What's In Your Grooming Tote?

Have you ever see those features in fashion magazines where they ask a movie star what is in their makeup bag? I used to read a lot of those magazines before Western Horseman and The Appaloosa Journal took over my life. Last week I thought it would be fun to go through my day-to-day grooming tote and analyze what I have in there. As you can see, my grooming tote is purple. Nope, My Boy is not thrilled about this. This is what he thinks of the purple bag:

My sister got one of these cool grooming bags in hot pink. But she has two mares, so hot pink was acceptable. They did not have a "geldmanly" color. So I chose the purple. My Boy is still pouting about it. Regardless, I love this bag because it hangs on my shoulder like tote and leaves me hands-free so that I can also carry my lounge line, bridle, or whatever. It has a lot of cool pockets and surprisingly holds a lot of items. I pulled them out one by one and took pictures. First up are my grooming brushes. These are the typical kind you would find at your local farmers co-op. One has medium-firm bristles, the other has soft bristles.

This is my rubber grooming mitt. This works well in the spring when My Boy is shedding. I think he really enjoys it. It is gentler than a curry comb and gives him a nice massage. It does a good job with shedding hair, it just falls off of the mitt in one big clump when it gets full.

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Typical hoof pick. I do not know why I chose the one with the silly plastic horse head. But I like the brush on the end. I use that to scrape mud off the outside and inside of My Boy's hooves. Because we have a lot of mud around these parts. Comes with the territory. Of living in a swamp!

I do not comb out My Boy's mane or tail on a daily basis. I think combing breaks and pulls out the hairs. Instead, I spray some of this conditioner on it and let it sit while I groom him. Then I go back with the stiff brush and brush gently through it. I really only comb out his tail after it's had a proper shampoo and condition.

I would be lost without fly spray for My Boy! I tried using less expensive products but discovered that you get what you pay for. This is about the most expensive stuff on the shelf, but it works good. I need something that stays on, since My Boy is a pasture horse and can get caught in a rain shower or roll in the dirt (mud.)

I really only use scissors to trim My Boy's tail. I use clippers for everything else.

This is actually my sister's but it ended up in my grooming bag. Sorry sis, I'll put it back. It's a thick salve that is good for minor cuts and scrapes.

This is a locally made generic version of some old-timer natural wound spray. I have not used it much. But that is a good thing!

Gotta have rolls of cohesive bandages laying around. You never know when one of those will come in handy!

I have not used these eye and muzzle wipes yet. My mom had a box of them and gave me a couple of samples to try.

What tack bag would be complete without an old rag? I cut up old cotton t-shirts or use old washcloths. Who knows what this was last used for! Goodness, it looks like it needs a wash!

Now, here are the items that are really for Pony Girl! I got this trial size sunscreen with insect repellent at the local drugstore. I need to put one in my cantle bag, as well. You never know when you might need to rub a little on your nose, ears, or shoulders. I have used it on My Boy's nose, too!

I got these wipes at the dollar store. I usually wear gloves around my horse. But if I get really dirty hands, then I will use these to clean up.

My nose is always running! Gotta have Kleenex. I get these little Kleenex packets as gifts from friends all of the time. They work perfect to tuck into my cantle bag, too.

I never go anywhere without an energy bar. When working with My Boy, I tend to lose track of time and find myself in need of a little energy boost. I keep one of these in my cantle bag, too!

I am embarrassed to admit that I have even more horsey lotions and potions and grooming odds and ends in a big bin in the garage. But these are the day-to-day grooming items I want at my fingertips. I am a bit of a product junkie. Oh goodness, you should see my bathroom!!

What do you keep in your grooming tote? Anything particularly handy or dandy that you would like to share or recommend?