Planning, Preparation, and Live Show Tips

Getting Ready!!

·         Request a show packet early and review all the information.  If you have questions, contact the show holder as soon as possible.

·         Decide on your show horses well before the date of the show.  Don’t bring all of them, just your best.  You will have limited space and may be sharing a table with someone.  Plan to only have 3 feet of space to use. 

·         Type up and send in the list of your models to the show holder a head of time so they can make up show tags.  If you are asked to register your horses on an online program, do so as soon as possible.  Be sure to read the rules to see what is requested.  Keep a copy of this list for your use.

·         A few days before the show, wash your models with warm water and mild soap (like hand soap).  Make sure all the dirt/dust is off the model and let them dry.

·         Take your list of models you are going to show and mark off which class numbers each horse will be entered in.  If you are showing in performance classes it may be helpful to also list which props and tack you will be using.

·         Type up any description cards you may need.  If you are showing in performance classes, you will be required to provide documentation of what your horse is doing.  For example, if you are showing in dressage, you should have a copy of the appropriate dressage test and make a note of which movement your horse is doing.  For halter classes you would want a photo and breed descriptions if your model is being shown as an unusual breed (such as a Florida Cracker horse) or if it is an unusual color (such as a Silver Dappled Morgan).  If the class is being judged on collectability you would want to list why the model is collectable, such as “Silverado – Breyer Connoisseur model – limited to 350 models.”

·         Pack your models carefully.  Have something sturdy to carry them in (such as a Rubbermaid tote).  Place some type of padding (such as a towel or bubble wrap) on the bottom, then wrap each model carefully in something soft such as a towel, old tee shirt (clean ones!!), or a clean, clear plastic bag with bubble wrap around it.  Be sure to protect those ear tips!!  You can stack the models in the tote so that they fit snug, but still have a little movement.  You don’t want your model to bounce around on the trip to the show. 

·         Pack a sheet or table cloth for when you arrive at the show.  You can place this on your table to help protect your model while you lay them down.  Plan to pack this in a tote you will open first as you set up.

·         Make sure you have clear directions to the show hall and they are handy for your drive in the early AM.

Show Day!!

·         Arrive early in the AM so you are not hurried before the first class. 

·         Check in with the show host first thing.  They will give you your packet with information, name tag, etc.  They will also point you in the direction of your table, go find that first!!

·         Bring in your first tote of models – the one with the table cloth in it!  Unpack as neat as possible, your sharing space so be considerate of your tablemates.  When you are done unpacking, bring your tote back to your car or place neatly under your table.

·         Make sure all your models have the correct show tag placed on one of its legs that it on the ground.  When placing it on the table, be sure the number side is up.

·         Listen for all announcements.  They may include instructions for your class.

·         As soon as the class is called, bring your horse to the table and start to set up.  Find a well lit, open space to set your model.  Try not to place your model right next to another one just like it.

·         Place your model with its best side facing the edge of the table, about six inches from the edge if possible.  You want the judge to have a good view of your model. 

·         Be considerate of others when you place your models on the table.  Do not move another model to get a better spot.  The judge will look at all of the models on the table.  If the table is unusually crowed, the show holder, or judge, may choose to spill the class over onto another table.  Be sure to keep your ears open for this call.

·         When using props remember to keep it to just enough room that you need.  Do not go over board and use the whole table.  Your area should be approximately no more then 2 feet long by 1 ½ feet deep (half a typical table width).  Sometimes more may be needed, but still be considerate of the others.

·         Do not take excessive time setting up your props or cleaning your model.  Models should be cleaned before they come to the show and you should know how to set up your props.  If you need to, practice setting up at home to see what looks best.

·         Halters are not required in “halter” classes.  If they are used, be sure they are correct and appropriate for the breed.  They will need to fit exactly.  A halter that is too loose, small, or not correct for the breed may cause you not to place in the class or even be disqualified.  If you are unsure, it’s better to leave the halter off.

·         Lead lines, shanks, or reins should be placed in an appropriate manner – either hanging in front of the horse, draped over its left shoulder.  Horses that are running, rearing, ect. should not have a lead line attached to them.

·         If you have a horse that tends to not stand well or is extremely fragile (like a china horse), you may place the horse laying down on a piece of cloth.  Place a note next to the model letting the judge know they may pick the horse up to see the other side.

·         When your horses are all set, return to your seat – or even better, go check out others horses and talk to the other showers.  This is a great time to make new friends and ask questions.  But stay away from the judge while she works.

·         As soon as the class is pinned and the judge announces it, go up and remove your horse, props and any awards you’ve won.  Be sure to note how your horse placed for the Championship class.  If you have any questions for the judge regarding that class, now is the time to ask.

·         At the end of the division you will have Championship call backs.  Any horse that placed first or second in any of the classes in that division will come back to the ring with all of their ribbons.  If you have any that qualify, bring them up now.

Going home

·         Carefully pack up all of your models, props, and any awards or raffle prizes.  Be sure to leave your area as clean (if not cleaner) then when you arrived.

·         Be sure to say thank-you to the judge and show holder for all their hard work

·         Relax and enjoy your ribbons!!!

Remember, showing models is about having fun.  Being a good sport during the day, even if your not doing as well as you would like, is a big part of it.  Though you may disagree with the way the judge is pinning the classes, that is their opinion and you should respect that.  The judge may have noticed something you did not.  Radios, I-Pods, laptop computers playing music and other distractions are not allowed in most show halls.  Neither is smoking, bad language, pets, or running.  You are sharing space with many people and it is already often hard to hear the judge or announcer.  So be sure to be considerate of others around you.

Above all, socialize and have fun!  That’s what model horse showing is really all about!!

Model Horse Show Terms and Notes

“First Call” means that a class is being called up to the judging table(s).  You should bring your entries to the table at this time and start to set up.  Example “First Call for Novice Light Breeds in Ring One.”  Often this will be followed by a second call.

“Last Call” means that the class is just about to start being judged.  This is your last chance to bring your entries to the table or make any tack/prop adjustments.

“Class Closed” means that the class is now being judged.  You can no longer touch your models on the table until the end of the class.

“Class has been pinned” means that the judge is now finished and the ribbons have been placed on the table.  You may now pick up your entries and ribbons.  This is also when you may ask the judge questions about how they placed the class or what you could do better.

“Clear the ring” means that there may be models left from the previous class and they need to be removed in order to start setting up for the next class.

“Class will be split” - Splitting Classes

Occasionally, a class will be so large or so diverse that a judge will decide to split up the entries.  This is usually left to the discretion of the judge, and they may split it as they see fit.  For example, an Arabian class maybe split by Breyer vs. Peter Stone models. 

When the split is announced, you will need to listen to what the judge requests.  Some times they ask for certain models to be removed and brought up later.  Sometimes they are just moved to another table.  You will want to do this as soon as possible; otherwise your horse may be disqualified.

“Pennying or Stinging Classes”

Some times during a large class or a particularly tough class a judge my place pennies, bingo chips, candy, or place a string over the back of the horses during the class.  This helps the judge remember certain horses in a class.  Each judge has their own way of doing this and it could be that they like the horse and may be considered in the placing or it could be that these are horses that they do not like.  Some judges go back in forth through out the day so people can not anticipate her choice

Tips and Tricks for the Model Horse Hobby

1.      Sticky Wax or Dental Wax – this becomes your best friend!!  Helps keep those bits in the corner of the mouth, reins in the correct position, and “emergency” fixes.  Found at hobby shops or at pharmacies like Brooks Drug Store (dental wax that is!).  Make sure you take off all wax after the show though!!

2.      Leather Cleaner – just like real tack, you want your model tack staying healthy and clean.  Small sample size bottles work great, as you don’t need much to clean your saddle.

3.      Do NOT “Armorall” your models to give them that show day shine!  This alters the finish of the model so it is no longer OF.  Also, never use clear finger nail polish to shine hooves or eyes for the same reason.

4.      Always bring glue, tweezers, needle nose pliers, and extra leather to the show.  Just incase you break something along the way – or to help out a fellow shower.

5.      Look around the house for items that will make great props.  6 oz. Tomato paste cans make great barrels for classic scale models, and 14-oz soup cans for Trads!!  Just ask mom to save (and wash) them then give to you.  Also, the tops to film canisters make great bases for jumps, pole-bending poles, etc.

6.      Dollhouse stores (or department in other stores) have great props such as animals (small ones like chipmunks), first aid kits, coffeepots, etc.  Look over their wood supplies too – they can make great jump rails and props.

7.      Attend real horse shows and take lots of photos.  Visit farms if they are having open houses and ask questions about the breed and what events they do well in.

8.      Read, read read!!!  Books, magazines, the Internet, anything that has to do with horses.  If you buy magazines, save the photo’s to show what is correct and to give you ideas for later.

9.      Take photos of other people’s setup at model shows.  Learn from the others and ask questions. 

10. Take notes.  Ask the judge why they pinned the class like they did or what you could do with your model to make it do better (even if you placed first).  Be sure to do this after the class has been pinned and before you remove your horse.  Not at the end of the day.  Make notes and remember them for next time.

11. Watch TV equine events and movies.  What a better way to learn (or spend a rainy Saturday afternoon) then learning about real horse events.  Make notes on what is used for tack, jumps, colors, etc.

12. The “new” Ben and Brenda Breyer dolls are great for showing, but you can use others as well.  Make sure the doll is in scale.  About 8” high for Trads if a male and 7” if female.  Watch yard sales for good dolls.  Mego Brand is very nice and highly popular.  So is “Hunter Dan” a new doll geared towards hunting, however he sits VERY nicely on a horse.

13. Props – keep everything in scale.  Jump poles for Traditional models are 12” long and usually the 5/16^th diameter rod.  Traditional and classic scale horses look good against doll house scale (1:12”) props as well, although the dolls are often too small for traditional size horses.