09/03/2019
“Points For Presentation”
Author: Annalise Wagner
If only one could take their horse out of turnout; looking beautiful, clean, shiny, brushed and clipped every day of the year...
However that isn’t a reality, so equestrians need to find ways to make their majestic 4 legged steeds presentable for shows and special moments!
Unfortunately I was one of those extra crazy, self loathing riders who decided against all judgment, to purchase a grey horse. This essentially means more work on top of the normal grooming routine to get the same results.
So how do I do it?
Firstly, I always keep the inside of his ears, feathers and the fur around his hooves clipped to keep him neat. I also wash Beetle twice a week and every single ride, thoroughly curry and brush him for maintenance, but my real trick is makeup.
“Beetle looking striking in a KB Copper Collar photoshoot”
Cat is out of the bag.
When it comes to showing and photoshoots; I always put horse makeup on Beetle. It’s not that he isn’t already the most gorgeous horse out there (Okay I’m slightly biased), I just find it gives him a polished professional look!
But what makeup products will get your horse looking show ring ready?
With so many brands of products on the market, it can be really hard to make a decision on makeup for your horse. Every store, rider and forum recommends something different, leaving you completely confused on what items to actually buy.
There are so many products available too, and they cost so much. I found it really difficult to choose on my own as I didn’t want to buy something and regret it afterwards!
However then, during my search I came across MP Gloss.
“MP Gloss bringing out a glorious shine on Beetle, paired with his Somersby Custom Browband, Stubben show saddle and Mattes GMBH Numnah”
After approaching a forum on facebook called “Show Horses” about makeup I was recommended MP Gloss by numerous successful hackies and figured I would give it a go!
I begin my routine with the “Diamond Gloss Body Wash”, which I use after conditioning Beetle’s mane and tail- and I coat his entire body in it and rinse out for a shiny glossy coat. Then, I follow up with “Diamond Gloss Detangler”. This is probably the most delicious smell you will ever experience, but also keeps Beetle’s rump, neck, mane and tail dirt and dust free!
Now the foundations are set, I get onto presentation.
First, I gloss Beetle up using a sheepskin mitt and “Diamond Dazzler Coat Shine”. I only use this again on the neck and rump and face to avoid saddle slip! I will also grab a chux cloth or similar and oil his face a bit more thoroughly with the coat shine too! After this, I use a “mini-stixx” on his eyes and muzzle, and follow through with “Top Gloss” in black to blend and add a bit of definition. Finally I finish up with “Liquid Legz” (Which is by far the absolute finishing product I have ever used) and add dapples and exaggerate his random stripe with “Xtreeme White Cover Cream”. Whilst it seems excessive to go to so much effort for presentation, for shows and photoshoots I find the effort really makes Beetle stand out, and it really doesn’t take much time at all.
What I really love is that MP Gloss includes instructions on how to get the best results out of the products on their website! It has been a wealth of knowledge and I wouldn’t have such a well presented horse without it!
I have used other brands before, but I found MP Gloss stood out the most to me in terms of quality, and wow factor. The price is not too bad for “Equine makeup” but not cheap either, however I find I am willing to invest in presentation products as they bring the best out of your horse and can sometimes be the difference between second and first place!
Now you know my secrets!
You can purchase MP Gloss here, or at your local Horseland!