What is a Live Show?
An example of a performance entry from a live show
Live showing involves showing your model horses in person. Live shows are held all over the world and vary from tiny shows in someone's front room to large events held in huge convention centres. This is your chance to meet other hobbyists, do a bit of shopping and show off your own collection. Shows will also vary in their class lists, some may have quite specialist class lists (for example for a particular location (e.g. USA) or type of model (e.g. OF)) and others may be more general shows with sections for all types of model horses.
Live shows are booked in advance which means that you need to pay and book your place often quite a few months before the show. Most will have a limited number of places and many sell out quickly so it is important to book as early as possible. The majority of shows are advertised online, through Facebook Groups or forums such as Model Horse Blab. Some shows will also have their own website which you can look at to get information about the show. Model horse magazines and publications may also have details of upcoming shows. Show fees vary but in the UK £15.00 is the usual amount you will pay to attend a show. There may be options for half tables or limited models at a reduced price. Some shows may require you to send in entries in advance and may charge you per entry (or have entry fee brackets such as 'under 10 models' or 'over 50 models').
If the show requires pre-entries you will have to send in a list of models which you are entering before a deadline and prior to the show. The vast majority of shows, however, are not pre-entry and you can simply turn up on the day with your model horses. You will have a table to sit at and put your own models on. Models are then shown in classes in rings throughout the day (just as at a real horse show). When it is time for your class you pick up your models and enter them into the ring. You will need to provide some information about your model (either the breed or performance information) so that a judge can properly assess it.
Once your horse has been judged you can then remove it from the ring. If it has placed 1st or 2nd it may get to go into a championship! Shows vary but most award section champions and then supreme champions (either for the whole large section or for the show). Prizes will vary from show to show but there are usually some really nice things to be won.
Live shows are booked in advance which means that you need to pay and book your place often quite a few months before the show. Most will have a limited number of places and many sell out quickly so it is important to book as early as possible. The majority of shows are advertised online, through Facebook Groups or forums such as Model Horse Blab. Some shows will also have their own website which you can look at to get information about the show. Model horse magazines and publications may also have details of upcoming shows. Show fees vary but in the UK £15.00 is the usual amount you will pay to attend a show. There may be options for half tables or limited models at a reduced price. Some shows may require you to send in entries in advance and may charge you per entry (or have entry fee brackets such as 'under 10 models' or 'over 50 models').
If the show requires pre-entries you will have to send in a list of models which you are entering before a deadline and prior to the show. The vast majority of shows, however, are not pre-entry and you can simply turn up on the day with your model horses. You will have a table to sit at and put your own models on. Models are then shown in classes in rings throughout the day (just as at a real horse show). When it is time for your class you pick up your models and enter them into the ring. You will need to provide some information about your model (either the breed or performance information) so that a judge can properly assess it.
Once your horse has been judged you can then remove it from the ring. If it has placed 1st or 2nd it may get to go into a championship! Shows vary but most award section champions and then supreme champions (either for the whole large section or for the show). Prizes will vary from show to show but there are usually some really nice things to be won.
The Sections
Performance entries are shown with tack, props and a rider
Every single show is different but some generalisations can be made in terms of the sections at each show.
In Hand
In hand classes are where the horse is shown without any form of tack or handler (some shows may allow a head collar or halter). In hand classes are usually split by breed.
For in hand classes split by breed the horse is judged on: anatomy, biomechanics, conformation, breed standard and condition.
Breed classes may be general for example European Light Horse or specific for example Arabian. For mixed breed classes you should include information about the horse's breed. This could be a tag or post it note with the breed on or a breed card for more unusual breeds.
The majority of shows split youngstock and foals away from adult breed classes.
Performance
Performance classes involve showing a horse with tack (in the UK riders/handlers are mandatory). Performance classes are usually split by discipline.
For performance classes the horse is judged on: realism of entry, fit of tack, scale/position of props/rider and to a lesser extent the horse's ABC's and condition.
Performance classes may be general for example English Performance or specific for example Show Jumping.
For all performance classes you need to include information about what you are showing. This should include what discpline you are representing (e.g. Cross Country), the level at which the horse is competing (e.g. CCI**) and the element the horse is completing (e.g. water jump). For some disciplines you would want to provide a pattern with the element highlighted (e.g. halter showmanship).
Workmanship
Workmanship classes are where the horse is judged on the artistic skill. These classes are for horses that have been custom painted only (including artist resins, chinas and pewters). Workmanship classes are split by colour.
For workmanship classes the horse is judged on: quality of workmanship, condition, ABC's (if the horse has been resculpted this will always be judged, for repaints this depends on the judge and may take a lesser focus).
Workmanship classes may be general (e.g. other dilute) or more specific (e.g. bay).
For workmanship classes you only need to provide reference if the model is a very unusual colour or has very unusual markings. If the model has been created as a portrait of a real horse you may want to include this as reference.
Fun
Fun classes are just for fun and will be judged on different criteria depending upon the class.
Fun classes can vary from everything from other animal (classes may be judged in the same way as horse breed classes) to ridiculous things such as 'horse shaped object' or 'horse most like owner'.
The majority of schedules will provide information about what each class means and let you know if you need to provide any extra information. These may be judged by a single judge or as a collective vote. They could even just be judged at random! Personal taste is usually the number one factor in judging these classes.
Collectability
Collectability classes are judged on the rarity and desirability of the model. These classes are for originalf finish models only. Collectability classes are usually split by make, scale, colour or year produced.
For collectability classes the model is judged on: rarity, desirability and condition.
The split of collectability classes will vary from show to show. Sometimes this is judged at the same time as breed and sometimes there will be seperate classes. They may be split by make (e.g. Breyer), scale (e.g. Breyer Traditional), colour (e.g. Woodgrain) or year produced (e.g. 1950-1959).
For collectability classes you will need to provide information as to why your model is collectable. This will usually include the model name, year produced, number produced and any distinctive features (e.g. missing white face marking). You may want to include information you have about providence if it is a very unusual model (e.g. acquired from artist working at the Beswick factory during the 1960s).
Finishes
The majority of shows will split up in hand into sections by finish. Below is a list of the most common finish splits you will see and a brief explanation about what goes in them. For a more detailed explanation please see here.
Original Finish - These are for models that are in the same condition as when they left the factory (e.g. Breyers)
Custom Finish - These are for models that have been altered since they left the factory (e.g. repainted Breyer)
Artist Resin/China - These are for models produced by artists in either resin or china in a limited run. Usually sold blank and painted by another artist (e.g. Horsing Around resin)
CTF - These are for craft and toy brands in original finish (e.g. Julip or Schleich)
Every show is different so if you are unsure always check with the show holder in advance. Also make sure to read the whole schedule as many show holders provide pages and pages of helpful information to tell you where your model should go!
In Hand
In hand classes are where the horse is shown without any form of tack or handler (some shows may allow a head collar or halter). In hand classes are usually split by breed.
For in hand classes split by breed the horse is judged on: anatomy, biomechanics, conformation, breed standard and condition.
Breed classes may be general for example European Light Horse or specific for example Arabian. For mixed breed classes you should include information about the horse's breed. This could be a tag or post it note with the breed on or a breed card for more unusual breeds.
The majority of shows split youngstock and foals away from adult breed classes.
Performance
Performance classes involve showing a horse with tack (in the UK riders/handlers are mandatory). Performance classes are usually split by discipline.
For performance classes the horse is judged on: realism of entry, fit of tack, scale/position of props/rider and to a lesser extent the horse's ABC's and condition.
Performance classes may be general for example English Performance or specific for example Show Jumping.
For all performance classes you need to include information about what you are showing. This should include what discpline you are representing (e.g. Cross Country), the level at which the horse is competing (e.g. CCI**) and the element the horse is completing (e.g. water jump). For some disciplines you would want to provide a pattern with the element highlighted (e.g. halter showmanship).
Workmanship
Workmanship classes are where the horse is judged on the artistic skill. These classes are for horses that have been custom painted only (including artist resins, chinas and pewters). Workmanship classes are split by colour.
For workmanship classes the horse is judged on: quality of workmanship, condition, ABC's (if the horse has been resculpted this will always be judged, for repaints this depends on the judge and may take a lesser focus).
Workmanship classes may be general (e.g. other dilute) or more specific (e.g. bay).
For workmanship classes you only need to provide reference if the model is a very unusual colour or has very unusual markings. If the model has been created as a portrait of a real horse you may want to include this as reference.
Fun
Fun classes are just for fun and will be judged on different criteria depending upon the class.
Fun classes can vary from everything from other animal (classes may be judged in the same way as horse breed classes) to ridiculous things such as 'horse shaped object' or 'horse most like owner'.
The majority of schedules will provide information about what each class means and let you know if you need to provide any extra information. These may be judged by a single judge or as a collective vote. They could even just be judged at random! Personal taste is usually the number one factor in judging these classes.
Collectability
Collectability classes are judged on the rarity and desirability of the model. These classes are for originalf finish models only. Collectability classes are usually split by make, scale, colour or year produced.
For collectability classes the model is judged on: rarity, desirability and condition.
The split of collectability classes will vary from show to show. Sometimes this is judged at the same time as breed and sometimes there will be seperate classes. They may be split by make (e.g. Breyer), scale (e.g. Breyer Traditional), colour (e.g. Woodgrain) or year produced (e.g. 1950-1959).
For collectability classes you will need to provide information as to why your model is collectable. This will usually include the model name, year produced, number produced and any distinctive features (e.g. missing white face marking). You may want to include information you have about providence if it is a very unusual model (e.g. acquired from artist working at the Beswick factory during the 1960s).
Finishes
The majority of shows will split up in hand into sections by finish. Below is a list of the most common finish splits you will see and a brief explanation about what goes in them. For a more detailed explanation please see here.
Original Finish - These are for models that are in the same condition as when they left the factory (e.g. Breyers)
Custom Finish - These are for models that have been altered since they left the factory (e.g. repainted Breyer)
Artist Resin/China - These are for models produced by artists in either resin or china in a limited run. Usually sold blank and painted by another artist (e.g. Horsing Around resin)
CTF - These are for craft and toy brands in original finish (e.g. Julip or Schleich)
Every show is different so if you are unsure always check with the show holder in advance. Also make sure to read the whole schedule as many show holders provide pages and pages of helpful information to tell you where your model should go!
Judging Criteria
How would you place this Schleich Trakehner?
Models are judged by one or more judges. A judge is looking for several different factors when assessing your model. The first is anatomy and biomechanics, this is simply if your model was real could it actually live or would one leg be broken? The more you look at real horses and model horses the more you will be able to judge that there is something not quite right about a particular model. They will then look at the conformation and breed standard. These go hand in hand as conformation may vary slightly from breed to breed (for example some breeds may have long sloping pasterns and others short), a well conformed horse under traditional principles may not actually suit the breed standard of some breeds! Finally judges will look at the condition of your model (and if custom painted the quality of the paintwork/hairing/resculpting). A model shouldn't have any rubs or marks and certainly no breaks! Every judge is different and you will see that some place more emphasis on one factor than another, with some experience you may even figure out which models to show under which judges!
Some sections are judged a little differently. Performance sections involve showing a horse under tack (in the UK riders are mandatory as well). Here the entry as a whole is judged looking at the fit of the tack and the realism and accuracy of the entry. The model's condition and conformation will play a part but it will be secondary to the performance entry itself and will be judged in terms of it reducing the realism of the overall entry. In workmanship the finish and artistic skill are judged rather than the breed standard. These classes are only for custom painted model horses. Biomechanics and conformation may play a part (they will definitely play a part if the model is resculpted) but will be secondary to the actually workmanship of the model. Finally in collectability classes models are judged on their rarity and desirability rather than their ability to fit breed standard. Again, however, the condition of the model is important. A model in good condition is obviously far more desirable to a collector than the same one in poor condition.
Remember your horses won't always do well, different judges have different opinions and sometimes you may not agree with their opinion. You can always ask a judge why they did or did not place your horse (they may have actually spotted a condition flaw you haven't) but moaning and complaining, particularly after the show online is really not OK. If something doesn't go your way just shrug it off and remember there is always another show!
Some sections are judged a little differently. Performance sections involve showing a horse under tack (in the UK riders are mandatory as well). Here the entry as a whole is judged looking at the fit of the tack and the realism and accuracy of the entry. The model's condition and conformation will play a part but it will be secondary to the performance entry itself and will be judged in terms of it reducing the realism of the overall entry. In workmanship the finish and artistic skill are judged rather than the breed standard. These classes are only for custom painted model horses. Biomechanics and conformation may play a part (they will definitely play a part if the model is resculpted) but will be secondary to the actually workmanship of the model. Finally in collectability classes models are judged on their rarity and desirability rather than their ability to fit breed standard. Again, however, the condition of the model is important. A model in good condition is obviously far more desirable to a collector than the same one in poor condition.
Remember your horses won't always do well, different judges have different opinions and sometimes you may not agree with their opinion. You can always ask a judge why they did or did not place your horse (they may have actually spotted a condition flaw you haven't) but moaning and complaining, particularly after the show online is really not OK. If something doesn't go your way just shrug it off and remember there is always another show!
Raffles, Lunch & Games
The Julip Originals sales table from a live show
Some shows may also have extra fun classes or awards throughout the day. Rosettes may be given out for the show holder's favourite model or even for models chosen by their children. Fun classes can vary from other animal classes to more bizarre things such as performance with a food item. I've created horses out of crisps and felt such a sense of pride as they win the 'horse shaped object' class. Horse most like owner is also a great source of mirth at many shows.
At lunchtime there will usually be a chance for you to sell some items and also do a bit of shopping yourself. Many shows may also run a raffle giving you the chance to win everything from model horses to wine. There may also be pony painting tables or fun and games at lunchtime. But most of all the lunch break is a good chance to have a chat with people you only get to see a few times a year.
The majority of shows are run in aid of charity so it is always worth donating something if you can. The more people donate the more people are likely to buy raffle tickets and the more money is raised for the chosen charity.
At lunchtime there will usually be a chance for you to sell some items and also do a bit of shopping yourself. Many shows may also run a raffle giving you the chance to win everything from model horses to wine. There may also be pony painting tables or fun and games at lunchtime. But most of all the lunch break is a good chance to have a chat with people you only get to see a few times a year.
The majority of shows are run in aid of charity so it is always worth donating something if you can. The more people donate the more people are likely to buy raffle tickets and the more money is raised for the chosen charity.
Prizes
As well as rosettes and certificates this owner has won a model horse
Horses are then placed from 1st - 6th or 1st - 10th at some shows (although some may only place to 3rd or 5th and some may go much higher). If the show is a qualifier the 1st and 2nd place models will get qualification tickets (for example BMECS tickets), some qualification systems award tickets to 3rd place. Although it varies from show to show usually 1st place models then move onto a championship. Here all the 1st places from that section will be judged against each other and a champion, reserve and reserve to reserve awarded (some shows only award to reserve). Depending on the show the champions could then move onto a supreme championship where all the show champions are judged against each other and a supreme champion awarded!
The awards received will vary from show to show, but often involve certificates, rosettes and trophies. Some shows even offer prizes such as model horses or chocolate! These will vary from show to show and are wonderful things to win. I just love the more unusual prizes I've collected over the years, from an African style pot to a plush dragon! Many hobby businesses also choose to sponsor sections or classes (as do individuals) and will award extra prizes.
The awards received will vary from show to show, but often involve certificates, rosettes and trophies. Some shows even offer prizes such as model horses or chocolate! These will vary from show to show and are wonderful things to win. I just love the more unusual prizes I've collected over the years, from an African style pot to a plush dragon! Many hobby businesses also choose to sponsor sections or classes (as do individuals) and will award extra prizes.