But all model horse showing is fun I hear you cry! Well of course it is but many shows have special 'fun' sections that are filled with all kinds of weird and wonderful classes. It is worth noting that people don't take these classes any less seriously than some other classes so be prepared for a bit of competition. Honestly if you get 1st place in an 'other animal' class you have done really well, they are so competitive.
Other animal classes are often very competitive
What Are Fun Classes?
On a very simple level fun classes can be defined as anything that isn't normally a qualifier. So you will see everything from classes for other animals, to creative scenes and a bit of silliness such as 'horse most like owner'.
Fun sections will usually consist of a myriad of different classes and will be open to pretty much all makes and models. Other Animal classes are quite common and may be split down further for particular breeds or types (e.g. dogs). Some shows may judge these more seriously, looking at breed type and conformation, some may be judging on collectability and some may simply be judged by whatever one the judge likes most.
Artistic classes such as 'Best UK Artist', 'Medallion and Bust' and 'Best Custom by Owner' are also not uncommon. These give you a chance to show off your own workmanship as well as things that may not normally be able to be shown, like medallions. You can also have classes that are the opposite of this such as 'worst custom by owner', which always provide a bit of a laugh.
Performance fun classes, usually with a theme, are always great fun. They allow you to be completely creative and you often don't have to have any element of realism. You can also work with other showers to through something together on the day, the infamous 'Don't Feed the Bears', 'Don't Do Drugs Kids (complete with giant grapes) and of course 'Gavin' will go down in model horse history. This is what model horse showing is all about.
Fun sections will usually consist of a myriad of different classes and will be open to pretty much all makes and models. Other Animal classes are quite common and may be split down further for particular breeds or types (e.g. dogs). Some shows may judge these more seriously, looking at breed type and conformation, some may be judging on collectability and some may simply be judged by whatever one the judge likes most.
Artistic classes such as 'Best UK Artist', 'Medallion and Bust' and 'Best Custom by Owner' are also not uncommon. These give you a chance to show off your own workmanship as well as things that may not normally be able to be shown, like medallions. You can also have classes that are the opposite of this such as 'worst custom by owner', which always provide a bit of a laugh.
Performance fun classes, usually with a theme, are always great fun. They allow you to be completely creative and you often don't have to have any element of realism. You can also work with other showers to through something together on the day, the infamous 'Don't Feed the Bears', 'Don't Do Drugs Kids (complete with giant grapes) and of course 'Gavin' will go down in model horse history. This is what model horse showing is all about.
Fun classes actively encourage you to be a bit silly (no rider's were harmed in the making of this picture...well she had a minor concussion but she's OK now. Honest.)
Some Common Classes
Below are some more common fun classes and a little bit of an explanation about what you can show in them. It is worth noting that there is often no strict judging criteria for fun classes. Some judges may take it quite seriously, some may not, some shows may judge by popular vote, some may give the younger hobbyists a chance to judge.
Medallion/Bust
These classes are for medallions (those flat almost 2D sculptures, usually of a horse's head) and busts (just the horse's head). These are often judged on workmanship. In the UK they qualify for BMECS and are therefore to be judged properly.
Best Custom by Owner/Best UK Artist etc.
Many shows will have a 'best custom' class usually with some sort of proviso such as the nationality of the artist or that it has to be painted by the owner. Judging will vary but it isn't uncommon to see these judged properly as any other workmanship class would be.
Worst Custom by Owner
One does need to be able to laugh at oneself. Dig out those old customs and show them off, they might as well win you a ribbon!
Other Animal
These classes could be split down and can either be judged seriously looking at breed standard and biomechanics or simply on whichever animal the judge likes most. Cuteness is a major factor here.
Funniest Scene
I love what goes on inside some people's heads. These classes always produce the most amazing amusement, people have such creative and unusual ideas.
Themed Scene/Performance Classes
Themed shows will often have some form of themed fun class. For example a Christmas show may have a Christmas class. These can be great fun to enter and will allow you to be really creative.
HSO (Horse Shaped Object)
This is for a thing what is shaped like a horse. Quite often these seem to end up being things made of food. Or maybe its just that I have perfected the art of creating horses out of crisps and keep doing so. Who knows.
Pairs
Most shows will usually ask that you find the pair on the day. This is a great ice breaker and will encourage newer showers to get to know people. Basically the judge is looking for two very similar models, not necessarily the same model.
Me and Mini Me
Like pairs entrants are encouraged to find these on the day. This will involve one large and one small model that look similar. Sometimes the smaller model isn't even a horse!
Horse Most Like Owner
These classes can be hilarious and will usually require you to justify your reasons. Try to think of something amusing and have a bit of fun with it.
Every fun section is unique and varied, even if it is just a few classes at lunch judged by sweet based voting they are great fun to take part in and to judge.
Medallion/Bust
These classes are for medallions (those flat almost 2D sculptures, usually of a horse's head) and busts (just the horse's head). These are often judged on workmanship. In the UK they qualify for BMECS and are therefore to be judged properly.
Best Custom by Owner/Best UK Artist etc.
Many shows will have a 'best custom' class usually with some sort of proviso such as the nationality of the artist or that it has to be painted by the owner. Judging will vary but it isn't uncommon to see these judged properly as any other workmanship class would be.
Worst Custom by Owner
One does need to be able to laugh at oneself. Dig out those old customs and show them off, they might as well win you a ribbon!
Other Animal
These classes could be split down and can either be judged seriously looking at breed standard and biomechanics or simply on whichever animal the judge likes most. Cuteness is a major factor here.
Funniest Scene
I love what goes on inside some people's heads. These classes always produce the most amazing amusement, people have such creative and unusual ideas.
Themed Scene/Performance Classes
Themed shows will often have some form of themed fun class. For example a Christmas show may have a Christmas class. These can be great fun to enter and will allow you to be really creative.
HSO (Horse Shaped Object)
This is for a thing what is shaped like a horse. Quite often these seem to end up being things made of food. Or maybe its just that I have perfected the art of creating horses out of crisps and keep doing so. Who knows.
Pairs
Most shows will usually ask that you find the pair on the day. This is a great ice breaker and will encourage newer showers to get to know people. Basically the judge is looking for two very similar models, not necessarily the same model.
Me and Mini Me
Like pairs entrants are encouraged to find these on the day. This will involve one large and one small model that look similar. Sometimes the smaller model isn't even a horse!
Horse Most Like Owner
These classes can be hilarious and will usually require you to justify your reasons. Try to think of something amusing and have a bit of fun with it.
Every fun section is unique and varied, even if it is just a few classes at lunch judged by sweet based voting they are great fun to take part in and to judge.