Model Show Basics for New Showers:
A basic how-to introduction to model horse showing
Showing Basics
Is Autumn Live your first show? Nervous about what to do, whether you’ve got all your models in order, or if that pesky breed assignment is correct? While we don’t answer any questions on breed assignment in here (but feel free to ask us anyways if you have any doubts!) here are some basic tips & tricks to help make your first show a great show!
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A Few Weeks Before:
Finalize who you are bringing to the show, and make sure these models have had a gentle dusting/bath so they look their best. It’s okay touch up your models (covering rubs & scratches, etc) but if the model is altered in any way from its original form (such as adding eye whites or other details, or altering the model’s finish) it will then be considered a custom and cannot show in the OF classes.
Breed assignments should also be done at this time too, and any necessary documentation should be printed up. If you’re unsure which class your breed goes in, you may ask the judge at the show.
When do you use documentation?
Bottom line, documentation can’t hurt! It can also make the difference between placing, so it’s a good idea. It’s especially useful for uncommon breeds or colours; showing a palomino thoroughbred? or a lesser known breed of warmblood? – don’t expect the judge to know everything about every breed: you need to let them know why your breed assignment is an excellent choice.
Documentation is absolutely necessary for Collectibility Classes; run number, historical significance, any information about what makes your model “collectible” needs to be on the information card.
Tagging your models: Be sure to tag all your models before you pack them. Remember, the model’s breed and gender go one side of the tag, with its name and the owner’s three initials/or name on the reverse. (When horses are placed on the table, the tags MUST be breed/gender side up, with the identifying information FACING THE TABLE to make the entry anonymous, or the judge may disqualify the entry). It’s always good to bring some extra blank tags with you just in case you acquire a new horse at the show, or change your mind about a breed assignment.
Packing & Travel:
The best way to pack models for transport is in a sturdy plastic tub or box. Models should be wrapped in such a way it makes them easy to pack and unpack. Pony Pouches are very handy for this, but bubble wrap and cloth work too. Delicate resins and porcelain models that show frequently often have their own padded traveling cases.
Things to bring:
Besides the models, here are some other things that are handy to have on show day :)
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snacks & drinks – to keep yourself going!
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extra tags, pen & paper
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spare change for raffle tickets
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camera (you’ll want lots of pictures!)
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business cards – handy if you paint/make tack
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stuff for the swap if you have them (especially models, but really anything horse/or model-related; you never know what people might want!)
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The Show Day:
When you arrive that morning, there will be a sign-in station where you will be assigned your table. You will need to keep all of your belongings on/or under your table to help keep the room tidy.
Please try to be very careful of everyone’s table and models – bumping a table could result in thousands of dollars of damage. Never pick up another person’s model unless you have permission.
During the Show: It’s going to be busy! If you have questions, please ask our designated helpers. If they are currently judging, please wait until they are done, or ask another.
Setting your horses up on the table is a good way to organize them for their classes; take the time now to dust any stray lint away in the process; a large, soft make up brush is very handy. Tippy models are best kept laying down on a cloth or towel.
It’s also a good idea to have your bins open and ready under the table so you can place horses back inside once they are done showing. This will save you a lot of time packing up at the end of the day.
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The Judges: Our judges will be very busy, and while they are happy to answer any questions they can during the day, please do not bother them when they are in the middle of marking a class. Remember that judges are people too, and will each have their own preferences and ideals; their decision on class placings is final.
Classes: Use the class list to note which models go into which class ahead of time; mark them off as they finish so you can keep track where you are in the show.
Classes will be called throughout the day, so pay attention – it’s very easy to miss a class in the middle of a busy show (we have all done it!) since they cannot be held up. Classes may not run in the order they appear on the Class List, and often, more than one class will be running at the same time.
Also remember to pick up your horses promptly when the class is done; forgotten models will be designated to the “pony pound”!
How many models can I enter? You may enter a maximum of three models per class. Each model may only be entered in ONE Breed Class in the entire show. This does not include performance.
If you would like to enter more than 3 models in a specific halter class, a dollar can be put with the model(s) in question and will be considered a donation.
NAN Cards: Each first and second place winner in a NAN-qualified class will receive a NAN card. The information on the card should be filled out right away. This card allows the model to continue on to the North American Nationals for the qualified years.
NAN cards may also be accumulated over time, and models can be awarded on life time achievements for consistent placing throughout their showing career. See the NAMHSA website for more details.
What are call-backs? If a model places first or second in its class, it will be called back to compete in the Division Championship after all classes in that division have concluded. Sometimes, a judge might request other models be included as well.
Rosettes will be awarded to the Champion and Reserve Champion of each division.
End of the Day:
The show hall needs to be clear by 5pm, so packing-as-you-go is a good strategy to ensure you don’t find yourself swamped at the end of the day. Do make sure all garbage is in the trash, and your table and area are clean. Helpers for clean-up are always appreciated!
NAN Results: Within a few days of the show’s close, the list of winners will be sent out for verification. Please check over our records, so that the information can be forwarded to NAMHSA in an accurate and timely fashion.
Start Planning for the Next Show!
Now that you’ve done it once, you’re probably eager to do it again! It’s a good idea to jot down any ideas or plans you have for next time while the show experience is fresh in your memory.
And remember – even if a model didn’t do well at this show, every judge’s opinion is different, so there’s no reason not to bring out your favorite horses again next time. After all, the most best part – besides having fun – is sharing the hobby with other people who love and appreciate those models as much as you do!
