What Is Model Horse Showing?

BreyerFest, BreyerWest, and BreyerMidwest have been home to some of the largest model horse shows around and if you’re not yet involved in showing off your horses, we want you to be!  Showing your models is a great way to learn more about real horses and model horses, show off your collection, make new friends, and maybe win some prizes along the way!

This year, in our new space at the Maner Conference Center, we are thrilled to be able to host 100 showers in the Open Model Horse Show on Friday, January 23, 2026, and as many as 50 participants in the Sunday Youth and Novice show!

In a model horse show, participants show their Breyer model horses in the same way a person might show a real, living horse.  Models are entered in either “halter” or “performance” classes and experienced judges review and judge each entry based on specific criteria.

In “Halter” classes, an untacked, unaltered Breyer model horse is entered into a particular class based on the breed the competitor has assigned to their model.  If an Arabian model horse is entered into an Arabian class, the judge will choose the winning horses based on conformation, characteristics, and colors typical for that breed. 

Competitors are welcome to show models in classes that are not necessarily obvious for the mold they are showing if they can provide documentation to support their entry.  For example, the 2018 BreyerFest Celebration Horse Brass Hat, which was created on Breyer’s Walking Thoroughbred mold, could also be shown as an Australian Stock Horse, provided the entrant can find documentation to support that Australian Stock Horses can look like that model.

In “Performance” classes, models are fully tacked, often with riders, and set up in a diorama-like scene, complete with props and natural elements.  These scenes are viewed as if they are snapshots of a live horse event in action.  Tack is generally hand-made and all tack must be accurate to the activity being highlighted – a competitor couldn’t use a western-style bridle in a dressage competition scene, for example.

While the BreyerMidwest Open Model Horse Show is intended for experienced showers, both adults and kids are welcome to participate in the BreyerMidwest Youth & Novice Model Horse Show, which will take place on Sunday, January 25, 2026 – registration for which will opened earlier this week.  This show is slower-paced, educational, and both judges and stewards are there to show all entrants the ropes, no matter your age.  If you’ve participated in our photo show, Breyer Boot Camp, the BreyerMidwest Youth & Novice Show is a great way to get started showing in person!

Keep your eyes on the BreyerMidwest Blog in the coming weeks!  We have lots of important information coming your way!