The MLP Arena

Pony Talk => Pony Corral => Topic started by: FlickaFriend on August 18, 2017, 06:48:41 AM

Title: First time pony spa (Posey) PHOTOS NOW WORKING!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: FlickaFriend on August 18, 2017, 06:48:41 AM
** photos transferred to imgur and now working with no weirdos following me. yay **

Hi everyone,

Warning this post includes graphic images of a decapitated G1 pony and her decaying innards, which some may find distressing.

I had ponies as a child in the 80s but just started collecting a few weeks ago. Thanks all who have made me so welcome. One of my favourites is Posey but she came to me in a very neglected state, poor girl and it looks as if she may have had some baths or swimming adventures in her career.  She has a serious case of tail rust and was very grubby looking (much worse than appears in the photo), with suspiciously opaque feet and some random blobs of red nail varnish on her face.  Her mane was nice and silky (although forelock a bit wild) but her tail was completely tangled and dry.

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Her head popped off easily -- but, YUCK!!! Full of disgustingness which scattered everywhere (didn't get a photo of that bit), most of it had already fallen out when I took these photos which do not capture the full horror. Don't click on spoiler if eating your lunch:

Spoiler
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I managed to ease out her tail from the inside, thick as it was with rust.

Then, using a baby toothbrush and a mild organic lavender body wash I scrubbed out as much mould and rust as I could.  Cotton buds and pipe cleaners weren't long or strong enough to really clean the inner hooves though. I did what I could with my fingers and nails and by cruelly straightening her bent legs.  I guess I should look for a very small bottle brush for future deep cleans.

I don't know how safe nail varnish remover is on pony skin?  So don't shoot me. But I risked it
with a tiny amount of acetone-free forumlation and gently lifted off the two splodges of red nail varnish, quickly rinsing off afterwards.

I was only partially successful with the tail, using several applications of whitening toothpaste and working it in well with my fingers. Some of the remaining colour is actually traces of the original pale pink though. 

I detangled the tail using a gentle detangling brush and mild conditioner. I was pleased by how well the tangles came out but will need to give a deeper condition using something stronger (Pantene? I see is used by some?).

I soaked the tail washer in vinegar overnight and scrubbed off the rust with aluminium tin foil, then when dry I gave it a couple of coats of clear varnish to prevent further corrosion.

Here she is drying on my windowsill.

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I was very paranoid about any water being left inside so dried her inside down to the hooves with clean dry pipe cleaners and left her in the breeze from the open window.

Here she is, clean and dry before re-assembly:

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Close up of the tail with the cleaned and varnished washer:

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The tail is still quite dried out and frizzy at the ends so will need further work.

Here's her lovely clean face:

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Hooves gleaming, tail swishing:

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I love her so much!!! Does anyone else find that cleaning and caring for their ponies makes them bond with them? She wasn't my favourite of the herd before, but she definitely is now.  :inlove:

Am I crazy that I actually think she looks a little bit happier and is carrying herself just a little more proudly?
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: ShimmerShine on August 18, 2017, 07:47:09 AM
She cleaned up so nicely! :biggrin:
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: Mewtwofan1 on August 18, 2017, 08:53:01 AM
It is wonderful how a bath can change a pony. She cleaned up rather nicely!
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: centaurette on August 18, 2017, 09:23:53 AM
omg i love that you warned that it was graphic, seriously! it really upsets me when people post things like that without a warning; ponies have feelings, people!! Getting back on track, this looks amazing and you did such a stunning job! Posey is very lucky to have you! She looks great and this really inspires me to get the courage to do this to a few of my ponies! :hope:
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: FlickaFriend on August 18, 2017, 10:06:17 AM
omg i love that you warned that it was graphic, seriously! it really upsets me when people post things like that without a warning; ponies have feelings, people!! Getting back on track, this looks amazing and you did such a stunning job! Posey is very lucky to have you! She looks great and this really inspires me to get the courage to do this to a few of my ponies! :hope:

Oh bless you, that's adorable.  I think she liked it.  It can't have been nice having all that crusty stuff inside and all that rust clogging up her tail.  I was gentle with her, too.

You should give it a go, it was therapeutic!
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: lostpony on August 18, 2017, 11:55:46 AM
Beautiful job!

She does  look happier and rightfully proud to have such a caring owner.


*I leave the tail-washers out.  They're piling up in my pony toolbox.  I've replaced them with nylon washers or even just made sure the tail crimp is sideways so the tail stays in.  Many people put a tie-wrap on there instead.  You definitely put a lot of work into restoring and preserving that original hunk of nasty iron there.  You're right, dryness inside is very important!
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: tulagirl on August 18, 2017, 01:07:58 PM
I do the same thing with the washers, but I also cover them with a layer of clear packing tape also before adding the tail back.  I just can't seem to let myself remove the original parts to MLP G1's.    You did a great job.
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: FlickaFriend on August 18, 2017, 01:56:20 PM
Thanks lostpony and Tulagirl. I'm glowing from your praise  :blush:

I actually decided to take the washer out completely today. In certain lights you can see it as a dark shadow around her tail, not really a good look. I don't think the tail can pop out . I will keep the washer in a safe place though. I too believe in conserving original parts.

I've bought some cable ties but I think she is fine for now.

I was cuddling her today. Seriously what is happening to me?!

P.s. I'm so glad not to be a "drink n wet" pony anymore, or a (shudder) Macdonald's pony!!!
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: centaurette on August 18, 2017, 04:07:01 PM
omg i love that you warned that it was graphic, seriously! it really upsets me when people post things like that without a warning; ponies have feelings, people!! Getting back on track, this looks amazing and you did such a stunning job! Posey is very lucky to have you! She looks great and this really inspires me to get the courage to do this to a few of my ponies! :hope:

Oh bless you, that's adorable.  I think she liked it.  It can't have been nice having all that crusty stuff inside and all that rust clogging up her tail.  I was gentle with her, too.

You should give it a go, it was therapeutic!

i think i will! just when i think i get up the courage to pop their cute heads off... i can't do it! my boyfriend has kindly offered, hopefully soon i'll take him up on it! i think having their heads popped off might not be as bad as having a body full of mold and gross stuff! thank you again for sharing, you were so super thorough and she's shining ear to ear (hoof to hoof?)! what a cutie!
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: northstar3184 on August 18, 2017, 04:36:16 PM
Aww, poor Posey. You did a beautiful job fixing her up.
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: Taffeta on August 18, 2017, 06:06:16 PM
She looks great now - definitely a labour of love to take a grimy Posey and give her back her pride.
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: Goanna on August 18, 2017, 07:02:23 PM
Awww, how sweet! I think you are right- Posey does look like she has an extra spring in her step after being tidied up :heart:
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: orangepeachmango on August 18, 2017, 07:06:27 PM
she looks awesome!!! its always touching to see how ponies can really sparkle after a good bath <3
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: sd_dreamcrystal on August 19, 2017, 09:22:52 AM
Flickr says the photos are no longer available :(
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: FlickaFriend on August 19, 2017, 10:00:02 AM
Flickr says the photos are no longer available :(

Oh dear, sorry.  I think I've fixed it now.  Thank you for letting me know sd_dreamcrystal.

Could someone please let me know if the photos are appearing OK again now?  They never disappeared for me so I can't test it.

Off topic: The reason I made photos private in Flickr is that my photo of Posey in pieces was "favourited" by a random person and when I had a look at his favourites gallery there were a lot of explicit/offensive images in there.  Goodness only knows what he was doing favouriting dear Posey.  I've blocked him, but not very comfortable on Flickr now.  Think I need to find another imaging hosting service now that Photobucket have changed their policy.

Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: NightGliderSA on August 19, 2017, 10:26:55 AM
I can't see the photo's either  :(
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: Kitsunesakura on August 19, 2017, 10:51:59 AM
Wow! You did a great job! Very thorough
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: Leave a Whisper on August 19, 2017, 11:12:08 AM
She cleaned up very nicely. Congrats. :)
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: FlickaFriend on August 19, 2017, 11:24:55 AM
Thanks so much Kitsunesakura and Leave a Whisper!

NightGliderSA, can you see the photos now? I switched them back to 'public' on Flickr.
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: TheBeatlesPkmnFan42 on August 19, 2017, 11:29:59 AM
Flickr says the photos are no longer available :(

Oh dear, sorry.  I think I've fixed it now.  Thank you for letting me know sd_dreamcrystal.

Could someone please let me know if the photos are appearing OK again now?  They never disappeared for me so I can't test it.

Off topic: The reason I made photos private in Flickr is that my photo of Posey in pieces was "favourited" by a random person and when I had a look at his favourites gallery there were a lot of explicit/offensive images in there.  Goodness only knows what he was doing favouriting dear Posey.  I've blocked him, but not very comfortable on Flickr now.  Think I need to find another imaging hosting service now that Photobucket have changed their policy.



I recommend Imgur. It has options to have have images be private too, but they can still be embedded when private, people just need direct links (and private images cannot be liked). I've never uploaded a photo as public before to Imgur, there's not much of a reason to unless you want to use it as a social media site for some reason.
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: FlickaFriend on August 19, 2017, 11:36:48 AM

Off topic: The reason I made photos private in Flickr is that my photo of Posey in pieces was "favourited" by a random person and when I had a look at his favourites gallery there were a lot of explicit/offensive images in there.  Goodness only knows what he was doing favouriting dear Posey.  I've blocked him, but not very comfortable on Flickr now.  Think I need to find another imaging hosting service now that Photobucket have changed their policy.


I recommend Imgur. It has options to have have images be private too, but they can still be embedded when private, people just need direct links (and private images cannot be liked). I've never uploaded a photo as public before to Imgur, there's not much of a reason to unless you want to use it as a social media site for some reason.

Thanks, that's really helpful. I was thinking of trying Imgur next.  I really am not interested in the 'social media' aspect of Flickr but it seems you can't get away from it.  That's really great to know you can embed on 3rd party websites but keep the images private on Imgur. That's what I want.
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: Pheasant on August 20, 2017, 07:48:21 AM
I got a chuckle out of the 'graphic' warning. :lol:


She cleaned up very nicely; wonderful job!
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: Leave a Whisper on August 20, 2017, 07:15:51 PM
To answer your question yes. I think it's because we put work into them and feel a sense of love, pride and acomplishment in making them look better.

Pony spa days are one of my favorite things. I love getting beautiful, clean, groomed ponies too, but I also bond with grungy ponies by cleaning them up, even when they're my daughter's.
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: glitterball on August 20, 2017, 11:39:52 PM
I loved reading about your Posey spa day!
I remember the first time I nervously beheaded a pony (ooh that sounds so creepy) and pulled out a crusty tail and washed out nasty crumbs of grime!

You have done a great job! (Only a few of your photos are showing for me, though) I am sure you now have the spa-bug and that you are itching to make-over another lucky pony!  :lovey: :lovey: :happy: :happy:
Title: Re: First time cleaning a pony (G1 Posey) - so bonding!!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: sd_dreamcrystal on August 21, 2017, 04:44:59 AM
Half the photos are working but from what I could see you did a great job with her :D
Title: Re: First time pony spa (Posey) PHOTOS NOW WORKING!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: FlickaFriend on August 21, 2017, 01:23:21 PM
Thanks so much everyone who has joined me in the beginnings of my pony care journey.

The photos are all working now (thanks to imgur) so you can see Cinderella Posey in all her grimey, gorey, glowing glory.

glitterball you're right - I've completely got the pony spa bug now and yesterday it was the turn of Blossom, Baby Blossom, CP Bow-tie and my new pink-haired Posey (but don't worry, Cinderella Posey is still my favourite).

I was slightly disappointed that none of the above required a complete disassembly like Cinders Posey, but Blossom and Baby Blossom (who came together) were absolutely filthy on the outside and virtually changed colour after their bath. CP Bow Tie had two large and completely insane hard lumps of frizz instead of a mane and tail, which I tackled with copious amounts of Pantene (specially purchased for the ponies), lots of patience and straightening irons which can turn down very low.  CP Bow Tie actually has a touch of tail rust so I will be taking her apart some time soon.

I curled their hair with straws and tie tags.  CP Bow Tie's hair still looks a little manic, but in a good G4 Pinkie Pie way, I like to think.

Photos to follow if I get a chance to snap them when my 5-year old daughter is not around (some of the ponies are meant for her birthday present so have to stay hidden).

Edited to add: oooh! now I'm a Fakie!
Title: Re: First time pony spa (Posey) PHOTOS NOW WORKING!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: Taffeta on August 22, 2017, 03:36:16 PM
A present for Cinderposey to cheer her up if she starts feeling insecure ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt65Gg5Yn4E

Someone, one day, will upload a pure version of that song that isn't a reupload of the one from my overplayed and wonky childhood tape, but in this case an imperfect but still pretty song for an imperfect but still pretty Posey seems appropriate...

Title: Re: First time pony spa (Posey) PHOTOS NOW WORKING!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: Shy Violet on August 22, 2017, 10:51:18 PM
She's gorgeous! Great job! I totally agree, I bond with my ponies too during spa time.

Title: Re: First time pony spa (Posey) PHOTOS NOW WORKING!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: FlickaFriend on August 23, 2017, 12:33:01 PM
A present for Cinderposey to cheer her up if she starts feeling insecure ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt65Gg5Yn4E

Someone, one day, will upload a pure version of that song that isn't a reupload of the one from my overplayed and wonky childhood tape, but in this case an imperfect but still pretty song for an imperfect but still pretty Posey seems appropriate...

Oh too amazing! I love it, and you did a brilliant job with the video clips to match, it really works. Were there no visuals to go with the sung originally? I will watch it with Cinderposey next time we're alone together.

I watched it with my daughter today and she completely loved it too. I have opened the Pandora's box that is FiM with her and I was worried she would no longer be interested in G1 (although not that worried, as then I get to keep the ponies I've bought for her birthday!) but happily that's not the case. We got taking about Lauren Faust and the original ponies who inspired the FiM ponies, including Posey as inspiration for Fluttershy and Majesty as inspiration for Celestia and she is now desperate for a G1 Majesty for her birthday to add to the growing list.

Post Merge: August 23, 2017, 12:43:07 PM

She's gorgeous! Great job! I totally agree, I bond with my ponies too during spa time.

Yay! Thanks so much Shy Violet, and I'm glad to hear you have the same experience  :good:

There should be like a sticky "pony spa photos" thread or something!
Title: Re: First time pony spa (Posey) PHOTOS NOW WORKING!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: Taffeta on August 23, 2017, 01:56:15 PM
Can't take the credit ;) song came from my tape but the animated video is, I think, the work of Lady Moondancer :)
Title: Re: First time pony spa (Posey) PHOTOS NOW WORKING!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: plushroo on August 23, 2017, 02:06:09 PM
You did an amazing job restoring her! She looks so much happier now that she's all cleaned up inside out.
Title: Re: First time pony spa (Posey) PHOTOS NOW WORKING!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: NightGliderSA on August 25, 2017, 07:54:04 AM
Thank you for 'fixing' the images! They were really awesome to see - pony spa days are just as much fun for us as I am sure they must be for the ponies. I love 'rescuing' grimy unloved ponies. And to see the transformations in some of them, like Cinder Posey, is just amazing  :biggrin:
Title: Re: First time pony spa (Posey) PHOTOS NOW WORKING!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: Zapper on September 03, 2017, 03:56:50 AM
Haha, when I read "graphic" I was expecting slime or something. Still icky.

Amazing job! I looove looking at before/after projects.
Title: Re: First time pony spa (Posey) PHOTOS NOW WORKING!! (warning: graphic)
Post by: starstrider on October 01, 2017, 03:15:23 AM
Good job!  She polished up nicely  :) 
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