Prop Up Your Performance

Essential components of successful performance showing

By Tiffany Purdy, with photos by Jennifer Buxton

As a chemistry teacher, I like to think of performance showing as a laboratory exercise. In order to conduct a successful experiment, you need to do background research, check that you have the proper equipment and conduct multiple practice trials before you collect the data. Model horse performance showing and judging is no different!

Background research is vital for successful showing. Online research is great, but whenever possible, go to real horse competitions. Things like what types of poles and standards are used in hunter versus jumper competitions is a common error in model showing. By looking at pictures, watching YouTube videos, and going to competitions you can get a feel for what type of props and tack you need for the class you are showing in. It’s also important to research if a certain class has specific tack restrictions. For example, this mule jumper has a running martingale and open front boots that look great with her jumper-style jump, but would not be appropriate for a hunter over fences class. 

Having the correct equipment in essential. You don’t need to spend a fortune, but every shower should have these basic props: in-scale poles (striped and plain), cones, and a set of white jump standards. You can make many of these yourself with items from your local hobby store. Invest in the best tack you can, and make sure that it is clean, fitted properly, and appropriate for the class. Also, make sure that your props are clean! I use an electric tooth brush to dust standards, wheels, and other proper items. Make sure to clean off any pet hair as well.

A simple prop addition that everyone can make is an 8.5x11" reference sheet that briefly explains what the entry is depicting, along with pictures of real horses doing similar actions. If your entry follows a pattern, such as a cloverleaf for barrel racing, it's helpful to include that as well. Handwritten index cards are okay, but taking the time to create a printed document makes your entry look more professional and gives the judge the impression that you are an informed shower. 

Bases can add a lot to your performance entry, but having a unique base for every class is unrealistic. At the very least, use a piece of brown fabric to simulate arena dirt. A simple canvas board can be painted green and flocked with model railroad grass to give your entry the impression of being on grass. Bases should be neatly edged, and the appropriate size according to show rules. It would be wise to invest in a couple of nice terrain bases. I make many of mine - the one pictured below was made from a plastic bow picture frame, plaster of Paris, and clear candle wax to simulate water. It can be used from several angles and cost less than $30 to make! 

One of the most common mistakes I see showers make is using a certain set of props and not taking the time to think if the horse makes sense with those accessories. To maximize the “wow” factor of your entry, have the horse engaged with the props you wish to use. If you are going to use a standing horse, extra little touches like the judge, extra doughnut boxes, and the dog getting into mischief make this standing horse entry catch the judge’s eye. Cool water props such as the pouring water can be made from hot glue. However, do not fall into the “most stuff on the table wins” trap. Think of your entry as a story, and each little prop should be an essential part of it. If it doesn't contribute to the story, leave it out.

There has long been a debate amongst performance showers on whether or not your props should match the tack items on your horse and/or doll’s clothes. That is not a requirement in the real or model horse show world, but you don’t want clashing colors, either. The matching cones with the broom polo entry below help to visually tie the whole entry together, for example.

Dolls can be a tremendous addition to an entry but are not required in most classes in the USA. However, if the doll is not positioned correctly, it can ruin an otherwise quality presentation. Do some trial runs! Take the time to set up your class entries with all your props before show day. Make sure you can get everything on the table and take pictures of your entries and have other people look at them. If you have other showers in your area, this is a great excuse to get together and play “show day."

Successful performance showing and the effective use of props takes time and practice, but everyone can do it without having to spend a large amount of money – just do your homework!