“Show stall area is a beauty shop.”
That’s certainly a fact when one is getting horses ready to compete.
Thick red lipstick, heavy powder, rouge and eye shadow are common nowadays for young cowgirls competing at horseshows.
It’d never influenced placings on judging cards days gone by.
However, now realize getting the cowgirls all decked out is a major ordeal. No less than a half-dozen cowgirls were seated in chairs strewn down three alleyways of the stall barn.
Seemed to be Mommas mostly as the beauticians or cosmetologists, whatever they’d be. Each had small tightly-packed makeup cases with the necessities, and portable working tables at side.
Never heard any “Sit still,” or “Quit fidgeting,” but raised chins and squinting eyes seemed common pose for the primping rigmarole.
Hairdos were included, too, with hint of old-fashioned ism, as typically long styles were pulled tightly into buns bottom back of necks. Evidently doing that’s so hair didn’t fly wild with rough horse gaits. Sure took special knack too, so hats would fit over the hair yet look appealing.
Hats are another tale for sure, but today’s show participants better understand importance of well-shaped, proper-fitting head cover to the overall picture.
That’s different than decades ago when cowgirls, and definitely cowboys, often seemed to be competing in the “ugly hat contest.” Ill-shaped, dusty, sometimes looking like they been slept in, used as a cushion, or stored under the pickup seat.
Oh, then the shiny fitted cowgirl outfits most are decked out in today give vague semblance to red carpet parades.
Aroma of hairsprays and fragrances was most apparent in the air sometimes almost overshadowing the typical horse barn smells.
Not to take away from horse fitting, last minute preparations, the exhibitors seemed to all have well-groomed entries.
However, did see several Dads with brushes, show goop and fly repellent in hand doing their part to make horseshow preparation a truly family ordeal.
Still if was a betting cowboy, would wager horse preparation didn’t take nearly as long as that of the cowgirls.
No question being a cowboy is easier than being a cowgirl. Daily shave, regular barber shop visit, clean shirt, four-in-hand tie, not-too-faded, long-enough jeans, scraped-off boots, brushed hat and cowboy’s ready to go.
Reminds of Second Corinthians 4:17: “Our efforts are preparing us for everlasting glory.”
+++ALLELUIA+++
XI–23–6-4-17