A SHOW-READY MODELSo, you’re going to enter your model horse in a show. But… What kind of model should you use? And what will the judge be looking for? I’m

glad you asked!

• What brand?- Any brand of model horses will work! The most commonly used brands are Breyer Horses and Peter Stones, but many people use Schleich models, and even statues like Artist Resins. Occasionally you can even enter stuffed animal horses! However, check the class list of the show you are planning to attend, so you know if there are plush pony classes, or just solid models.

• Condition of the model- Look at the two pictures below. Which model would YOU pick if you were judging them?

• Now, horse number two has obviously well loved, but look at all the rubs and chips on the body. Horse number one would easily place over horse number two. When deciding what horse you’re going to show, consider the care that you’ve given your model. While you do want your model horses to look genuine, you also have to remember that models are an art piece too. And part of what your model is being judged on is how GOOD and CONVINCING of an art piece he is.

• Conformation- Just like in the real horse world, your models will be judged on conformation in a halter class. Look at these two horses below.

• The grey horse has a conformation fault. If he was a real horse, his front leg would no longer be working! His leg is so extended that his shoulder would be popped out of the joint!! The horse on the right also has a fault. His one leg is warped. See how it bends inward? You would not see this on a real horse either!! So always be sure to check your horse’s conformation, and their handling!!!

Halter Classes

Model horse halter classes are modeled on real-life horse shows and real-life halter classes. Just as real horses are judged on conformation and quality, model horses are

judged based on anatomy & biomechanics (conformation), breed standards, color, and condition.

There should be NO TACK anywhere on your model!

Details!

• Have your model horse, and decide what breed class you will place it in (example– I could place my light bred mare in Arabian Mares, and depending on her body type also the National Show horse class. However I would not put her in a Clydesdale class.)

See how the grey horse is more defined, and not as heavily muscled as the draft? They will be placed in two DIFFERENT classes.

• Create a breed card (or multiple, depending on how many breeds you will be entering). This card needs to have basic information on the breed, and this information needs to PROVE that your horse would fit this breed standard. Judges also like it when you include a picture, so they can compare the actual horse to your model.

See how this horse has a breed card with it? It gives a picture, as well as a description of the breed. It may also help you learn more about your horse breeds!

Models that are an unrealistic color, such as the Breyer "decorator" colors do not show in regular halter classes, but in special classes where they are judged mainly on

collectability (rarity, age, color, condition).

PERFORMANCE CLASSES

Just like model horse halter classes are patterned after real-life horse show halter classes, performance classes try to recreate an authentic

class or scenario from the real-horse world.Entries for performance classes can be any scale, from Mini-Whinnies

and Stablemates all the way up to Traditional. It is important to remember that the props and tack for your entry have to be in the

same scale as your model.

• Is the horse in the correct pose for the task? Are the tack and props correct for the task and in the correct scale? The focus is less on anatomy and biomechanics, but on whether the horse can safely complete the task in your scenario. See the pictures below? How is this horse (who is standing still) supposed to clear that jump? However, she makes an excellent showmanship horse!!

ACCURACY

• Documentation is very important in performance classes. If you are showing a reining or arena trail entry, include a picture or diagram of the pattern. If you have a dressage entry, put down a copy of the test with the specific spot marked. You can find reference pictures and diagrams on the Internet from riding magazines (Horse Illustrated, Horse & Rider, Western Horseman, Practical Horseman, etc.). Many breed organizations have their rulebooks available for download.

• The judge will evaluate any props in your entry for correct scale and type – Are you using Western tack for a western sport? Are your ground poles the right size and placed appropriately? Is your arena trail bridge a good length and width for the model crossing it? Is your hunter fence the right type and height for the entry? Are your cattle placed in the right spots for your cutting horse? Are your flowerpots in scale? Again, using pictures can be very helpful.

Using an English saddle in barrel racing ( a traditional

western event) doesn't make as much sense as a western

saddle.

• Finally, don't be afraid to think outside the box! If you see unique, unusual or interesting real-life horse performances, document with pictures and create an entry just like it! Maybe your "costume" entry will be a horse painted like a giraffe, or a draft horse tacked up in bling for a wedding in India. Maybe your cowboy and his trusty ranch horse try herding cats instead of cattle, like in a famous Super Bowl commercial! Originality counts and is appreciated.

• Dolls can either help or hurt your entry. A properly attired, properly posed doll can add that extra bit of realism to impress the judge; but a poorly-seated doll, or one that is sloppily dressed or out of scale for the entry can make the difference between a ribbon and disqualification.

Colic Surgery Traditional Arabian Outfit