Performance showing involves showing your horse with tack, rider and props to create a miniature scene or set up. Performance classes are based on real horse events and can be great fun to enter. Performance can be incredibly stressful but it is also really rewarding. If you are new to performance showing I would recommend you start with one or two entries at a live show and then build up. For photo showing you obviously have a bit more time to tack up the model and won't have the same level of stress!
An example of a performance entry at a live show. Taken at Dartmoor Live 2011.
What is Performance Showing?
Performance showing involves showing a horse with tack, rider and props to create a miniature replica of a real horse event. In the UK riders are mandatory for performance classes but this is not the case in other countries such as the USA.
Performance classes come in two types (1) for a particular discipline (e.g. show jumping) (2) for a general group of disciplines (e.g. jumping). For all performance classes you need to provide information about what your horse is doing, whether they are general or specific. This could be very basic e.g. Jump 2 CCI** Cross Country Course or more detailed e.g a Western Showmanship pattern.
The Performance Card
All performance entries must have information with them to explain what the entry is doing. These come in two types:
Basic Written
Detailed
The basic written description suits entries where it is pretty obvious what is being portrayed or that only require a description. An example may be a scene entry, a description such as 'Out on a Hack' or 'Clare holds onto Pepper whilst the farrier fits a new hind shoe' would be perfectly suitable for these type of entries. They provide the judge with enough information needed to judge the entry.
More detailed descriptions are necessary for entries where patterns are used or the horse is showing a particularly complex movement or event. For most Western events a pattern can be used and highlighted to show the element being performed. Equally an extract from a dressage test with the element being shown highlighted would be suitable for a dressage entry.
For all levels of competitive entry the level of competition should be made clear. This is because the rules will vary from level to level usually on very important elements. There is a big difference between dressage levels when it comes to what bit or bridle can be used and these are often very strict. Equally there are rules on dress, rider age, horse breed/type, fence type, tack and everything else that will vary from level to level in nearly every competitive sport. A judge simply cannot judge your entry without this information, no matter how nice it is.
Like breed cards performance cards should be clear and concise. They should be no larger than A5 size and contain only the information needed to judge the event. You may wish to include a reference photo if needed (often useful when a specific jump has been recreated for example) as well as information about the level of competition and element being performed. You do not need to provide a judge with an entire rule book, with the modern use of smart phones most judges can easily look up rules if they aren't too sure and most will have enough basic knowledge about what they are judging that they won't need to.
Riders?
In the UK riders or handlers are mandatory in all performance classes unless where not appropriate. What this essentially means that unless you are showing a scene of horse's in a field, or running through the plains you will probably need some form of rider or handler. In other countries however, riders and handlers are not mandatory but there is a definite move towards their use and most judges I have spoken to, or read comments by on the subject, say that they definitely prefer them.
Riders can be tricky though. It is often hard to find good quality realistic dolls, a Breyer doll can only go so far and will often need modifying so that it has the correct dress. Rules on dress between different levels and sports can mean that you have to invest in quite a few different dolls if you are choosing to show performance. Dolls can also be very badly behaved. They quite often don't want to hold their reins and also put their feet in the stirrups. Frequently fall over just as the judge approaches your entry and generally seem to go on all night benders the day before the show. No matter how well behaved they were at home they will never do that on show day.
Performance classes come in two types (1) for a particular discipline (e.g. show jumping) (2) for a general group of disciplines (e.g. jumping). For all performance classes you need to provide information about what your horse is doing, whether they are general or specific. This could be very basic e.g. Jump 2 CCI** Cross Country Course or more detailed e.g a Western Showmanship pattern.
The Performance Card
All performance entries must have information with them to explain what the entry is doing. These come in two types:
Basic Written
Detailed
The basic written description suits entries where it is pretty obvious what is being portrayed or that only require a description. An example may be a scene entry, a description such as 'Out on a Hack' or 'Clare holds onto Pepper whilst the farrier fits a new hind shoe' would be perfectly suitable for these type of entries. They provide the judge with enough information needed to judge the entry.
More detailed descriptions are necessary for entries where patterns are used or the horse is showing a particularly complex movement or event. For most Western events a pattern can be used and highlighted to show the element being performed. Equally an extract from a dressage test with the element being shown highlighted would be suitable for a dressage entry.
For all levels of competitive entry the level of competition should be made clear. This is because the rules will vary from level to level usually on very important elements. There is a big difference between dressage levels when it comes to what bit or bridle can be used and these are often very strict. Equally there are rules on dress, rider age, horse breed/type, fence type, tack and everything else that will vary from level to level in nearly every competitive sport. A judge simply cannot judge your entry without this information, no matter how nice it is.
Like breed cards performance cards should be clear and concise. They should be no larger than A5 size and contain only the information needed to judge the event. You may wish to include a reference photo if needed (often useful when a specific jump has been recreated for example) as well as information about the level of competition and element being performed. You do not need to provide a judge with an entire rule book, with the modern use of smart phones most judges can easily look up rules if they aren't too sure and most will have enough basic knowledge about what they are judging that they won't need to.
Riders?
In the UK riders or handlers are mandatory in all performance classes unless where not appropriate. What this essentially means that unless you are showing a scene of horse's in a field, or running through the plains you will probably need some form of rider or handler. In other countries however, riders and handlers are not mandatory but there is a definite move towards their use and most judges I have spoken to, or read comments by on the subject, say that they definitely prefer them.
Riders can be tricky though. It is often hard to find good quality realistic dolls, a Breyer doll can only go so far and will often need modifying so that it has the correct dress. Rules on dress between different levels and sports can mean that you have to invest in quite a few different dolls if you are choosing to show performance. Dolls can also be very badly behaved. They quite often don't want to hold their reins and also put their feet in the stirrups. Frequently fall over just as the judge approaches your entry and generally seem to go on all night benders the day before the show. No matter how well behaved they were at home they will never do that on show day.
Fixed tack models can still look great in performance classes with a bit of modification. Here you can see the American Pharoah resin with a custom base and railings. Photo from Dartmoor Live 2016.
The Good Performance Horse
The basis of every good performance entry is the right horse. Not every model lends itself to performance showing and choosing a tack friendly appropriate horse for performance is an art in itself.
Tack Friendly
Not every model is tack friendly. What this means is that you can easily place tack on the model without things such as the mane interfering with where the straps go. The Show Jumping Warmblood is infamous in having a very untack friendly long mane that often requires you to actually cut the headband in half to give a realistic finish.
Thankfully most sculptors are aware of the need for horses to be tack friendly and sculpt with this in mind, particularly when making horses in more dynamic poses that are designed to be used for performance. If your horse isn't tack friendly you can of course make it so by modifying manes or other body parts that are getting in the way.
The Right Pose
The model needs to be in the right pose to suit that discipline. A standing model may look stunning in a show jumping tack set but how are you going to present it next to your jump? A model cantering would be far more suited to this kind of set up. Choose a model that is in the right pose for the particular thing you are attempting to show.
A common example of this going wrong is the use of Zippo Pine Bar over bridges. This model is jogging (or trotting to our English minds). You would not do this over a bridge in Western Trail, you would walk, but still you quite often see people showing it as such.
Legs?!?!
If you know how to ride you will know about legs. No I don't mean you know that a horse has four of them what I mean is that you will know about whether or not a horse is on the right canter lead or a rider is rising correctly in trot. Canter leads are particularly important for things such as Barrel Racing, where you will need to be on the correct lead to go round the barrel. It's a simple thing but a common mistake and something to keep in mind when choosing your show horse.
Colour
Choosing a horse that suits the colour of your tack is also important, particularly for things such as costume classes. You want your entry to stand out in the ring (or the photo) and you also want it to look visually appealing. In a very competitive class a simple thing such as choosing the right colour of tack can make all the difference (after all it does in real horse showing as well).
Wobbles
Make sure you choose a model that stands up well and isn't prone to tipping. The last thing you want is to get everything perfectly set up and then for your horse to fall over! If they are tippy think about modifying a base to hold them in place.
Make and Finish
Some models are more fragile than others and may have more delicate finishes. Tack can damage the finish of a horse so keep this in mind when you are choosing a model to use in performance. Equally you don't want to be using a very fragile model as sometimes tacking up can be a pretty brutal process.
Tack Friendly
Not every model is tack friendly. What this means is that you can easily place tack on the model without things such as the mane interfering with where the straps go. The Show Jumping Warmblood is infamous in having a very untack friendly long mane that often requires you to actually cut the headband in half to give a realistic finish.
Thankfully most sculptors are aware of the need for horses to be tack friendly and sculpt with this in mind, particularly when making horses in more dynamic poses that are designed to be used for performance. If your horse isn't tack friendly you can of course make it so by modifying manes or other body parts that are getting in the way.
The Right Pose
The model needs to be in the right pose to suit that discipline. A standing model may look stunning in a show jumping tack set but how are you going to present it next to your jump? A model cantering would be far more suited to this kind of set up. Choose a model that is in the right pose for the particular thing you are attempting to show.
A common example of this going wrong is the use of Zippo Pine Bar over bridges. This model is jogging (or trotting to our English minds). You would not do this over a bridge in Western Trail, you would walk, but still you quite often see people showing it as such.
Legs?!?!
If you know how to ride you will know about legs. No I don't mean you know that a horse has four of them what I mean is that you will know about whether or not a horse is on the right canter lead or a rider is rising correctly in trot. Canter leads are particularly important for things such as Barrel Racing, where you will need to be on the correct lead to go round the barrel. It's a simple thing but a common mistake and something to keep in mind when choosing your show horse.
Colour
Choosing a horse that suits the colour of your tack is also important, particularly for things such as costume classes. You want your entry to stand out in the ring (or the photo) and you also want it to look visually appealing. In a very competitive class a simple thing such as choosing the right colour of tack can make all the difference (after all it does in real horse showing as well).
Wobbles
Make sure you choose a model that stands up well and isn't prone to tipping. The last thing you want is to get everything perfectly set up and then for your horse to fall over! If they are tippy think about modifying a base to hold them in place.
Make and Finish
Some models are more fragile than others and may have more delicate finishes. Tack can damage the finish of a horse so keep this in mind when you are choosing a model to use in performance. Equally you don't want to be using a very fragile model as sometimes tacking up can be a pretty brutal process.
A more unusual performance entry from Didmarton live
Putting Together an Entry
There are four elements to every performance entry and each one needs to work in perfect harmony with the others to create an effective entry. These are:
The Horse
The Tack
The Rider/Handler
The Props/Base etc.
The Horse
Make sure that your horse is ready to be tacked up. It should be clean and free of any dust. If it is a custom finish model ensure it is well sealed to prevent any damage. If you need to modify your horse in anyway (such as creating a custom base or stand) do this prior to putting your set up together.
The Tack
First of all check that your tack is suitable for the discipline and level you are trying to create. Make sure to check what is allowed, what bits are permitted and also any rules about colour and logos. Also look at what is normal and commonly used for that discipline.
Now check that everything is in working order and you don't need to make any repairs. You don't want to get halfway through tacking up and realise you have to take everything off because something is damaged and you cannot do it up. Ensure your tack is clean and any dyed leather is well sealed to prevent damage to your model.
Now it is time to tack up your horse. I usually start with the saddle because it is easier but start however you like. If you have bits that need to attach to each other (e.g. a martingale) then this will obviously force the order you do things in. Check the fit first without doing up buckles properly and adjust as necessary. Once you are completely happy with everything you can do it all up securely.
Use sticky wax to keep the bit in place in the mouth and also hold down any badly behaved straps. Make sure nothing is twisted.
The Rider/Handler
Start by checking your doll is suitable for use in your performance entry. Check all the joints are working well and are not broken and you have the movement you need.
You will also need to check that the dress is correct for the discipline and level you are competing at. Some disciplines have very strict requirements that may mean you need to modify their outfit. Also look at what people normally wear. Although sparkles are not mandatory in the dressage ring it is becoming uncommon to see riders without a little bit of bling!
You can now position your doll. Do this slowly, taking your time. Do it bit by bit and use sticky wax where needed to ensure they hold onto the reins properly. Use reference of a real rider to help guide you in making sure their position is as accurate as possible.
Props
The final stage is to think about any props or bases you need for your entry. Some entries, such as English Ridden, won't require any props, others, such as Show Jumping, will definitely require them. Remember to only include things if they are needed and enhance your entry, don't just shove things in because you own them, you don't want to detract from the overall appearance of your piece.
Start with the base positioning the horse as you would like them and making sure they stand up. Now build up props around around them. Make sure to think about things such as stride lengths coming up to jumps, the correct leg for barrels and the horse's position and movement. You are aiming for realism so you need to think about every single little element and what it gives to your piece.
If you are using a lot of little props you can secure them in place with PVA glue. This will hold them in place for the show but will also allow you to move them around with relative ease and without too much damage.
Your entry is now ready to head to the show! Remember that nothing will behave itself on show day as well as it did at home, the stress is all part of the performance showing fun.
The Horse
The Tack
The Rider/Handler
The Props/Base etc.
The Horse
Make sure that your horse is ready to be tacked up. It should be clean and free of any dust. If it is a custom finish model ensure it is well sealed to prevent any damage. If you need to modify your horse in anyway (such as creating a custom base or stand) do this prior to putting your set up together.
The Tack
First of all check that your tack is suitable for the discipline and level you are trying to create. Make sure to check what is allowed, what bits are permitted and also any rules about colour and logos. Also look at what is normal and commonly used for that discipline.
Now check that everything is in working order and you don't need to make any repairs. You don't want to get halfway through tacking up and realise you have to take everything off because something is damaged and you cannot do it up. Ensure your tack is clean and any dyed leather is well sealed to prevent damage to your model.
Now it is time to tack up your horse. I usually start with the saddle because it is easier but start however you like. If you have bits that need to attach to each other (e.g. a martingale) then this will obviously force the order you do things in. Check the fit first without doing up buckles properly and adjust as necessary. Once you are completely happy with everything you can do it all up securely.
Use sticky wax to keep the bit in place in the mouth and also hold down any badly behaved straps. Make sure nothing is twisted.
The Rider/Handler
Start by checking your doll is suitable for use in your performance entry. Check all the joints are working well and are not broken and you have the movement you need.
You will also need to check that the dress is correct for the discipline and level you are competing at. Some disciplines have very strict requirements that may mean you need to modify their outfit. Also look at what people normally wear. Although sparkles are not mandatory in the dressage ring it is becoming uncommon to see riders without a little bit of bling!
You can now position your doll. Do this slowly, taking your time. Do it bit by bit and use sticky wax where needed to ensure they hold onto the reins properly. Use reference of a real rider to help guide you in making sure their position is as accurate as possible.
Props
The final stage is to think about any props or bases you need for your entry. Some entries, such as English Ridden, won't require any props, others, such as Show Jumping, will definitely require them. Remember to only include things if they are needed and enhance your entry, don't just shove things in because you own them, you don't want to detract from the overall appearance of your piece.
Start with the base positioning the horse as you would like them and making sure they stand up. Now build up props around around them. Make sure to think about things such as stride lengths coming up to jumps, the correct leg for barrels and the horse's position and movement. You are aiming for realism so you need to think about every single little element and what it gives to your piece.
If you are using a lot of little props you can secure them in place with PVA glue. This will hold them in place for the show but will also allow you to move them around with relative ease and without too much damage.
Your entry is now ready to head to the show! Remember that nothing will behave itself on show day as well as it did at home, the stress is all part of the performance showing fun.