Workmanship is a particular type of in hand class where the horse is judged on the quality of the finishwork and customising rather than on the breed standard (although obviously with a remade horse the biomechanics comes into play). Like breed in hand classes the horse is shown without any form of handler or tack.
Workmanship classes are only for custom finished models although the original model doesn't matter. That means they can include customs and artist resins, chinas and pewters. Some shows may choose to split workmanship into simply repaints and more extreme customs. Some may also have workmanship classes for artists from that country (e.g. UK Artist).
Workmanship classes are only for custom finished models although the original model doesn't matter. That means they can include customs and artist resins, chinas and pewters. Some shows may choose to split workmanship into simply repaints and more extreme customs. Some may also have workmanship classes for artists from that country (e.g. UK Artist).
Workmanship is judged on the quality of the finishwork, prepping and any reworking done to the model
What is Workmanship?
Workmanship is different to breed in that instead of judging on the adherence to breed standard the model is judged on the quality of the workmanship. This will include the paint work, prepping and any reworking done to the model. The model's condition is also very important for workmanship classes.
The majority of workmanship classes are divided up by colour. These come in two types, classes for specific colours (e.g. bay) or classes for a mixture of colours (e.g. other dilute). For most classes you do not need to provide information about the colour unless it is particularly unusual. For very unusual colours or markings it is recommended you provide some form of reference in the form of a photograph.
Most shows will have a single workmanship section for all types of models (repaints, resculpts, customs, artist resins etc.) but some shows may choose to split up workmanship a little more. The most common way to do this is repaints and everything else. Some shows may also choose to split up workmanship for customs and artist resins although this is less common. You may also see workmanship split by scale or by the nationality of the artist (UK workmanship is quite a common section at UK live shows).
The majority of workmanship classes are divided up by colour. These come in two types, classes for specific colours (e.g. bay) or classes for a mixture of colours (e.g. other dilute). For most classes you do not need to provide information about the colour unless it is particularly unusual. For very unusual colours or markings it is recommended you provide some form of reference in the form of a photograph.
Most shows will have a single workmanship section for all types of models (repaints, resculpts, customs, artist resins etc.) but some shows may choose to split up workmanship a little more. The most common way to do this is repaints and everything else. Some shows may also choose to split up workmanship for customs and artist resins although this is less common. You may also see workmanship split by scale or by the nationality of the artist (UK workmanship is quite a common section at UK live shows).
Workmanship classes are split by colour rather than breed
Choosing the Workmanship Horse
When choosing a workmanship horse you need to think a little differently than for an in hand horse. Firstly you can only pick between certain types of models, secondly you are looking more for quality finish work than breed standard. Workmanship can be perfect for those hard to assign breeds to customs that you simply bought because they look pretty.
The first thing to note is that only certain types of models can enter workmanship classes. These are usually:
Customs
Artist Resins
Artist Chinas
Artist Pewters
This can include models that are simply repainted as well as models that have had heavy reworking done to them.
Below are some of the factors you should look for when choosing a workmanship model.
Finish Work
The first thing to look at is the quality of the finish work of your model. Start by generally looking the horse over, is the colour full of depth and variation or is it bland and monotonal? Does it realistically portray the colour it is meant to represent? Is the paint work smooth?
Now look at the details, look at things such as the eyes and hooves to check for detail. Look for colour characteristics such as mottling of the skin in spotted horses. Look for the addition of details such as chestnuts. You want the model to be as realistic and as detailed as possible.
Prep Work
An often over looked factor but an important one. Does the model have visible seams? Has the maker's mark been removed? Are the ears and hooves carved out? Has the air hole been moved? Has detailing been added to ensure the model looks realistic? Was the priming smooth? All these factors are important when choosing a workmanship model.
Sculpting/Hairing
If you are looking at a model that has been reworked or had rehairing done you also need to look at the quality of this. If they have been resculpted is this realistic? Is the sculpting smooth? Does it adhere to equine biomechanics and anatomy? If the model has been rehaired has this been done well? Can you see any glue or large gaps? Is it smooth where the mane and tail have been removed? Is the hairing realistic and multi-tonal?
Condition
Condition is really important for workmanship classes. Make sure that your model has no obvious rubs or marks anywhere. Also make sure that you properly dust it both at home and before it enters the show ring.
Stand Out Appearance
As with breed this is a bit of a controversial topic but at a very competitive level there can often be little to choose between workmanship entries. On a subconscious level a model that really stands out and is painted to a colour that overall looks nice on that mould will stand out more to a judge than one that doesn't.
And just like breed remember that tastes vary. Just because a model does well at one show doesn't mean it will do well at the next. Play around with your models and try out different ones at different shows to see who does best.
The first thing to note is that only certain types of models can enter workmanship classes. These are usually:
Customs
Artist Resins
Artist Chinas
Artist Pewters
This can include models that are simply repainted as well as models that have had heavy reworking done to them.
Below are some of the factors you should look for when choosing a workmanship model.
Finish Work
The first thing to look at is the quality of the finish work of your model. Start by generally looking the horse over, is the colour full of depth and variation or is it bland and monotonal? Does it realistically portray the colour it is meant to represent? Is the paint work smooth?
Now look at the details, look at things such as the eyes and hooves to check for detail. Look for colour characteristics such as mottling of the skin in spotted horses. Look for the addition of details such as chestnuts. You want the model to be as realistic and as detailed as possible.
Prep Work
An often over looked factor but an important one. Does the model have visible seams? Has the maker's mark been removed? Are the ears and hooves carved out? Has the air hole been moved? Has detailing been added to ensure the model looks realistic? Was the priming smooth? All these factors are important when choosing a workmanship model.
Sculpting/Hairing
If you are looking at a model that has been reworked or had rehairing done you also need to look at the quality of this. If they have been resculpted is this realistic? Is the sculpting smooth? Does it adhere to equine biomechanics and anatomy? If the model has been rehaired has this been done well? Can you see any glue or large gaps? Is it smooth where the mane and tail have been removed? Is the hairing realistic and multi-tonal?
Condition
Condition is really important for workmanship classes. Make sure that your model has no obvious rubs or marks anywhere. Also make sure that you properly dust it both at home and before it enters the show ring.
Stand Out Appearance
As with breed this is a bit of a controversial topic but at a very competitive level there can often be little to choose between workmanship entries. On a subconscious level a model that really stands out and is painted to a colour that overall looks nice on that mould will stand out more to a judge than one that doesn't.
And just like breed remember that tastes vary. Just because a model does well at one show doesn't mean it will do well at the next. Play around with your models and try out different ones at different shows to see who does best.