Showing Model Horses

Taking Your Collection Further
By Kim Bjorgo-Thorne

For some people, just having a model horse sitting on the shelf is not enough. We all enjoy seeing our beautiful Breyer models gracing our rooms. Well, why not take it a step further, and take your Breyers on the road to a model horse show near you?

Horses should be lined up parallel to the table edge, with their best side (called the "show" or "glamour" side) of the model facing the judge.

Model horse shows are a way for us to “play” with our models with a group of people who have similar interests. A showholder is the person who arranges the show, selects the class list, and advertises the event through different ways, such as posters in a barn or tack shop or via social media. There is a suitable Breyer model for almost every class at a show, but it is better to start out with bringing just a few models. Judges are the people who look at each class and rank the horses from first to tenth place, sometimes with an honorable mention. Most judges have years of experience with model horse judging, or experience judging real horses at shows. After the class ends, politely ask the judge if they will explain their placings. Asking the judge for help is a great way to improve your entries in the future.

Parents: Model horse shows are an excellent means to show your children the value of learning/research and good sportsmanship. Be your child's pit crew at a show - not the pit boss.

To prepare for the show, select your models with the best anatomy, biomechanics, and color accuracy. In order to understand the “ABCs” of model showing, it is important to do your research. Use the internet or your local library to look at a horse’s skeleton and understand how it moves. Anatomy is the underlying skeleton and muscles of the horse. The bones of the horse, particularly the leg bones, influence how a horse will move. Biomechanics is the way the muscles and bones interact to allow the horse to move. Again, looking at photos of real horses will help you develop an eye for determining what gait your Breyer model is performing.

Most judges are very knowledgeable about anatomy, biomechanics, and color accuracy. In order to be competitive, you need to do your research! Document rare breeds or colors that are not common so that the judge does not have to guess.

Lastly, color accuracy means assigning the right breed based on the color (and overall shape) of the model. Some breeds, such as Cleveland Bays, only come in... bay! Therefore, you could not show a dapple grey Cleveland Bay model as that breed. The best part about model showing is the research - just because your dapple grey Cleveland Bay model cannot be a Cleveland Bay, this does not mean that you cannot show it. Instead, consider a cross breed like a Percheron x Thoroughbred, or perhaps a traditional UK cob! There are so many different breeds and colors that there are plenty of options for every Breyer model. The best model horse exhibitors spend lots of time researching unique breeds to make their entry stand out.

Model horse shows are a great way to share your love of Breyer models and horses with people who have similar interests. For many long-time model horse hobbyists, our best and closest friendships are with those who also take part in model horse shows. Get out and show your models as often as you can. Meet new friends, learn about real horses, and just have fun! The model horse hobby is a great way to learn more about horses and Breyer models at the same time.

Model horse showing is an activity for the whole family!

Things to keep in mind:

• Remember, at any show, your entry fee gets you the opinion of one judge on a particular day.
• Another judge, or the same person on another day, may place a class in a different way.
• BreyerFest shows are very competitive, so an entry that wins at home may not do as well – or vice versa. (BreyerFest offers a special Children's and Youth Show with a slower, more casual pace for young fans just getting into model horse showing.)
• Above all, don’t give up if you don’t do as well as you would like at one particular show!

Model Horse Show Do's:

• Clean your horses carefully before a show, and make sure they are free of any damage or dust.
• Research your ABCs and pick the best model(s) for the specific class you want to enter.
• Make a list of your models before the show, and stay prepared for the next class by checking your list and knowing which horse shows in each class.
• Only bring a few models to your first show so you have time to meet new people and learn the ropes of showing.
• Learn from every show - ask lots of questions!

Model Horse Show Don'ts:

• Pick up someone else's model without their permission
• Be a table hog. Once your horse is on the table, give it a quick final dusting and make sure the tag has the correct side facing upwards. Leave the arena so others can get their horses in the ring.
• Have your entry overlooked by not following the show's rules and requirements. Each show is unique in their requirements.