there was so much gunk. The Willie Wash was completed in a timely fashion (I am getting pretty good at it!) and we left the stables satisfied that my beautiful boy's private area was squeaky clean. Yep, I am the Willie Wash Queen!

Some may remember my emotional trauma last year. We learn through experience and I made some changes to this year's routine, the most important one being PUTTING MY HAIR IN A PONY TAIL. Secondly, I came to the conclusion that in my enthusiasm I may have used a bit too much K-Y last year (having grey K-Y drip down my arms was an indicator), so I cut back on the amount. Thirdly, I brought a change of clothing; it was so nice to be able to sit and have a nice big frosty draft with one of my best-est friends in the whole wide world and not see Willie Wash evidence splashed on my clothing! :-)

What was I thinking....?