Showing model horses may seem very strange but it is a very popular and enjoyable part of the hobby. People all over the world gather in halls and convention centres to show off their models and creations. But showing isn't just limited to meeting up in person (although this is always a great laugh), there are also photo shows and postal shows that are held online (or less commonly nowadays through the post), meaning that wherever you are you can get involved and show off your model horses.
There are three main types of model horse shows: live shows, photo shows and postal shows. We explain all aspects of showing in a lot more detail under the showing section of this site but below you can find a brief introduction to each type of showing.
Showing can be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of the model horse hobby but as with all competitive events there can be some nastiness. If you come across this ignore it and remember that 99% of the model horse hobby are really lovely friendly people :)
There are three main types of model horse shows: live shows, photo shows and postal shows. We explain all aspects of showing in a lot more detail under the showing section of this site but below you can find a brief introduction to each type of showing.
Showing can be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of the model horse hobby but as with all competitive events there can be some nastiness. If you come across this ignore it and remember that 99% of the model horse hobby are really lovely friendly people :)
Live Showing
An example of a Western Performance entry from ASOTH 2011
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.
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.
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.
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.
You can find more detailed information about live showing here.
At the bottom of this page we give a brief introduction to sections. If you are confused by any of the terms we use in these articles make sure to check out our glossary.
Photo Showing
You can photoshow all types of model horses - including Schleich like Picture here.
Photo showing involves showing a photograph of your model horse. This could be done in a digital format online or through the post in a printed format. Photo shows are a great option for those who cannot get to live shows and are usually run throughout the year. They also have the advantage of not having geographical restrictions meaning you can enter shows in other countries and with different rules or standards to your own.
The most common form of photo shows nowadays are ones run online. It used to be that you had to physically send off a photograph but thanks to the advent of the internet you can now easily enter several shows a day from the comfort of your sofa. Online shows come in two different forms: where you email photographs or where you upload photographs to a website. Email shows are less common, particularly as many photograph sizes are quite large, but are a good option if you are a younger hobbyist or do not want to sign up to other websites. They are also good because you cannot see the other entries, so you won't know the level of competition until the results are announced! Shows may also be run through social media sites in a similar fashion where you message your photographs to a page or profile and they then judge and announce results.
The most common form of photo show however is where you upload your photographs to an external site. Years ago this used to be Photobucket but continual issues with the website has meant that most people have moved away from it. Other photo hosting sites may be used in a similar fashion. You'll be given a username and password and will need to sign in and upload your pictures. These are good as show hosts can anonymise entries by giving people a 'code' to use instead of their name meaning that judging can be done blind. There are also a large number of shows held through social media websites such as Facebook. For these shows you become a member of a group and upload your photos into albums. These are quite quick and easy to use but do require you to be a member of Facebook. You put information about your model in the description and then await the results. They have the advantage that you don't need any special information to enter and once you are in the group you can enter shows on a regular basis. A quick search on Facebook will also lead you to a huge number of different shows so you can easily find out information about them.
When entering your pictures online you will need to include certain information. If you are not uploading them into albums per class you will need to tell the show host what section and class you are entering. You will also need to include information about your horses name and breed/performance disciplines. Many shows may also want to know the finish and gender of the horse.
Printed and postal photo shows do still exist but the expense means that they are less common. For these shows you send off your photographs with information about what class you want to put them in for each one. You will also need to include a SAE or the money for return postage so that your photographs and results can be returned to you. When sending off your photograph you will need to include information on the back of each picture. It is recommended you write the class and section in pencil so that this can be changed each time, but you can include information about the breed and horses name in pen. Make sure you put your own name on the pictures so they can be returned to you and don't get lost! The nice thing about these shows is the magical moment when you get the return packet with certificates pinned to each picture, nothing beats that feeling!
Photo shows are judged in a similar way to live shows with the difference that the photograph itself is also judged. Judges will be looking at two elements: the horse/entry itself and the photograph. The horse will be judged for biomechanics, anatomy, conformation and breed standard in breed classes. Condition is also important but obviously photographs have the advantage of only showing one side of the model so your horse could have a long scratch on the off side and the judge would never know! As with live shows in performance sections the fit of the tack and realism of the entry will also be judged. The photograph itself is also judged, for breed and colour classes think about the judging of the photograph as showing off the model as well as possible but also being as realistic as possible. The model needs to 'pop' in the photograph and not blend into the background, obviously pictures that are out of focus or have poor lighting won't do as well as ones that are in focus with good lighting. The realism of the picture is also important, for performance classes the photograph needs to make sense. The background and footing should suit the discipline, for example an arena wall and crowd for a Western Showmanship entry rather than a forest. For breed classes the scene behind the horse should also look realistic with no light glare on the backdrop or gaps.
Many shows, particularly digital ones, are free to enter and may not come with prizes (or may have certificates you can print yourself). But paid for shows can also be found. For these you may have to pay an entry fee either per photograph or for the whole show and you will usually get nicer prizes such as printed certificates or rosettes in return. Postal photo shows will usually have a fee, at least to return the photographs to the entrant if nothing else although shows run by companies as a form of advertising may be completely free to enter and come with prizes.
For more photo show information please see our more detailed articles here.
The most common form of photo shows nowadays are ones run online. It used to be that you had to physically send off a photograph but thanks to the advent of the internet you can now easily enter several shows a day from the comfort of your sofa. Online shows come in two different forms: where you email photographs or where you upload photographs to a website. Email shows are less common, particularly as many photograph sizes are quite large, but are a good option if you are a younger hobbyist or do not want to sign up to other websites. They are also good because you cannot see the other entries, so you won't know the level of competition until the results are announced! Shows may also be run through social media sites in a similar fashion where you message your photographs to a page or profile and they then judge and announce results.
The most common form of photo show however is where you upload your photographs to an external site. Years ago this used to be Photobucket but continual issues with the website has meant that most people have moved away from it. Other photo hosting sites may be used in a similar fashion. You'll be given a username and password and will need to sign in and upload your pictures. These are good as show hosts can anonymise entries by giving people a 'code' to use instead of their name meaning that judging can be done blind. There are also a large number of shows held through social media websites such as Facebook. For these shows you become a member of a group and upload your photos into albums. These are quite quick and easy to use but do require you to be a member of Facebook. You put information about your model in the description and then await the results. They have the advantage that you don't need any special information to enter and once you are in the group you can enter shows on a regular basis. A quick search on Facebook will also lead you to a huge number of different shows so you can easily find out information about them.
When entering your pictures online you will need to include certain information. If you are not uploading them into albums per class you will need to tell the show host what section and class you are entering. You will also need to include information about your horses name and breed/performance disciplines. Many shows may also want to know the finish and gender of the horse.
Printed and postal photo shows do still exist but the expense means that they are less common. For these shows you send off your photographs with information about what class you want to put them in for each one. You will also need to include a SAE or the money for return postage so that your photographs and results can be returned to you. When sending off your photograph you will need to include information on the back of each picture. It is recommended you write the class and section in pencil so that this can be changed each time, but you can include information about the breed and horses name in pen. Make sure you put your own name on the pictures so they can be returned to you and don't get lost! The nice thing about these shows is the magical moment when you get the return packet with certificates pinned to each picture, nothing beats that feeling!
Photo shows are judged in a similar way to live shows with the difference that the photograph itself is also judged. Judges will be looking at two elements: the horse/entry itself and the photograph. The horse will be judged for biomechanics, anatomy, conformation and breed standard in breed classes. Condition is also important but obviously photographs have the advantage of only showing one side of the model so your horse could have a long scratch on the off side and the judge would never know! As with live shows in performance sections the fit of the tack and realism of the entry will also be judged. The photograph itself is also judged, for breed and colour classes think about the judging of the photograph as showing off the model as well as possible but also being as realistic as possible. The model needs to 'pop' in the photograph and not blend into the background, obviously pictures that are out of focus or have poor lighting won't do as well as ones that are in focus with good lighting. The realism of the picture is also important, for performance classes the photograph needs to make sense. The background and footing should suit the discipline, for example an arena wall and crowd for a Western Showmanship entry rather than a forest. For breed classes the scene behind the horse should also look realistic with no light glare on the backdrop or gaps.
Many shows, particularly digital ones, are free to enter and may not come with prizes (or may have certificates you can print yourself). But paid for shows can also be found. For these you may have to pay an entry fee either per photograph or for the whole show and you will usually get nicer prizes such as printed certificates or rosettes in return. Postal photo shows will usually have a fee, at least to return the photographs to the entrant if nothing else although shows run by companies as a form of advertising may be completely free to enter and come with prizes.
For more photo show information please see our more detailed articles here.
Postal Showing
Postal showing is where your models are judged on pure luck rather than any form of skill (although some may involve a more detailed assessment of say form in racing, we aren't going to go into detail about these type of shows here).
Postal shows are held either online or through the post (as the name suggests). For these shows you will provide basic information about your model which will vary from show to show. Results are then chosen by random, rather than being judged, meaning that even the poorest quality models can have a chance at winning. As with photoshows the most common form of postal shows nowadays are ones that are held online. Entries could be submitted via email or through a message on a social media website. Certain shows may even have an online database where you upload your horse's information to take part in the show. Traditional postal shows involve sending your horse's information through the post to the show holder and receiving the results back through the post. As with postal photo shows you will be expected to include a SAE or the cost of returning the results to you.
What information is required for a postal show will vary from show to show but will usually involve the horse's name and breed. Many shows have themes, such as Three Day Eventing, and may require information such as the name of the rider or sire and dam. The information you give can be made up or part of your own fantasy stable. Think of them a little like a fantasy football league but for model horses!
Shows are judged at random, either by quite literally taking names out of a hat, or more commonly nowadays by using a random number generator. Some shows will simply pick 1st - 6th in this way and some may produce more detailed results with horses getting faults at show jumps for example or dressage scores. For some shows the horse's previous performance may affect their results in future shows or stages within that show. Some shows are judged less randomly and involve more statistical analysis and in depth analysis of form.
Prizes for postal shows will vary. Those that require entry fees may offer better prizes, such as certificates, rosettes or trophies. Those that do not may offer printable certificates or simply the honour in knowing that you won.
For more information about postal showing please see our detailed articles here.
Postal shows are held either online or through the post (as the name suggests). For these shows you will provide basic information about your model which will vary from show to show. Results are then chosen by random, rather than being judged, meaning that even the poorest quality models can have a chance at winning. As with photoshows the most common form of postal shows nowadays are ones that are held online. Entries could be submitted via email or through a message on a social media website. Certain shows may even have an online database where you upload your horse's information to take part in the show. Traditional postal shows involve sending your horse's information through the post to the show holder and receiving the results back through the post. As with postal photo shows you will be expected to include a SAE or the cost of returning the results to you.
What information is required for a postal show will vary from show to show but will usually involve the horse's name and breed. Many shows have themes, such as Three Day Eventing, and may require information such as the name of the rider or sire and dam. The information you give can be made up or part of your own fantasy stable. Think of them a little like a fantasy football league but for model horses!
Shows are judged at random, either by quite literally taking names out of a hat, or more commonly nowadays by using a random number generator. Some shows will simply pick 1st - 6th in this way and some may produce more detailed results with horses getting faults at show jumps for example or dressage scores. For some shows the horse's previous performance may affect their results in future shows or stages within that show. Some shows are judged less randomly and involve more statistical analysis and in depth analysis of form.
Prizes for postal shows will vary. Those that require entry fees may offer better prizes, such as certificates, rosettes or trophies. Those that do not may offer printable certificates or simply the honour in knowing that you won.
For more information about postal showing please see our detailed articles here.
Show Sections
Performance involves showing your model with a tack, props and a doll
Every single show is different but it would be worth talking a little bit about show sections as a finish to this article.
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!