Showing model horses is a great substitute for people unable to work with real horses. The goal is to recreate a scene from a real horse show. The hobby of showing model horses began in America in the late 1960s among collectors of Breyer model horses. Eventually, any HSO or Horse Shaped Object entered shows.
There are two types of model horse shows – photo and live. Photo shows require only the photos of model horses to be submitted to a judge while a live show requires the model to show up for judging. The level of competition is high, so you need to do your homework in order to have any chance for the ribbons.
Choosing a Model Competitor
Evaluate each model horse, pony, donkey, mule or zebra you own. Place slightly damaged models as photo show contestants. Only extremely rare models, such as an original finish Hagen-Renaker 6 to 7 inch famous American racehorse, or models in perfect condition can compete in live shows. Models in unhorselike colors, such as Wedgewood blue Breyers, can still compete in limited classes based on rarity and color.
Divide models into original finish and custom, as these are the main divisions in both photo and live shows. Original finish is what a model looked like when it came out of the factory. Custom is a model that has been repainted, had real horsehair mane and tail added, had details carved into them such as the inside of the hooves or have been altered in any way.
Study real horse breeds, sports and anatomy. Match each model with what breed it best represents or assign it as a grade horse. Grade horse is the equestrian term for “mongrel.” Note that some breeds like thoroughbreds have strict naming requirements and name the model accordingly. Giving a wrong name or breed to a model will disqualify it from photo or live shows. Read all horse books, magazines and breed association rules as possible.
Photo Show Candidates
Models that have only one damaged side or very few flaws such as a bent leg or a rough seam can still clean up in photo shows, provided you choose the best breed for them, take clear photos and carefully follow the rules for each show. You’ll be surprised how many photo showers will not take the time to follow the rules, such as telling the judge what classes the photos should be entered in.
Set up a photographing area for photo show models. Sunlight shows off models best. Keep the background slightly blurred in order to maintain the illusion that the model is life-sized. Photograph models on bare patch of ground or place earth-colored aquarium sand on the ground to mimic an arena. Get at eye-level to model before photographing.
On the back of each photo, place your address label (just in case the photo is separated from others) and a piece of transparent Scotch tape. Model horse show classes are given as numbers. In pencil, write the numbers of the classes you wish the photo to enter. Just erase the pencil marks for the next show.
First Live Show
It is rare to find a model horse that is competitive in today’s live horse show ring. The model must be perfect. It must fit the breed standards or known characteristics of the breed it represents. It must also have realistic coloring, unless it is a “collector’s class” where rarity is the all-important factor.
Gather together large plastic tote cases, bubble wrap and old rags to transport live show models. Models need to be wrapped in a rags and then plastic bubble wrap to prevent the plastic from melting onto the models and marring them. Models less than 3 inches tall can be transported in small totes or sturdy cardboard boxes if the boxes can be kept dry. Often, live shows will allow people to pay entry fees and enter models on the day of the show, but you will wind up paying a lot more than if you entered weeks earlier.
Other Tips for Beginners
Ask judges why your models placed as they did. Many will gladly give tips about how a model could better do in competition. If your model matches a very rare breed or crossbreed that a live show judge may be unaware of, place a photo of a real horse of that breed to help the judge make a fair decision. Begin showing in halter divisions to get the feel for showing before moving to sport divisions which require the use of expensive model horse tack and props.
References
“Model Horses are a Lot of Fun, and You Never Have to Clean the Stable.” Sports Illustrated. Kathy Blumenstock. November 28, 1977. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1093057/index.htm
Suite 101. “Model Horse Shows: 40 Years of Fun and Friendship.” Terry McNamee. March 26, 2009. http://terry-mcnamee.suite101.com/model-horse-shows-40-years-of-fun-friendship-a104315
Breyer Horses. “What is the Model Horse Showing & Collecting Hobby?” Karen Gerhardt. http://www.breyerhorses.com/breyerfest/what_is_the_model_horse_showing_hobby.pdf
Rio Rondo. “Taking Model Horse Halter Photos.” http://www.riorondo.com/info/edutext/fotohal.html
Author’s personal experience