Model horse showing can be confusing to the first time shower and there is often lots of terminology that you won't or don't understand. This is a very basic introduction to each of the sections, what to look for in choosing a model for that section and what you should be entering. It is worth remember that every show is different so check the show information and with the show holder prior to entering.
What is In Hand?
At a real horse show an in hand class would involve showing the horse quite literally in hand. It would be wearing a halter or bridle and be shown by a handler, rather than under saddle. Model horse showing is no different, for an in hand class the horse is shown without tack or a rider with the exception that most model horse shows don't require a handler or halter (and many actually forbid it).
For the purposes of this article we are going to discuss in hand showing in terms of breed classes. We have separate articles on workmanship and collectability so this seems more appropriate.
For an in hand class the horse will be placed on the table with no other props or accessories. They will often not have even have a halter or headcollar. You literally just place the model in the ring. In this sense it is one of the easiest forms of showing for a beginner to try. You literally just need a model horse to start.
In hand breed sections will be split into two different types of classes (1) classes for a particular breed e.g. Arabian (2) classes for a group of breeds e.g. Other American. The classes will vary from show to show but most have standardised names and descriptions. Some shows may be more specialist giving breeds individual classes that would not normally exist (e.g. Shetland Pony in a British breeds show).
You do not need to show your model with anything extra unless the show requires it. But you will need to provide information to the judge about the horse's breed in mixed breed classes (e.g. European Light Horse). There are three ways you can do this:
(1) Tag
(2) Breed Card
(3) Piece of Paper
Tags
In the UK tagging is rare at live shows and most don't require it. In the USA most shows insist upon tagging of models. Check the show rules before hand to see what is required. As a general rule if you are using a tag one side should have the horse's breed on and any personal information (your name, the horse's name etc) should be on the underside so the judge cannot see it. It is a good idea to tag models of which there may be many in the show ring so you can identify the horse as yours (e.g. Breyer Valegro, a very common OF model). Some more fragile models may not lend themselves to tagging, you can always lie the tag next to the model if you do not want to actually attach it.
Breed Cards
Breed cards can be used for more unusual breeds or if there is something unusual about your model (strange markings or a weird colour for the breed). Breed cards should be no larger than A5 size and only include important information. As a general rule a breed card should have:
Clear picture showing a good example of the breed from the side
Breed Colours
Breed Height
Basic Conformation (in bullet points or a list)
Avoid putting in unnecessary information such as the breed's history. Your breed card is there to guide the judge, provide information to do this. It is also important you make sure the image is actually of the breed you are talking about (yes I have seen breed cards with images that I know are not that breed), check your sources carefully and use good examples of the breed such as champions and breeding stock.
Paper
Most UK live shows provide post it notes or slips of paper to write breeds on. It is always worth carrying a few post it notes with you in case the show host forgets. You can also produce your own breed slips that you take to every show and keep these in alphabetical order in a folder. Make sure you write the breed down carefully and clearly so the judge can easily read it.
For the purposes of this article we are going to discuss in hand showing in terms of breed classes. We have separate articles on workmanship and collectability so this seems more appropriate.
For an in hand class the horse will be placed on the table with no other props or accessories. They will often not have even have a halter or headcollar. You literally just place the model in the ring. In this sense it is one of the easiest forms of showing for a beginner to try. You literally just need a model horse to start.
In hand breed sections will be split into two different types of classes (1) classes for a particular breed e.g. Arabian (2) classes for a group of breeds e.g. Other American. The classes will vary from show to show but most have standardised names and descriptions. Some shows may be more specialist giving breeds individual classes that would not normally exist (e.g. Shetland Pony in a British breeds show).
You do not need to show your model with anything extra unless the show requires it. But you will need to provide information to the judge about the horse's breed in mixed breed classes (e.g. European Light Horse). There are three ways you can do this:
(1) Tag
(2) Breed Card
(3) Piece of Paper
Tags
In the UK tagging is rare at live shows and most don't require it. In the USA most shows insist upon tagging of models. Check the show rules before hand to see what is required. As a general rule if you are using a tag one side should have the horse's breed on and any personal information (your name, the horse's name etc) should be on the underside so the judge cannot see it. It is a good idea to tag models of which there may be many in the show ring so you can identify the horse as yours (e.g. Breyer Valegro, a very common OF model). Some more fragile models may not lend themselves to tagging, you can always lie the tag next to the model if you do not want to actually attach it.
Breed Cards
Breed cards can be used for more unusual breeds or if there is something unusual about your model (strange markings or a weird colour for the breed). Breed cards should be no larger than A5 size and only include important information. As a general rule a breed card should have:
Clear picture showing a good example of the breed from the side
Breed Colours
Breed Height
Basic Conformation (in bullet points or a list)
Avoid putting in unnecessary information such as the breed's history. Your breed card is there to guide the judge, provide information to do this. It is also important you make sure the image is actually of the breed you are talking about (yes I have seen breed cards with images that I know are not that breed), check your sources carefully and use good examples of the breed such as champions and breeding stock.
Paper
Most UK live shows provide post it notes or slips of paper to write breeds on. It is always worth carrying a few post it notes with you in case the show host forgets. You can also produce your own breed slips that you take to every show and keep these in alphabetical order in a folder. Make sure you write the breed down carefully and clearly so the judge can easily read it.
For both live and photo shows in hand horses are usually shown without any tack or handlers
To Halter or Not to Halter?
There are some areas of the hobby that cause huge contention and ridiculously long arguments and this is one of them. I've seen people reduced to tears over the issue of haltering model horses (seriously guys chill out it's supposed to be fun) but some people are very very opinionated on the subject.
Each show will have different rules about whether or not you can show your model with a halter. I personally show most of my models without any form of halter or stallion set, but I do have a few that wear headcollars or halters permanently. These include a Halter Showmanship horse who I also show in hand whose headcollar simply doesn't undo properly, I would rather withdraw the entry and than remove it. The type of headgear will of course depend on the horse's breed, if you are going to show with headgear on then make sure it is breed appropriate (e.g. Arabian halter or Stock Halter).
So the golden rule here is check the show rules first. If they say nothing about it then check with the show host and get a clear answer beforehand. It is rare now to see shows where halters are mandatory it is more likely you will be told to remove a halter than add one.
Arguments in Favour of Halters
Realism
This is the main argument in favour of the use of headcollars, halters and presentation sets. At real horse shows the horse would be shown with that particular form of headgear on so for realism the horse should be shown with it.
Presentation
A headcollar or a stallion set can really add to the presentation of a model and make it stand out.
Generating Sales
A slightly more unusual argument but still a valid one. If everyone has to use headcollars or halters for showing then this generates income for hobby tack makers which then puts more money back into the hobby increasing the hobby economy.
Tradition
Traditionally many shows would insist on the use of halters for in hand classes. For some hobbyists this is a tradition they wish to keep going.
Arguments Against the Use of Halters
Hiding Flaws
This is the main reason against the use of any form of headgear. A headcollar, halter, presentation set or anything else can hide a models flaws. If you have a model with a small rub on the face it wouldn't be hard to disguise this with a well placed cheek strap.
Unfair Advantage
Imagine you have two identical black Percherons in the ring. Both are flawless. One has a beautiful white stallion set, the other does not, which will the judge choose? Arguably this can work both ways but there is an element of adding something to the entry and making it stand out, catching the judge's eye (the judge could also choose not to place it arguing that the set could be hiding a flaw)
Damage to Models
Tack can damage model horses and therefore by forcing entrants to use headgear this could cause them to damage particularly fragile or delicate models.
Ultimately it is up to the individual show holder whether or not they want the use of headgear or not. Whatever your own personal views on the subject you should follow what the show holder asks of you.
Each show will have different rules about whether or not you can show your model with a halter. I personally show most of my models without any form of halter or stallion set, but I do have a few that wear headcollars or halters permanently. These include a Halter Showmanship horse who I also show in hand whose headcollar simply doesn't undo properly, I would rather withdraw the entry and than remove it. The type of headgear will of course depend on the horse's breed, if you are going to show with headgear on then make sure it is breed appropriate (e.g. Arabian halter or Stock Halter).
So the golden rule here is check the show rules first. If they say nothing about it then check with the show host and get a clear answer beforehand. It is rare now to see shows where halters are mandatory it is more likely you will be told to remove a halter than add one.
Arguments in Favour of Halters
Realism
This is the main argument in favour of the use of headcollars, halters and presentation sets. At real horse shows the horse would be shown with that particular form of headgear on so for realism the horse should be shown with it.
Presentation
A headcollar or a stallion set can really add to the presentation of a model and make it stand out.
Generating Sales
A slightly more unusual argument but still a valid one. If everyone has to use headcollars or halters for showing then this generates income for hobby tack makers which then puts more money back into the hobby increasing the hobby economy.
Tradition
Traditionally many shows would insist on the use of halters for in hand classes. For some hobbyists this is a tradition they wish to keep going.
Arguments Against the Use of Halters
Hiding Flaws
This is the main reason against the use of any form of headgear. A headcollar, halter, presentation set or anything else can hide a models flaws. If you have a model with a small rub on the face it wouldn't be hard to disguise this with a well placed cheek strap.
Unfair Advantage
Imagine you have two identical black Percherons in the ring. Both are flawless. One has a beautiful white stallion set, the other does not, which will the judge choose? Arguably this can work both ways but there is an element of adding something to the entry and making it stand out, catching the judge's eye (the judge could also choose not to place it arguing that the set could be hiding a flaw)
Damage to Models
Tack can damage model horses and therefore by forcing entrants to use headgear this could cause them to damage particularly fragile or delicate models.
Ultimately it is up to the individual show holder whether or not they want the use of headgear or not. Whatever your own personal views on the subject you should follow what the show holder asks of you.
There is huge debate about whether or not headgear should be used for showing model horses
Choosing the In Hand Model
Many will argue that in hand showing requires little skill on the part of the entrant and to some extent, when compared to performance, this is true. But there is great skill in having a good eye for choosing models and being able to pick breeds. Choosing the right in hand model for showing is more complicated than just picking something off your shelf and shoving it in the ring. Choosing the right model involves not only an understanding of what a judge is looking for but also an understanding of the unconscious psychology that comes into play when judging anything (this goes for every form of competitive showing, not just model horses).
Conformation & Biomechanics
The first basic rule is that the horse has to actually well look like a horse! The model has to work as a real horse, all the joints need to be in the right place, everything should be as it should and there should be no broken limbs or weird muscles. Although conformation will vary slightly with breed standard a horse needs to have basic underlying working biomechanics in order to be a good show horse.
Breed Standard
Once you have found a model that has all the limbs in the right place and looks like a working horse you now need to think about the breed standard. Obviously this will depend on the breed you choose for your model so you need to think carefully about what breed to go with. Go through the breed standard point by point and check it against your horse. How well does it meet every point? Does it look like a good example of the breed? Is it the right colour for the breed? Does it have the correct markings for the breed?
Often when I'm judging I'll look at a ring and think about what breeds I would show each model as. This first impression can be helpful, does the model look like that breed? is the best first question you can ask yourself when assessing for breed standard.
Condition
No model horse is perfect but the good in hand horse should be as near to perfect as possible. Choose a model that is in as good a condition as possible. Even if it has really good biomechanics and looks just like your chosen breed if it has a giant scratch down the side then it is probably not going to place.
These last two points are more controversial but I think it is naive not to think that there is some form of unconscious taste element going on with any form of subjective showing. Even if the judge thinks they are being objective there will be all kinds of things going on under the surface that are just part of being human.
The 'In' Thing?
Watch the showing world for long enough and you will begin to spot patterns in what does well. Every year there seems to be some make or model that people go mad over, often with very good reason. Although the fact that something is new and shiny shouldn't play a part in judging it quite often does. Equally people are influenced by what else they've seen place. This is usually happening on a subconscious level rather than a conscious one.
A Stand Out Model
When it comes to a higher level, particularly a championship level the winning horse will often stand out in the show ring. By this point most models will be perfect, or there will at least be several that seem to be near perfect and judges will be nit picking. Often if you look at a class from a distance you can see what will win supreme champion without having to look at them in much detail.
A final word...
The weirdest things place at shows. You can try to be as clever about it as you want but sometimes stuff just does well and other stuff doesn't. I like to take random horses to shows to see how they do, quite often what I like in my own show string is not what other people like! Make sure to experiment and try different horses at different shows.
Conformation & Biomechanics
The first basic rule is that the horse has to actually well look like a horse! The model has to work as a real horse, all the joints need to be in the right place, everything should be as it should and there should be no broken limbs or weird muscles. Although conformation will vary slightly with breed standard a horse needs to have basic underlying working biomechanics in order to be a good show horse.
Breed Standard
Once you have found a model that has all the limbs in the right place and looks like a working horse you now need to think about the breed standard. Obviously this will depend on the breed you choose for your model so you need to think carefully about what breed to go with. Go through the breed standard point by point and check it against your horse. How well does it meet every point? Does it look like a good example of the breed? Is it the right colour for the breed? Does it have the correct markings for the breed?
Often when I'm judging I'll look at a ring and think about what breeds I would show each model as. This first impression can be helpful, does the model look like that breed? is the best first question you can ask yourself when assessing for breed standard.
Condition
No model horse is perfect but the good in hand horse should be as near to perfect as possible. Choose a model that is in as good a condition as possible. Even if it has really good biomechanics and looks just like your chosen breed if it has a giant scratch down the side then it is probably not going to place.
These last two points are more controversial but I think it is naive not to think that there is some form of unconscious taste element going on with any form of subjective showing. Even if the judge thinks they are being objective there will be all kinds of things going on under the surface that are just part of being human.
The 'In' Thing?
Watch the showing world for long enough and you will begin to spot patterns in what does well. Every year there seems to be some make or model that people go mad over, often with very good reason. Although the fact that something is new and shiny shouldn't play a part in judging it quite often does. Equally people are influenced by what else they've seen place. This is usually happening on a subconscious level rather than a conscious one.
A Stand Out Model
When it comes to a higher level, particularly a championship level the winning horse will often stand out in the show ring. By this point most models will be perfect, or there will at least be several that seem to be near perfect and judges will be nit picking. Often if you look at a class from a distance you can see what will win supreme champion without having to look at them in much detail.
A final word...
The weirdest things place at shows. You can try to be as clever about it as you want but sometimes stuff just does well and other stuff doesn't. I like to take random horses to shows to see how they do, quite often what I like in my own show string is not what other people like! Make sure to experiment and try different horses at different shows.
A well presented in hand horse - note the well groomed mane and tail
Presenting the In Hand Model Horse
Showing an in hand model may seem easy, you just shove it in the ring right? O dear...it is far more complex than that. Presenting your model well is really crucial, you'll be amazed at the lack of care some people put into showing their in hand models and they do lose placings as a results. It doesn't take long to dust and groom a horse to present it well, so make sure you do it!
Dusting
DUST YOUR MODELS the judge screams at me as I enter yet another dust covered thing into the ring. Honestly I'm awful for this and I know I need to put more effort in so I'm encouraging you to be a good little model horse shower and dust your models. Prior to the show give them a wipe over with a duster and then use a blusher brush to carefully remove dust from more hard to reach areas. Make sure you take a blusher brush with you on the day so you can dust your model before it goes into the ring.
Grooming
If you regularly show haired models you will understand the importance of grooming. This is my pet hate as a judge, I just cannot stand a beautiful haired model being shown with a really messy mane and tail. Take time to ensure the horse is well groomed and the mane and tail are 'set' correctly for the pose (e.g. giving them a bit of a flick for an action pose).
The Right Light
Have you ever watched people at a show choose a particular part of the table to show their models on and wonder what they are doing? Well they are choosing the best light for their horse. The light can be used to hide marks, to show off a glossy finish or to help the judge see the model easily. It's not always possible to get the best spot on the table but if you can do this try to.
A Good Breed Card
A good (or a poor) breed card can make all the difference particularly if you are showing a really unusual breed or colour. Judges cannot and do not know absolutely everything so make sure you provide them with all the information needed to judge your horse. Equally there is nothing more off putting then a badly done breed card, particularly one with an image that isn't even of the correct breed.
Other Items
As a general rule you should use as little as possible in terms of extra props when showing in hand. However, sometimes a small base, mirror or stand can help. If you are showing a particularly tiny model raising him up on some form of stand can help the judge see him and also mean they don't have to bend down too far!
Dusting
DUST YOUR MODELS the judge screams at me as I enter yet another dust covered thing into the ring. Honestly I'm awful for this and I know I need to put more effort in so I'm encouraging you to be a good little model horse shower and dust your models. Prior to the show give them a wipe over with a duster and then use a blusher brush to carefully remove dust from more hard to reach areas. Make sure you take a blusher brush with you on the day so you can dust your model before it goes into the ring.
Grooming
If you regularly show haired models you will understand the importance of grooming. This is my pet hate as a judge, I just cannot stand a beautiful haired model being shown with a really messy mane and tail. Take time to ensure the horse is well groomed and the mane and tail are 'set' correctly for the pose (e.g. giving them a bit of a flick for an action pose).
The Right Light
Have you ever watched people at a show choose a particular part of the table to show their models on and wonder what they are doing? Well they are choosing the best light for their horse. The light can be used to hide marks, to show off a glossy finish or to help the judge see the model easily. It's not always possible to get the best spot on the table but if you can do this try to.
A Good Breed Card
A good (or a poor) breed card can make all the difference particularly if you are showing a really unusual breed or colour. Judges cannot and do not know absolutely everything so make sure you provide them with all the information needed to judge your horse. Equally there is nothing more off putting then a badly done breed card, particularly one with an image that isn't even of the correct breed.
Other Items
As a general rule you should use as little as possible in terms of extra props when showing in hand. However, sometimes a small base, mirror or stand can help. If you are showing a particularly tiny model raising him up on some form of stand can help the judge see him and also mean they don't have to bend down too far!