Hung Up On Horses?

According to this month's "W" magazine, "the relationship between a woman and her horse transcends the boundaries of sport."

Enter Madonna. Yeah, yeah, yeah...I know. I write about her way too much, but after viewing her recent 58 page (that's right...58 pages!) photo shoot, even I must admit the imagery certainly borders on risque. Maybe it's just me, but smoking a cigarette while laying on top of a horse doesn't exactly scream, "My Little Pony." I use this reference loosely as it seems like only yesterday she was writing children's books. In a bizarre attempt that is reminiscent of Michael Jackson's fascination with animals, some photographs even seem to suggest Madonna thinks of herself as a horse. While others might give us a glimpse into how Madonna likes her men... and I'm going to guess that just maybe she likes them..."hung as a horse?"   Now, now...don't label me or Madonna just yet. As far as practicality and the comfort factor are concerned, I'm so not a size queen and I'm sure the Queen of Pop is intelligent enough to understand that size does not always matter. Well...it might matter a little. Oh fuck it...let's face facts ladies (and homos), if I am given a choice between a Jimmy Dean sausage link or an Italian sausage, I'm taking the Italian sausage!

Of course, all of this is mere speculation on what the photographs actually mean. It could simply be an artistic vision of how she has learned to cope and confront any internal fears she may have developed from her horse riding accident last summer. But as with anything Madonna does, it's meant to get people talking...and people love to talk smack about Madonna. That's her beauty. She makes us look at our own imperfections and that bothers a great majority of society. In most of our lives, whether it be social or political we all will contradict ourselves. Madonna has always been good at letting us know that and that's why people get nervous about her. As far as her persona is concerned, it too, offers contradictions. People will bitch and bitch about her, but they will be the first to watch what she is doing, buy one of her albums, or purchase tickets to one of her concerts (which I just have to add are a sellout every damn time). After reading his review of her appearance at this year's Coachella Festival, it would appear that even fellow homo and peach, Michael Kelly, can't decide which side, (to use his words)... "of the Madonna fence" ...he sits on. Which is just an example of the confusion that surrounds her.

Confusion aside, one thing is for certain...don't underestimate the power of the Madonna advertising machine! With a world tour only weeks away, isn't it a coincidence that fashion designer, Jean Paul Gaultier, would come up with costume designs that not only reflect the disco era, but also the art of the Equestrian? By the way, he's the same one who created that controversial "cone bra" long ago during her "Blonde Ambition" tour. As you can see from the sketches, Jean Paul Gaultier has given the male dancers a "horsey attire" complete with "built-in saddles and harnesses to a riding-crop-snapping Madonna." It is reported that most often it is the designer that must alter their designs to accommodate Madonna's choreography. However, this time, it was Madonna who adjusted her choreography to make a much stronger fashion statement in this show. Let's just say this...Madonna knows how to stay in the "Spotlight!" Throughout her twenty years she has refused to stay in the corner...and has always... started her own dance!