Okay, this is second nature to many of you, but to help the uninitiated understand the educational
part of our hobby, I will share some description.
First off, there are various types of showing and shows, so here’s a primer on that.
Live Shows are like conventions or parties. Hobbyists physically get together and display models entered in classes to compete. We also gab, ogle, buy, sell, learn, teach, eat, drink, and be merry!
Photo Shows are done via mail or internet and compete images of models in various classes.
Placements, prizes, and points - why show? To test our knowledge and share our beautiful horses. To learn and grow as we expand our equine learning and art skills. To show off our prized ponies and see how they compare to others’. To earn points towards titles, qualify for larger events, to win anything from candy or a ribbon to trophies or prizes. The social aspect is special for many. It’s a chance to share common interests and also to continue our learning and skills or techniques.
My minis!
HALTER - models judged on horse conformation, color, collectibility, not how they are performing in an event. Subtypes later...
PERFORMANCE - models in events like their real counterparts, a snapshot in time during an actual event - judged on gait, position, proper and well-fit tack and props (and riders when used but they are not required), and how they are executing a movement or command. Some are more “suitable” for particular events while others are more versatile or shown creatively. Various divisions include English events (Pleasure, Dressage, Gymkhana Games, Trail, Hunter/Jumper, Over Fences, Saddleseat...), Western events (Pleasure, Trail, different types of Stockwork, Games likes barrels and poles, Reining, and more), and Other classes like Harness events, Costume, non-ridden performance, and so on.
Example of performance entries on table
A word about ABC’s. - Anatomy, Biomechanics, Conformation/Color...
Realism is a goal of scale models and miniatures. Horses need to look like horses and have joints bending in the right places, proper proportions and angles as well as characteristics that define a particular breed. Realistic colors and markings as well as bodies that “conform” to a breed standard- nothing too short or long or thin or thick, angles and planes that create believable horses are what we are judging. As in real animals, striving for perfection is the idea.
A beautiful resin I coveted
Some flaws are corrected on customized or resculpted models, while
many factory finished models or sculptures have inherent issues.
CM - Customized or altered, used to be R/R/H - remade, repainted, haired. Sometimes drastic involving parts of various models
And major resculpting, other times simple, like repainted only.
AR - artist resin cast from an artist’s sculpture amdnmarketednto be finished
OF - Original Finish, as they were created at the factory, commonly
Referring to molded plastic models
CHINA - “clinkies” or breakable ceramic, porcelain, or glass models, may be factory produced or custom glazed by artists.
OTHER - there are models of metal, wood, leather, and other materials
Back to divisions...
COLLECTIBILITY
Is judged on model rarity, condition, quality, and often supporting documentation
WORKMANSHIP
Looks at sculpting, prep work, ABCs and realism, and Finishwork
SUITABILITY
Judges the appropriateness of a model for a particular event or division, like a high-headed cantering model making a better jumper or games horse, or looking at a specific frame and carriage suited for dressage or trail. These are great for new hobbyists and learning performance!
FANTASY
All equids that aren’t real animals. Sometimes for unrealistic colors and creatures. Beyond unicorns and Pegasi, there are sleipnirs, dragon horses, hippocampus (seahorse), and kelpies. Half-horses and creations without human elements (per NAMHSA no centaurs), and many others.
FUN
Other animals, “anything goes”, also things like themes
COLLECTORS CLASSES
Focus on themes like a mold or color or breed or era, or can show diversity, like 8-10 models that demonstrate variety as well as rarity, condition, and collectibility.
