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Model Horse Competitions: Beyond Collecting

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You mean, people "show" toy horses?

Model horse collectors share their prize possessions and artistic talents with one another by holding horse shows. Below you will find an introduction to the world of live showing and photo showing.

What is a live show?

A model horse show where you go to a rented room or facility and bring your models with you is called a live show. You are there, live, in person. Your horses are there, well ... in plastic. (Or resin, or ceramic, or whatever the case may be.)

Live shows are judged by fellow hobbyists and artists, and horses are judged on their finish and realism in finish classes, suitability for the discipline you are showing them under in performance classes, adherence to breed standards in breed classes, etc.

Scaled-down, realistic model horse tack-such as saddles and bridles-take a lot of time and skill to create, and often some ingenuity to get positioned and adjusted correctly on the horse. Sticky wax is a live shower's duct tape.

First and foremost, this is an opportunity for hobbyists to get together, admire each others' collections and favorites, buy/sell/trade horses and tack, and have fun with like-minded individuals. The general public is often welcome, but strongly discouraged from touching any model without asking first ... some are fragile, and many are valued in the thousands of dollars!

Important!

STOP!

Never, ever pick up someone else's model horse without asking!

My limited live showing experience

My custom etchies were first shown and placed at Millbrook Live, Grand Rapids, MI on 22-May-1999 (TB took 2nd in HUGE halter class, Drafter took a 5th)

My customs were again shown and placed at Blue Water Classic, Kalamazoo, MI on 25-Sep-1999 (Huck took 3rd in an extremely competitive custom Arabian halter class)

My simple etched Breyer Stablemates were also shown at the MMHL Mini Live Show, Charlotte, MI on 15-Jan-2000 (doing quite nicely in tough company)

What is a photo show?

Most collectors get their start in the "show ring" by entering a photo show. The judging is much the same as above, but you set your horse up at home with a realistic background and props, take a photo, and send it to the judge. There are entry fees and different classes to enter, and usually ribbons or other premiums for the winners.

Flaws on a horse that is not LSQ (live show quality) can often be hidden in a photo, so be wary of the term PSQ (photo show quality) when purchasing a custom or original finish horse or prop.

How do I find a show?

People who are hosting a show usually advertise in model horse magazines and newsletters, or on the Internet. Visit one of the popular model horse collector websites and look around. Most smaller show hosts are very happy to help out a "noob" as the community is glad to welcome more friendly, local competitors to the hobby.

Learn more about: model horses | collecting | customizing

Add a link about model horse showing

More information can be found at the links below. Rate them by moving them up or down the list, and add your own showing-related pages.

Model Horse Competitions: Beyond Collecting

You mean, people "show" toy horses?

Contents at a Glance

Contents at a Glance

What is a live show?

STOP!

My limited live showing experience

What is a photo show?

How do I find a show?

Add a link about model horse showing

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