Came across this picture from Devon.
http://www.chronofhorse.com/photos_videos?page=0&nid=68242
(edit: the above link is the collection; the actual photo is here: http://www.chronofhorse.com/sites/default/files/WEB_mascaraDSC_6502.jpg)
It’s been 30+ years since I’ve shown ponies, so I’m a bit out of the loop. I know that fake tails are a thing, and have been so for a while. But MASCARA? When did that start happening? Or is it something else?
:eek: That can’t be good for their eyes as it flakes off. Or do they use eye makeup remover at the end of the day?
I have heard of paint horses having what is described as “mascara” or “eyeliner” around their eyes, but this is the first time I have actually seen someone actually applying the cosmetic mascara to a pony!
If this is actually going on, I find it appalling and unnecessary. It also reminds me what made me quit showing!
What in the world is the purpose of that?
Does the right application of mascara help distract from a missed lead change? Doubtful, as I couldn’t really notice a difference post and during application. Very unnecessary!
I presume that’s for the model.
I have not seen it before but nothing surprises me anymore.
I just think that’s sad.
Probably for the model. And not something people are doing every horse show… Devon is the kind of show where shoes get pulled for the hack, so not surprised that people will go all out.
Hey I wore mascara for decades (with my contacts) with no problems. So I would think a horse could wear it. Hmmm, one of my horses has long white lashes. Maybe a dye job? I once used the dye that you can buy for eye lashes with no problems.
Paints and other horses with blue eyes with pink around the eyes get tattooed. Kinda like Michael Jackson and some other entertainers did. Except for horses with pink around their eyes, it helps with sunburning and with eye infections.
More interesting to me is what bit is the pony using.
I guess it doesn’t really bother me that they’re using mascara - as long as it’s removed afterwards, I really can’t see it being a risk to the pony.
But it just strikes me as odd - I’m not sure that a horse with dark eyelashes looks any more attractive or better conformed (in contrast, a fake tail can change the overall look of the rear end, and possibly camouflage hind leg conformation issues.)
As for the bit, looks to me like a rubber D-ring of some variety (of course, can’t know what’s inside).
It is not a racing D. Wonder what it is.
I just…
well maybe…
WOW…
The irony of removing every bit of hair you can and then painting darker the few bits deemed ok to stay 
They do this all the time at the breed shows but they have specific goop that they apply around the horses eyes, occasionally mascara is used too.
Personally, I think grey pony eyelashes are one of the best things about grey ponies.
Could also just be a clean, old mascara wand used to comb out his lashes…
[QUOTE=HP’sblueskyenterprise;8682609]
For your enjoyment:
http://www.sstack.com/highlighters/silverado-face-glo/[/QUOTE]
I have used the clear version of that to put a shine on the eyes and nose/nostril/lips in the model on ponies or on black noses for shine. It looks good. Same as using baby oil, but I just happened to have that around and it doesn’t pick up dust. Mascara is a bit much though…
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