Model Horse Showing Tips
By FreeRein
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4th Jul 2011 •
9,610 views
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14 comments
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Many people who love horses have these wonderful things called model horses. They come in all different shapes, breeds, and brands. If you don’t have the time to own a real horse, the miniature world of model horse showing is for you!
The types of model horse showing include live, online, and mail. Live shows are by far the most nerve-racking and competitive. The shows bring a lot of fun. You can meet new people, get information from judges, and experience the many other horses there are in the model world.
The first step to live showing is actually having a decent sized collection of about ten or more horses. When purchasing your models, I would highly recommend going to a store and checking out the horse in person. You want to look for any rubs, scratches, paint chips, or any other factory flaws. The next best choice is buying it from an online retailer such as the Breyer or Peterstone websites. I would not recommend going to EBay or any other auction websites for reasons such as damaged models or boxes.
The only place to get artist resins or OOAK horses (One of a Kind) is online. You will RARELY find them at a store. Be prepared, these horses can range from $50.00 to over $1,000.00! I would say that for first time showers OF’s (Original Finish models- not modified in any way, they are as they came from the factory) are the sensible way to go.
After you have your collection, you want to think about the two types of classes; Performance and Halter. Performance classes include tacking up your horses with English and Western tack. There are tons of classes such as Hunter/Jumper to Roping and Cutting. Most classes include a prop such as a calf for cutting and a jump for Hunter/Jumper. Make sure you read up on the rules so you know what you need.
When tacking up your horse, make sure your tack fits properly. Make sure the saddle and pad is on the center of the horse’s back and the end of the bit is stuck to the side of the horse’s mouth. You also want the reins up off the saddle like where they should be when you are riding. You can find candle wax at a place such as Michael’s, A.C. Moore, or any other craft store. You need to ask yourself questions as well.
“Does my horse look like it’s approaching the jump?” or “Does my horse look like it is focused on what he is doing?”
If your horse does not match the criteria to its event, I would recommend picking a different horse.
In halter classes, you want to pick out your best horses. You want no paint chips, scratches, hoof rubs, ear rubs or broken parts. The judges are looking for the best paint job. If there are two of the same horses in a class, the judge may go for the horse that has the darkest and richest bay. They are also looking for the horse that best meets the breed’s standards. For example, putting a buckskin horse in the Thoroughbred class won’t be good because Thoroughbreds aren’t typically buckskin in color.
You can also type up little index cards on the breed. I find this will give you extra points with the judges. Tags are also needed. You can find them at a Wal-Mart. The information packet that you will get upon registering with the show will tell you what needs to be included on the tag.
Now that you have your models, tack, props, and other accessories, you need to know that most live shows require traveling to the show location. Packing up your models for these rides is serious; you don’t want any breaks or scratches on the way. I would recommend getting a big box while packing your horses each in a few plastic bags and then with bubble wrap and plastic in between. Don’t be concerned if all of your horses don’t fit in one box, it may take several.
Upon arrival at the show, make sure you bring two or three table cloths and lay your horses down. You don’t want the domino effect sending all of your horses tumbling down the table. When your horse’s class starts you can pick your horse up with an eyeglass wipe and place it on the showing table. The eyeglass wipe is not only to prevent fingerprints, but it also makes wiping dust off easy.
The last thing you should know is that live shows do require entry fees. They can be from five to seventy dollars depending on if you are entering a youth (beginner) or open (NAN qualifying) shows which are generally harder.
Remember, Have Fun! Stay tuned for Model Horse Showing- Online and Mail-in shows! |
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Pintie
This is a good article on beginning to show Breyer Models. However, Ebay is a fantastic website to get a Breyer, as long as you know what to look for in a quality Breyer. In fact, my most expensive Breyer was The Barbaro Limited Edition Model only for $100. This purchase was made on Ebay, and the quality of the Breyer was excellent. There was nothing wrong with it, and it was even sealed in the box. I have bought several horses from Ebay and an upcoming Breyer store: Golden Oak Stables.
This is a good article on beginning to show Breyer Models. However, Ebay is a fantastic website to get a Breyer, as long as you know what to look for in a quality Breyer. In fact, my most expensive Breyer was The Barbaro Limited Edition Model only for $100. This purchase was made on Ebay, and the quality of the Breyer was excellent. There was nothing wrong with it, and it was even sealed in the box. I have bought several horses from Ebay and an upcoming Breyer store: Golden Oak Stables.
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Jul 4, 2011
• 7,492 views
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lovehorse
i agree with pintie! xx Great post!
i agree with pintie! xx Great post!
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Jul 4, 2011
• 7,474 views
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Jul 4, 2011
• 7,518 views
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ImaCoolCowgirl
I've Always wanted to try it...but I only have one bryer and not all the stuff...
I've Always wanted to try it...but I only have one bryer and not all the stuff...
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Jul 4, 2011
• 7,474 views
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Jul 4, 2011
• 7,516 views
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SkyFall Equestrian Center
love it!! i have 14 that i will start showing!!!! :D
love it!! i have 14 that i will start showing!!!! :D
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Jul 4, 2011
• 7,505 views
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Unique
Very cool article!
Very cool article!
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Jul 5, 2011
• 7,475 views
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MoMoz
There are no live shows near where I live so I really enjoy online showing! It is similar to live showing though because you set up everything as you described with no scratches and all tacked up and then take a picture of it and submit it online. I think Ponybox needs to make an official online model horse showing website for Ponybox members only. Wouldn't that be fun??
There are no live shows near where I live so I really enjoy online showing! It is similar to live showing though because you set up everything as you described with no scratches and all tacked up and then take a picture of it and submit it online. I think Ponybox needs to make an official online model horse showing website for Ponybox members only. Wouldn't that be fun??
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Jul 5, 2011
• 7,506 views
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Spyricale
Sounds like tons of fun! ^^ Great article.
Sounds like tons of fun! ^^ Great article.
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Jul 5, 2011
• 7,479 views
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Jul 7, 2011
• 7,516 views
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Jul 8, 2011
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solo pony
i love this article
i love this article
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Jul 9, 2011
• 7,504 views
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Simplicity
I don't have any model horses :|
I don't have any model horses :|
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Jul 16, 2011
• 7,475 views
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