Posts Tagged ‘Glossy’

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`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

Hi everyone,

I’d like to share with you an email that I received yesterday from one of our customers. We’re so happy to hear about your experience with our products. 

“Ecolicious Equestrian is the ultimate line of horse care products!  I love the Squeaky Green and Clean shampoo, it rinses out easily and gets my horse super shiny.  The De-Stress and Moisture Maniac are the BEST mane and tail products, they detangle instantly without drying out the hair like those silicone-based products.  The Glossy Coat Tonic gives a beautiful show shine for my horse, and I use it on my own hair too for extra shine and softness.  Leave Me Be is a great fly spray, and I love the fact that it doesn’t have any harsh chemical pesticides like most other brands.  The Hands On cream is wonderful too, I constantly wash my hands in my job and it lasts a long time without being greasy.  I am going to toss my other products and use nothing but Ecolicious Equestrian products from now on!  Keep up the great work!”

Christine Stevens

Check out Christine and her beautiful dazzlingly shiny boy Bravo below.  That’s our Glossy Gloss Enhancing Tonic.

Thank you Christine. We really appreciate your kind words!

Ride Green,

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

Check out our full line of earth friendly & all natural yet effective EcoLicious equine care & grooming products at www.ecoliciousequestrian.com

Today we took on Cadence - a 5 year old Percheron Arab Cross Mare. This “little” redhead wasn’t sure at first about this whole bathing thing. We had to keep reassuring her over and over that the hose wasn’t a pony-eating-boa-constrictor. When she relaxed and stood still, we  slipped her some treats. She soon figured out that bathing wasn’t that bad.We love the rich red shiny hue of her coat that was completely hidden under the mud & dust. We got her squeaky clean with our 100% biodegradable & earth friendly Squeaky Green & Clean Shampoo.  She really enjoyed the intensive tail scrub and kept making really funny faces. Silky Conditioner got her coat shiny and her tail soft, smooth and free of tangles. We cut and thinned her mane and used some In Control Braiding & Mane Setting Cream to keep it on one side.

We finished off with a spritz of Glossy – Gloss Enhancing Coat Tonic with reflective Mica mineral that adds delicate shimmer and some Moisture Maniac Infusion to nourish and protect her tail.  What a gorgeous girl! Check out a couple more Before & After close ups below. All  of our products are made with natural and organic human grade ingredients, they smell heavenly (we use Sweet Orange natural scent that is know in equine aromatherapy for its uplifting benefits, but unlike horses and humans the bugs don’t dig it) and deliver amazing results.

Ride Green,

Team EcoLicious Equestrian
Your Horse. Your Earth. Your Choice.

Check out our full line of earth friendly & all natural yet effective EcoLicious equine care & grooming products at www.ecoliciousequestrian.com

We confess. We’re obsessed with before & after pics. Be it in a beauty salon or in an episode of the Biggest Loser, we’re crazy about them. In the spirit of our obsession, we’d like to share with you today a story of Lisa – a Hanoverian Warmblood mare going EcoLicious.

Lisa enjoyed her spa day tremendously. She showed us where she was itchy and where she needed to be scratched. She kept sniffing our hands (yes, our products are scented with Sweet Orange Essential Oil that horses are head over heels with, but which bugs don’t dig.)  She even strutted her stuff like there’s no tomorrow when Steph – her rider – took her for a little jumping session after the bath. You know the saying: when you look good, you feel good.

So How It Went Down (EcoLiciously of course, but let’s look at it step by step)

Step 1. Before we use shampoo, we always apply DeStress – the 100% Natural Intensive Mane & Tail Treatment. Why? You don’t want to start shampooing dry, knotted tail hair. Application BEFORE also ensures that no burrs or shavings are left, which are difficult to remove once the tail is wet even if you use rinse out conditioner.

Step 2. We start with the tail – after all there’s nothing like a full flowing shiny tail. We scrub the tail base thoroughly to help a horse ease the itch. Make sure to use only quality natural shampoos that won’t irritate your horse, otherwise he’ll end up with an even more itchy tail than when you started. For a soothing yet thorough cleansing try our Squeaky Green & Clean.

Step 3. We wash out the shampoo, apply Silky – a rinse out conditioner and then we let it work its magic while we proceed with scrubbing the rest of the horse.

Step 4. Scrub & scrub. Get yourself one of the loofah mitts. They’re the best thing to bathe your horse with. Guaranteed

.

Step 5. We hose the horse off & apply a rinse out conditioner. Our Silky is made to condition both coat, mane & tail. We leave it in for a bit while we gently pick / comb through the tail and rinse off.

Step 6. Final hose off. Get yourself a squeegee – it’s the best test to figure out if there’s any dirt or suds left in your horse’s coat. Once clear – we’re done. At least for a bit.

Step 7. Now the mane treatment. To shorten the mane we love to use a thinning knife. We cannot be trusted with straight blade scissors.  We didn’t try to pull the “mane-pulling” move on this girl. Just like her Daddy ( Icarus) she will have none of that. Then we finish off with a spritz of Moisture Maniac.

Step 8. Then the tail. We apply a little dollop of DeStress, comb through & bang it at the bottom to make it look full. When you do that always make sure that you have someone to put a hand under the horse’s dock and lift it to the height  the horse naturally carries it’s tail.

Step 9. We’re done! Nope. Not just yet. A little spritz of our Glossy – Gloss Enhancing Coat Tonic – it’s got Mica in it. It is a shimmery reflective mineral that also acts as a natural sunscreen. And a little bit of Hoof Therapy to make the hooves shiny & healthy.

And voila! Who would think  Lisa is such a HOT STUFF?

Step 10. We almost forgot the most important step. The “spoil-me-silly” time. Treats!!!
Lisa’s fav: black licorice.

Ride Green,

Team EcoLicious Equestrian
Your Horse. Your Earth. Your Choice.

Check out our full line of EcoLicious equine care & grooming products at www.ecoliciousequestrian.com