Guide to Hosting a Live Model Horse Show

By Chris Jones

The love of horses inspires many of us to collect models of all types and sizes and associate with others who share the passion. This enthusiasm spans all ages, and collections can vary from the simple to the sublime. Since the 1970s, hobbyists have been gathering to imitate live horse shows and compete against each other, learning more about horses and making new friends. This step-by-step guide is intended to inform and inspire you to host a live model horse show in your area.

Step 1: Choose the Type of Show

There are two main types of live shows in the model horse hobby:  a “fun” show, or the more sophisticated North American Model Horse Show Association (NAMHSA)-sanctioned live show. Winning your class at NAMHSA-approved shows earns a green, pink, or yellow card that entitles the winning model to enter the yearly North American Nationals (NAN) championship show. Placement at this prestigious show could earn your winning model a Top Ten rosette or the coveted National Champion or Reserve National Champion “cookie” and title.

The “fun” show is often held in someone’s home, a park, or at a local toy store in conjunction with a Breyer Fun Day, for example. There is usually one judge, and the class list is very generic. It might include: Foals, Light Breeds, Gaited Breeds, Sport, Spanish, Draft, Pony, Stock, and Other (for mixed breeds, Longears, Zebras, or exotics). If performance classes are offered, they might consist of: Western, English, Costume, and Other Performance (parade, racing, etc.). It is customary to charge a nominal entry fee to cover the cost of awards issued.

The more sophisticated NAN-qualified show has multiple divisions and judges, varied model types and finishes and, depending on how complex your class list is, the show could span two full days. For complete rules and instructions on submitting this type of show for NAMHSA approval and class list guidelines, visit their website.

Step 2: Choose a Location

The cost of renting a room to accommodate your show’s size (based on entries received) and complexity is important. There are community centers, churches, libraries, or private businesses that offer rooms free of charge to community members. If the venue you select charges a fee, you must take that into account along with the sum of all the other expenses to determine your show’s entry fee. A certificate of insurance may also be required, and the cost may range from no charge if generated by your homeowner’s policy as a one-time “rider,” or up to a few hundred dollars if purchased independently.

Step 3: Classes and Divisions

Classes consist of two essential divisions: Halter and Performance. Halter classes evaluate how a model represents the actual breed of the horse, and no tack or costume is allowed. Larger shows often expand their classes by model type and may include:

• OF Plastic (Original Finish) - refers to the original plastic horses produced by companies such as Breyer that have not been altered from their original state. Depending on the size of your classlist, OF Plastic may be split into multiple divisions by further factors such as manufacturer or scale.
• Artist Resin, Custom Glazed China, and/or OF China/Resin - these divisions are for professionally-produced resin or porcelain models. These may be original finish or custom-painted by an artist.
• Custom - refers to individually customized models, regardless of original material or manufacturer.
• Collectibility - These classes evaluate the rarity and condition of original finish models. Documentation explaining why a model is collectible (i.e. limited number produced, hard to find, one of a kind, etc.) is strongly encouraged.
• Workmanship - These classes evaluate the finish of a model. Preparation work, any resculpting, and final painting are all considered. (These classes are generally for customized/custom-painted models rather than original finish pieces.)

Performance classes seek to recreate scenes from the real equine world in miniature and focus more on the model’s pose and its suitability to real-life tasks. Tack is required for most classes, and many showers include rider dolls with their entries as well. Common classes include:

• English Performance - models are placed in simple dioramas reflecting the events of traditional English hunter/jumper, dressage, or eventing competitions.
• Western Performance - with divisions for stock work (cutting, roping, etc.), rodeo, reining, and barrel racing as well as traditional Western classes such as pleasure, showmanship and trail.
• Other Performance - a catch-all for other events and disciplines such as costume/regalia, racing, and larger scenes. Models are judged by their accuracy and craftsmanship for the event being depicted.

Step 4: Judges

The number of divisions in a show will determine the number of judges needed to evaluate the horses in each class in a timely manner. Selecting judges is very important. Individuals qualified to judge frequently own, ride, or show real horses and therefore are likely to be familiar with correct conformation and performance techniques. These candidates are often collectors and skilled at assessing the models’ accuracy for the breed type presented, rarity, or excellence in workmanship. Likewise, judges for collectibility classes are often known experts on model horses and their history.

Sources for judges would include referrals from your hobby friends who have successfully held live shows, or by visiting the NAMHSA "Contacts" page. It is customary to provide judges with beverages, meals and, if possible, reimbursement for travel or lodging expenses.

Step 5: Awards

When a model is pinned by a judge, they are ranked with a blue ribbon for first place, a red ribbon for second, a yellow for third, a white for fourth, and so on. The number of placements is up to the showholder and can range from as simple as four positions all the way to tenth place. Decide on the number of placements you will have and multiply that number by the number of classes in your show to get the number of “flats” (ribbons) needed.

Likewise, for each section in your show (i.e., Light/Gaited, Spanish, Stock, etc.), you will need two rosettes: one for the champion and one for the reserve champion. Following the previous example, determine the number of sections in the show to determine the total rosettes needed.

Section champions return to compete against each other for overall division championships.  These awards are usually expressed with larger or more elaborate rosettes. Again, there will be one champion and one reserve champion rosette needed for each division in your show.

In addition to ribbons and rosettes, you may award other prizes such as models, gift cards, certificates or trophies.

Occasionally a show will feature a “Best in Show” award, which is the top prize offered. This honor is usually acknowledged with a very large rosette on which the words ‘Best in Show’ are printed, together with one or more of the following: an engraved trophy, custom-painted medallion, a gift certificate, embroidered tablecloth, or a highly sought-after model. Let your imagination be your guide!

Step 6: Show Hall Layout

One show table and 1-2 chairs will be needed for each exhibitor and one or more judging tables will be needed for each division of your show. Clearly identify with signs the division for each judging table so the exhibitors become familiar with their location. Consider the flow of the room, being careful to arrange exhibitor tables so they don’t bump or crowd each other or block an aisle or emergency exits.

Creating a seating chart with rings and exhibitor tables can help you visualize your layout and ensure that adequate space is available.

Step 7: Announcer

Planning for an announcer is as important to your show as the hub is to a wheel. Consider having one announcer for the entire day so participants can tune in to one voice above the din of the room. The announcer’s job is to keep the show running on schedule by broadcasting the opening, closing, and pinning of classes. Be sure the announcer is briefed on the schedule of classes, breaks, and special announcements. Ideally, they will have access to a microphone and PA system to ensure their announcements are heard by all entrants.

Step 8: Food/Beverages

Depending on the location of your show’s proximity to local eateries, it may be helpful to provide bottled water, sodas, or juice at the show hall, together with light snacks. This can be achieved by inviting a 4-H group to host a snack bar, for example, whereby the attendees benefit from the convenience and the 4-H team benefits by raising funds. Also, to minimize participants having to leave the premises for lunch, some eateries will deliver free of charge for group orders.

Step 9: Have Fun!

Hosting a live model horse show is a lot of work but is also very rewarding. It provides an environment that promotes lasting friendships, expansion of knowledge, and sportsmanship. It's also an important way to give back to your local model horse community - without people willing to hosts shows, there will be no shows for everyone to go to. Give it a try!