A model horse show is based on a real horse show, only it has plastic and/or china horses setting on tables to be judged. Model horses are not kits that you glue together, like model cars. They are store bought horse statues, such as Breyer and Stone plastic horses. Also they can be china, such as Hagen-Renaker. These are called original finish, which is the factory finish they came in. There are also artist resins, which are horses sculpted by an artist, molded and cast, and painted. And there are customs, which are any store bought horse that has been repainted and/or repositioned. There also is performance, which mimics real horse events, such as jumping, trail, barrels, etc. The model horses wear tack and an obstacle is used, all in scale to the horse. Let's talk about halter classes, which is what this show offers (there is no performance at this show). The classes are divided by type and breed. For example, the draft division offers classes for Clydesdales, Shires, Belgians, etc. In judging original finish models, the main criteria generally are conformation and color and condition. The horse must have the correct conformation and an allowed color for the breed it is being shown as. Then condition is important. A horse with scratches and rubs generally will not place at all. Competition can be tough, and often you have more than one of the same model in a class. This is where condition is very important. Also, a judge will evaluate the paint job, looking for crispness of markings, any overspray (which is bad, as it is sloppy), and depth of color and shading. Judges can vary in their opinions, it is subjective, but these are general guidelines. Sometimes age and rarity may come into play, such as I will use it as a tiebreaker if I consider two models otherwise equal. This show also offers collectibility classes, which are unique to the model horse show world. These classes judge the horses on age, rarity, condition, and desirability.
Each horse is tagged with a small string tag attached to one leg. The tag has the horse's name, breed, gender and owner on it. You name your horse and decide what breed to show it as. This may or may not be what it was called by the company, such as Breyer Clydesdale mare. There may be another breed it is better suited for. Horse breed books are great for reference and finding new, different breeds to assign to models. This show uses Colorado shower numbers instead of owner names or initials. The CO shower number can be obtained for free (email Heather at blugnat@gmail.com) and is kept in a database. The database is on the Colorado Hobbyist yahoo group, which is a great place to keep up with local model hobby happenings. Now the Colorado Hobbyist facebook page has the most current news for our local hobby.
As each classs is called, the horses for that class are placed on the designated table (show ring), and are then judged. The judge writes down her placings, places the ribbons down next to the winners, then releases that class and calls the next class. Each entrant is given a table (or half table) to put their models on, while waiting for their classes.
A model horse show can be lots of fun and educational. It's always fun to see old friends and make new ones. We have a great group of hobbyists here in Colorado. We help each other and welcome new people into the hobby. It is always interesting to see what models everyone else has, and what they show them as.
Each horse is tagged with a small string tag attached to one leg. The tag has the horse's name, breed, gender and owner on it. You name your horse and decide what breed to show it as. This may or may not be what it was called by the company, such as Breyer Clydesdale mare. There may be another breed it is better suited for. Horse breed books are great for reference and finding new, different breeds to assign to models. This show uses Colorado shower numbers instead of owner names or initials. The CO shower number can be obtained for free (email Heather at blugnat@gmail.com) and is kept in a database. The database is on the Colorado Hobbyist yahoo group, which is a great place to keep up with local model hobby happenings. Now the Colorado Hobbyist facebook page has the most current news for our local hobby.
As each classs is called, the horses for that class are placed on the designated table (show ring), and are then judged. The judge writes down her placings, places the ribbons down next to the winners, then releases that class and calls the next class. Each entrant is given a table (or half table) to put their models on, while waiting for their classes.
A model horse show can be lots of fun and educational. It's always fun to see old friends and make new ones. We have a great group of hobbyists here in Colorado. We help each other and welcome new people into the hobby. It is always interesting to see what models everyone else has, and what they show them as.
This is my original finish china/resin Royal Worcester Quarter Horse, Cowboy Rebel. He is shown here winning a National Championship at NAN (North American Nationals) in Tucson, AZ in 2011. A horse can only enter NAN if he/she is qualified. To become qualified, the horse must win a 1st or 2nd at a NAMHSA member show. My Red Devil Live shows are NAMHSA member shows.