Model Horse Showing
Tips & Information

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and are not to be copied or used in any other format.

This page was created mostly to help the beginner with choosing models that do best in the "live" show ring.  I have mostly shown in OF (original "factory" finish) halter classes, so that is the subject of these tips.

A variety of manufacturer's molds will be at most shows, such as Breyer, Peter Stone, Hartland, Best Talking Horses, Black Horse Ranch, Hagen-Renaker, North Light, and Winners Choice, to name just a few of the popular ones.  How well your models place in their classes, depends a lot on the judge, and of course the condition your models are in.  It's best to show models that represent the breed standards, are as close to perfect condition as possible, have straight legs and ears, with nice shading and neatly painted details.

Some models show better as a different breed other than what the manufacturer calls it.  And some show better as half or mixed breeds.  Checking a breed standard guide for conformation type and allowed colors, is a good idea.  Show models should look as realistic as possible, and not be in poses too radical.  From information I have read, the following Breyer molds DO NOT do very well in the live show ring, especially in the Open Division, because of poor conformation. But that doesn't mean you can't try showing them if you are entered in the Novice division:

Khemosabi
Rugged Lark
Appy Lady Roxana
The Family Arabs
Touch of Class
Buckshot
Llanarth True Briton
Secretariat
Smoky the Cowhorse
Sherman Morgan
Old Timer
Mesteno series Mustangs
Western Prancer
Western Horse and Pony
Fury Prancer
Grazing or Lying Models
Bucking or Rearing Models
Running Stallion and Running Mare.

It's also best not to show decorator color models, except in special classes for those types.  Halters are optional for halter classes, but if they are used, they must be breed appropriate for the show ring, fit correctly, and the lead line should lay across the model's withers.  A "handler" doll is not usually used, except in showmanship classes.

For more information on model horse showing
and where to find shows, check out these links below:

Lucky-Seven Enterprises

Model Horse Show Events Page

Model Horse Collector

GET READY TO SHOW!

1. Wash models with mild soap and cool water, dry gently with soft cloth (DON'T RUB), and attach labeled (according to show rules) hang tags to model's legs 2 to 3 days before the show.

2. Wrap each model separately in bubble wrap and/or old clean white T-shirts, and pack them in a sturdy plastic box with a lid.  Use PLENTY of padding around the models, especially the heads and tail tips.  (Suggestion:  I pack my traditionals standing up side by side, with my classics and foals lying sideways on top.  My SMs get wrapped separately and put into a smaller box.  I have also made bubble wrap bags for each model by ironing two edges of a folded over piece of bubble wrap.  Iron on medium, with a cloth between the bubble wrap and the iron.)

3. Lay a tablecloth, beach towel or blanket on top of the packed models before putting the lid on.  This cloth will be used to cover your setup table at the show, helping to protect your models if they fall over.

4. Take a binder and paper to the show with a list of the models entered, their tag numbers, and classes entered.

5. Keep good notes and records about each model and the class results for future reference.

6. Take along a "repair" kit for you and the models (medicines, water bottle, sack lunch (?), touch-up felt pens, extra hang tags, a writing pen and/or highlighter for class list, and a few dollars for the raffles).

7. Use a new, clean makeup brush, or a soft, lint-free towel to clean off any dust on the models after putting them on the class show table.  (Put his best side facing the judge, but not too close to the edge of table.)

8. DO NOT BUMP SHOW TABLES.  (Dominoing models make a horrible sound!)

9. DO NOT TOUCH ANYONE ELSE'S MODELS ANYWHERE, unless you ask permission first.

10. DO NOT TOUCH ANY MODELS ON THE SHOW TABLES, but your own.

11. Once models are put down on the show tables, and the judge has started judging, DO NOT TOUCH YOUR MODELS until the judge has placed the ribbons next to the models.

12. Promptly remove your models and ribbons to your setup table, and bring your models for the next class.

13. Remember to bring back your top winning models for the Championship call-back, according to the show rules.  (Some shows only allow the 1st and 2nd place winners in the call-back.  Others allow 3 to 4 of your choice.)

14. Ask the judge questions if you are unsure of something, but ask BEFORE or AFTER the class is judged, NOT DURING JUDGING.

15. Meet people, ask questions, and HAVE FUN!!!

Frequently Used Abbreviations &
Words in the Model Horse Hobby