Archive for the ‘EcoLicious Beauty Makeovers’ Category

Recently I was asked to model (along with my beloved steed Guinness) for Herd Products, as they prepare to launch a new line of horse trailers.  Naturally, I jumped at the chance!  To think my Guinny could potentially end up as the poster child for a new line of horse trailers!  I can see it now, Guinny’s face plastered across two page spreads in magazines and all over the Internet!  Before I know it we’ll be ducking Paparazzi just to get a practice ride in!  He’ll never be able to leave the paddock in sweatpants again!  Well…maybe I shouldn’t get too carried away….

The photo shoot was scheduled to take place on November 18^th at Superior Equestrian Centre in Oakbank. For those of you who don’t live in Mani-snow-ba, you may not appreciate that doing anything outdoors before June or after September can be dicey.  In fact, a true Manitoban knows we don’t really have summer here – just three or four months of bad tobogganing!  I digress…it was approximately –20 with the wind chill and flurries were expected within the hour.  We had to move quickly if we wanted to get any useable shots (those being the ones where I’m not channeling my inner Rudolph!)

I arrived at the barn at 9:00AM (decked out in all my winter gear) and went to get Guinny from the field.  Initially he didn’t’ seem sure losing valuable playtime with his buddies was worth it, but before I could crinkle the plastic on the bag of carrots, my boy appeared (and practically dragged me to the barn!)  I don’t call him “Guinny Pig” for nothing folks…that horse would work the camera himself for a carrot!

With time being limited before the shoot, I immediately began the process of doing a modified Red Carpet Makeover. I don’t have a wash stall so I nixed the bath and used a warm, damp towel with a little Squeaky Green & Clean Shampoo to get the stains out. Just a quick lather & rinse and his socks were nearly as white as my polo wraps!  I then applied a generous dollop of De-Stress Intensive Treatment to his tail before finger combing and brushing it out.  I used In Control Mane Setting & Braiding Cream to braid his mane in record time before wrapping his legs.  A little Glossy Coat Enhancing Tonic on my sheepskin mitt finished the look and buffed Guinny’s fuzzy fall coat to a high sheen.  Since I’ve only had Guinny for a few weeks, it was a real treat to see him turned out. He certainly looked the part of a show horse!

Now it was time for me to get cleaned up and ready for the shoot.  I had already done my hair and makeup at home (and said a little prayer for it to last out in the elements) so essentially I just needed to change.  As I mentioned earlier, this was a “fall” shoot, so on went the lightweight breeches, tall leather boots, a turtleneck and a light (emphasis on light) jacket.  I decided to refresh the hot packs in my boots (and put a pair in my mitts for good measure) before heading outside.

The creative for the photo shoot was loosely based around unloading horses in the fall, with the inference that we could be going to or from a horse show.  Guinness was to be decked out in show attire, while the second horse, Taurus (owned by Nachelle Forde), was to be left ‘au natural.’   It was exciting but I couldn’t shake this sinking feeling that turning into a Megsicle was in my not so distant future!

Our first location was on the lane where we did some mock loading shots.  Guinny was a good sport, illustrating just how far a horse of his stature can reach his neck into the trailer without actually setting foot inside! Luckily Taurus was a trooper, being the first one to brave entering the prototype.  It was a nice contrast to have Guinny and Taurus loading – Taurus is a refined 15 hands (on his tippy-toes) while Guinness is a stout 17+ hands (and weighs in at over 1300lbs.)

Next we moved out to a meadow where we did some casual shots in front of the trailer grazing. 
Guinny and I got to pose with some deluxe 2011 SUV’s brought in from local dealerships for the shoot. We stayed in the meadow for just over an hour while they setup shots and rotated vehicles.  Although it was cold, Guinny was a trooper and a real natural in front of the camera. I on the other hand was entering rigor mortis and was given direction to look more relaxed (also known as less stiff.)   That said, I took my critique gracefully (a real model never complains, right Tyra?)

Guinny and I had a short break so they could get some static shots before we setup at our next location. Guinny had a few minutes to eat in the stall while I threw on my winter clothes and cranked the heat in my car.  I have never been flexible (or coordinated…who am I kidding here?) but cold is a great motivator.  I was somehow tenuously balanced on the seat with arms and legs in the air, rotating appendages with deadly precision from one vent to another for maximum heat absorption.   To the crew, I must have looked crazy, but in my defense, I don’t think they really appreciated that leather boots lack the substance to sustain a wimpy twenty-something with poor circulation.  And for the record, my feet still get cold just thinking about the photo shoot.

Once I was moderately defrosted, we moved to our third and final location in front of the barn, where
we did a series of shots leading past the trailer.  The mirrored finish of the trailer really caught Guinny’s attention and the photographer ended the day with some great shots that weren’t part of the original creative.  Thank goodness I own a horse that loves to stare at his reflection.  For those who knew me as a child, you may say this is very apropos. Luckily I have outgrown spending hours in front of the mirror singing into my hairbrush – I now lip sync into my spatula (in less blatantly reflective surfaces like the glass on the microwave door.)

All jokes about lip-syncing and rigor mortis aside, the shoot went really well and Guinny was a hit with the crew.  They all couldn’t get over what a gentle giant he is (and I couldn’t help but agree – how I love him!)   For now our budding career as professional models is on ice (literally) but we may be doing another shoot with Herd in the spring.  In the meantime I will patiently await our big debut (and keep one eye out for Paparazzi…just in case!)

Naturally yours until next time,

Megan

Check out our full line of delicious, natural and green equine care & grooming products at www.ecoliciousequestrian.com

Here is our final part of our “EcoLicious Red Carpet Ready Guide”. If you follow these steps, your horse will look like a glamorous movie star at the Oscars when you’re done with him. Guaranteed. Most importantly -  have fun with your horse and make sure to have some baby carrots handy.

Step 6:  Finishing Touches

Yes, here I am working on the mane and tail again!  What kind of anal-retentive, over achiever would I be if I didn’t work on the mane and tail just once more? 

When the mane is dry, I like to wrap things up by braiding using In Control Braiding & Mane Setting Cream.  I’ve tried other products, but as far as I’m concerned this is a lifesaver if you do any sport where you have to band or braid.  Not only are hairsprays and gels toxic, sticky and smelly but they also don’t provide the subtle hold In Control gives you (OR add lustre OR restore elasticity to the hair!)  You caught me – I’m not a fan of using hairsprays or sticky short-cuts to braid hair, but can you blame me? Who wants a crunchy, sticky mane and tail after you’ve just put all that effort into getting it silky, shiny and soft?!?  Even if you don’t braid, gently smooth the settling cream along the crest of the mane to eliminate those pesky fly-a-way’s.

As I move back to the tail, I once again reach for my trusty De-Stress Intensive Reconstructing & Detangling Treatment.  I like to put a small dollop in my hand and work it through the tail, doing one last gentle finger comb as I go.  Once I’m satisfied that absolutely no raking is required, I will brush the tail with a flexible, natural bristle brush. As I gently separate every last squeaky clean, glistening strand I build show-stopping volume (a must for horses who weren’t blessed with beautiful tails and a bonus for those who were!)

Step 7:  Pièce de résistance

You didn’t think I’d ignore the hooves did you?  I leave this step until just before I go to the warm-up ring – in fact it’s the last thing I do before I get changed into my show clothes and put my bridle on.  If you are slightly less accident-prone than a certain blogger with an unhealthy finger-combing obsession I might mention, then you can feel free to do this step at any time. Although Hoof Therapy Restorative & Protective Serum is already a must-have in my grooming tote year-round, it has also become the finishing touch on my red carpet makeover.  Much like a good pair of stilettos, naturally glossy and moisturized hooves really finish the look.  No toxic paints, tars or sparkles required!  You cant’ go wrong with this product – not only does it naturally nourish and moisturize your horses hooves but I’ve found it resists dust and dirt accumulation better than most products on the market.  Bonus!  

Well there you have it folks!  That’s my sure-fire (and ever-so-good-smelling) method to transform your horse into a head turning, jaw dropping and eco-friendly show horse!  Step back and admire your work for a moment, and then go brush the hay out of your hair,  get out your Tide stick (ketchup doesn’t get itself out of white breeches!) and give yourself a makeover.

Make sure to check out Part I. & Part II.of our EcoLicious “Red Carpet Ready” Guide as well.

Naturally yours until next time!
Megan 

Check out our full line of delicious, natural and green equine care & grooming products at www.ecoliciousequestrian.com

Here`s the 2nd part of our Comprehensive Guide to Make Your Horse Carpet Ready. Enjoy!

Step 3:  Bath time

Drum roll please!  We have finally arrived.   Possibly the most messy but fun part of any pre-show makeover is the bathing portion.  Although I know those of you that own horses who fear the sabre-toothed garden hose may disagree with me, bathing horses can be tons of fun (even if means coming home soaking wet and covered in horse hair!)  

Albeit bathing is pretty self explanatory, it is worth noting that going to the trouble of bathing your horse will only be worth it if you use a good quality natural shampoo (such as Squeaky Green & Clean) that doesn’t leave your horse itching to roll the instant you release them!  Since I have the floor, I also can’t resist reminding everyone to be ever mindful of choosing a water temperature that is comfortable for your horse – no one likes an icy cold bath or scalding hot shower!  

 This is up to you, but I like to thoroughly soak my horse before I start scrubbing so that there is adequate moisture to get a nice foamy froth built up when I take the loofah to ‘em!   Next I go to the mane and tail.  I scrub the base thoroughly to remove any dead skin and dander that may cause itching.

Speaking of my loofah…I like to really go to town with it if my horse has socks – no talcum powders or toxic home remedies here!  With just a little elbow grease you’ll have the kind of vibrant whites Javex users the world over only dream about.   Squeaky is perfect for baths – tough on grime and dirt yet gentle on skin (all while still adding that much sought after moisture and gloss.)  An added bonus is that like all EcoLicious products, a little goes a long way and it’s biodegradable so you can bathe your horse on the grass with a clear conscience. ( Note from EcoLicious Equestrian: we’ll be launching a new EcoLicious whitener in 2011).

Since I mentioned elbow grease earlier, it got me thinking.  While you’re bathing your horse keep an eye out for any itchy spots as you scrub.  My take on this is that if you scratch the itchy spots for them, the need to take scratching into their own hands (or hooves!) post-bath is exponentially reduced!  Besides, why pass up a chance to make my horse feel good and build rapport?  Too many horses want divorces these days!  

 Once I’ve scrubbed my horse from head to toe and gently washed out the shampoo, I like to take things a step further and apply a rinse out conditioner to the entire body, mane and tail like Silky Rinse Out Moisturizing Conditioner.  Not only does it make your horse feel silky soft but it is also made without silicones so you can condition the entire body without worrying that it may cause your saddle to slip.   I like to let the conditioner sit for a few minutes before I proceed with my trusty “lather, rinse, repeat” routine.  During this time I like to rinse out the underside of my horses hooves and take a warm, damp towel to gently clean areas where a loofah-mitt isn’t welcome… 

I should also mention that once I’ve done my final rinse, I use a squeegee or sweat scraper to get the excess water off their coat.   This step is dual-purposed as not only does it save you precious drying time but is also a chance to make sure there is no excess product left on your horse (which will show up in the form of little white bubbles as you scrape along your horses coat.) 

Whenever possible, I like to graze my horse after a bath and allow them to dry in the sun.  That said, when I’m on the show grounds (or the weather isn’t cooperating) I put a cooler on them to prevent chills and keep the coat and mane laying flat. I like to put them back in their stall and give them some quiet time while the bulk of the moisture evaporates.   I’m not one to blow dry my horses…bathing stresses some horses (and handlers!) enough as it is.  I prefer to give everyone a chance to decompress and grab a snack instead.

Step 4:  Treat the Mane and Tail…again!

I know! I’m like a chocoholic that can’t lay off the brownies (and yes, my spell check just confirmed that “chocoholic” is indeed a real word!) but while the mane is still slightly damp I like to mist conditioning product on it before I begin finger combing again.  My go-to-product is Moisture Maniac Mane & Tail Detangling Infusion because it softens the hair and protects it from breakage (which is critical for any of you ladies who know how damaging combing wet hair can be.)  I like to spray liberally into the base of the mane and tail to ensure that I moisturize any areas that could potentially look dry or brittle when I come to braid my horse.  It’s also worth noting that Moisture Maniac contains natural UV filters – a definite bonus for those of you who compete your horses outdoors all summer and hate how the sun fades dark manes and tails.   

Step 5:  Enhance the Coat

For now I will leave the mane and tail to dry and move onto my second favourite part of the makeover experience. We all know how a healthy, lustrous coat can enhance any horses appearance and I am a huge fan of cultivating sheen in my horses.  Once my horse’s coat has dried I use my all time favourite product, Glossy – Gloss Enhancing Coat Tonic.  It not only softens my horses coat but also creates this natural luminosity (which trust me, cannot be duplicated by other products that contain silicones which just coat the hair instead of penetrating and conditioning it.)  

 Further to my sheen obsession, because Glossy is an EcoLicious product, I can spray with wild abandon (and believe me, I do!)  knowing it will never cause my tack to slip.  

Although some may be content with spraying on a coat enhancer I like to take it a step further.  After spraying, I rub the horse down using the palms of my hands, following the direction of hair growth.  I then bring out my secret weapon (the sheepskin grooming mitt!) and rub the horse all over to gently buff their coat to high, glossy sheen.  The Glossy – Gloss Enhancing Coat Tonic is infused with Mica (a shimmering, reflective mineral) and, when combined with the naturally buffing action of the sheepskin, really finishes the look.  Trust me ladies, the sheen is definitely Ray Ban worthy.

Stay tuned for part  3 of our Comprehensive Guide to Make Your Horse Red Carpet Ready! Click here for the part 1.

Naturally yours until next time!
Megan

Check out our full line of delicious, natural and green equine care & grooming products at www.ecoliciousequestrian.com

We all know what it’s like to stand on the rail at a horse show and ogle the fine specimens before us.  After all a horse show is one of the few places where you cannot only count on seeing impressive performances but also impeccably turned out horses. In fact it doesn’t matter what discipline you participate in – good turnout never goes out of style (and every horse can look like a winner with a solid pre-show grooming routine.)  Have you ever wondered what it takes to take your horse from shaggy pasture ornament to red carpet ready?  Let me walk you through my deceptively easy, eco-friendly makeover that will turn heads in or out of the ring!

Step 1:  Prep-work

You may be surprised to find that the first step in this makeover doesn’t include a hose!  I’m all for a good bath, but before I drench my horse I like to do a little leg work first to save myself precious energy (and valuable tail hairs!) 

I’ve learned the hard way that if you have dirt, burrs, shavings etc. in your horses mane or tail before you get it wet, there is a good chance it will be there after you get it wet.  No one actually likes a “make work” project so why not take some time at the beginning of the makeover to use an intensive detangling treatment?  Not only does this rid the mane and tail of the offending parties, but it also saves you the hassle of trying to shampoo dry, tangled hair.  Apply De-Stress Intensive Reconstructing & Detangling Treatment from root to tip on the mane, tail and forelock, being sure not to go overboard (this product really packs a punch and a little goes a long way!) 

In a perfect world, after I’ve applied the detangling product I would take some time to allow the product to penetrate the hair shaft – this will not only moisturize the hair but also prevent breakage when you are ready to shampoo. 

At this stage of the game I would begin carefully finger combing my horses mane and tail, starting with small sections at the base and working my way down.  Red carpet worthy manes and tails take hard work and patience!   One of my favourite tricks of the trade is to keep a large banana or claw hair clip with me to clip sections of detangled hair out of the way as I make my way through.   Now I know! I know!  Finger combing can be arduous (especially when your horse has a full, thick tail that forms dreadlocks easily) but resist the temptation to cut corners and rake through your horses’ hair.  That’s right ladies…back away from the comb!  Absolutely no raking allowed!  This is mission critical if you still want to have a tail after you’ve done your makeover.  For all you Friends fans out there…“If you feel resistance, pull the Q-tip out!”  

 In all seriousness though the bottom line is that it can more than a year to replace a full-length tail hair so don’t be hasty!  Combs are part of my grooming kit but the only time I run anything through those precious tresses is after I have the lions-share of the tangles and knots out (and even then I tread lightly to avoid breaking any hairs.)

 If you are a real keener like myself you may choose to take your pre-show leg work one step further and do the De-Stress Intensive Treatment the day before you plan to begin your makeover.  It really does take your horses’ tail from “drabulous to fabulous.”   If not, now would be the ideal time to move onto to Step 2.  Finally!

Step 2:  Time for a trim

It’s important to present your horse at his/her best, which I feel should align with the standard specific to you sport.  As far as I’m concerned, there is no need to present a horse that is radically shorn  – keep it neat and discreet.  Think of trimming your horse as a chance to tidy up – removing the long hairs on the heels, under the jaw line and the tufts of hair that protrude from the ears really goes a long way.  You also can’t go wrong with a modest bridle path (some breeds call for longer but just wide enough to allow your bridle to lay flat is standard.)    Whether you bang tails or pull manes depends on your discipline but I would like to offer a word of caution:  when in doubt keep all excess clipping and trimming to a minimum!   If you are naturally inclined to do “just a little bit more” like myself, you know all too well that it can be extremely tempting to get a little scissor happy!  I’ve cut my fair share of bowl-cuts and trust me, once you get started there’s no going back.  “A little off the top” soon turns into a rat race trying to even out a botched thinning job.  Shorter hair does not necessarily equate to being easier to work with.  Not only does it end up looking sloppy but can also be particularly difficult to conceal, even if you’re a seasoned braider.  Better to leave 4” of thick mane to braid than 2” of thinned out, choppy mane…even the most beautiful horse has hard time rocking the G.I. Jane look.  

It is also important to note for those of you who have horses or ponies of Baroque decent (or that participate in Native Breed classes) that you should tread especially lightly through this portion of the makeover.  Excessive trimming can spoil the natural beauty of the breed and end up backfiring in the ring.

Stay tuned for part 2 & 3 of our Comprehensive Guide to Make Your Horse Red Carpet Ready!

Naturally yours until next time!
Megan

Check out our full line of delicious, natural and green equine care & grooming products at www.ecoliciousequestrian.com

Do you remember Black Forrest William aka the “Dirty Willy”- the Gypsy Vaner stallion from Cyclone Farms and our first EcoLicious Beauty Makeover subject?

If you don’t remember or if you weren’t around yet, here is “Dirty Willy’s” Makeover Video and before and after pics.  Cora and Karl – the owners and operators of Cyclone Farms got hooked on our products after the makeover and now they are one of our moth faithful customers.

So what’s up with William now? Cora was so kind to keep us posted about the new developments with this super sweet handsome boy. William was shown at The Oklahoma State Fair Gypsy and Draft Horse Show this September as well as at the Heartland Feathered Classic, Danville Indiana. His most notable achievements were:

Amateur Gypsy Halter 1st out of 10
Gypsy In Hand Best Traditional Movement 4th out of 14
Gypsy Color Class- Patterned 2nd out of 14
Gypsy & Drum In Hand Obstacle course 3rd out of 18

And of course we cannot forget the Best Groomed & Conditioned Class. That’s after all what we are all about. William placed second and according to Cora  he would have done better. “When we were blow drying him, we missed a spot under his mane. It was still damp when we went into the ring and it cost us valuable points. I’m convinced that if it wasn’t for that William would place first. Thanks to EcoLicious!” And we add to that : thanks to your hard work! We know first hand how much elbow greese it takes.

We asked Cora what it took to get William Red Carpet ready and here’s her How To: “ William was dry scrubbed with Green & Squeaky Clean straight from the bottle in the especially dirty spots, then his feathers were rinsed and also scrubbed with Green & Squeaky Clean. He was then completely hosed down and scrubbed with Green & Squeaky Clean again (how can you tell I love this stuff). He was then rinsed off and  In Control was applied to his mane, tail and feather and allowed to sit for a few minutes before brushing through. The whitener (to be launched soon) was then applied to his feather (the whitener is amazing, it even removed the pink stain in William’s feather caused by the red dirt in Oklahoma).”

We’re proud of William and we can’t wish for a better “face” for EcoLicious Equestrian. After all if our products can get a horse like Dirty Willy squeaky clean and looking  fabulous, imagine how stunning they would make your horse.

Check out this artistic shot of William in his harness. Courtesy of Marianne Boone, Featherwind Gypsy Horses. Thank you also goes to Valerie Peppers Kennedy from Cosmopolitan Farms for allowing us to use her photography. Thank you ladies!

The EcoLicious Equestrian
Your Horse. Your Earth. Your Choice.

Check out our full line of delicious, natural and green equine care & grooming products at www.ecoliciousequestrian.com