Live Showing
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Welcome to the world of Live Showing! Showing Breyer horses is made to parallel real horse shows. On this page, you will find hints for the beginner shower to make your next show a success!
A. Making your Show String 1. What is a 'Show String'? Your "Show String" is the models that you use to show. They can be used in either Live or Photo showing. 2. What models should I use for my show string? You must use models that are in mint condition. They should not have any scratches, rubs, or marks on them. There should be no paint flaws, or bent/ warped legs. 3. Are there any factors that make one mold better to show than another? Yes, conformation also counts in the live show ring. Here is a list of molds that do not do well in the live ring. 1. Khemosabi, 2. Rugged lark, 3. Appaloosa Lady Roxana, 4. Family Arabian Stallion, 5. family Arabian Mare, 6. Family Arabian Foal, 7. Touch of Class, 8. Buckshot, 9. Secretariat, 10. Sherman Morgan, 11. Western Prancer, 12. Western Horse, 13. Western Pony, 14. Fury Prancer, 15. Grazing Mare, 16. Grazing Foal, 17. Ashley/ Lying Morgan Foal, 18. Bucking or Rearing Models, 19. Running Stallion, 20. Running Mare Also, avoid showing glossy or decorator colors (such as Copenhagen or Wedgewood) except in classes made for that type. 4. What do I do after I have my models picked out for my Show String? Next, you need to go through every model and assign a name. Many showers use names that originate from the mold name. An example is a model custom named Lonesome Wolf, from the Lonesome Glory model. Next, pick a breed. Buy a breed book with color photos for this job. Make sure your horse matches all factors, such as color or conformation. If you cannot find a breed, than show your model as "grade". Grade i s across-breed. Make sure you don't just put down breed, but also what breeds are mixed, such as: half/Morgan, half/Arabian. B. Classes In live showing, there are two main divisions in classes. These are Performance classes and Halter Classes. Here is a description of both of the separate divisions: Performance classes require you to "set up" a scene. In these classes, the model is judged less on it's individual quality than on whether the model, combined with the tack and props appears to be capable of performing the task at hand. For example, if you were to enter a Dressage Performance class, you would want to use a mold like Roemer, with the Breyer Dressage rider and tack, along with a section of the Breyer Dressage rail. A sample classlist for Performance would feature classes such as the following: Harness, Costume, Parade, Dressage, Jumper, Hunter, Trail, Saddleseat/ Park, Huntseat Pleasure, Roping, Cutting, and Western Pleasure. Figuring out whether you have the best tack is one of the biggest challenges in Performance. Judges are always on the lookout for ill-fitting tack and will dock points when a entrant enters a model without properly-adjusted tack. As a general rule, most custom or handmade tack looks and fits better than mass-produced tack from Breyer. Most shows limit the time for set-up- usually 5 minutes, so practice getting your tack on fast- some showers tack up models the night before, but making sure that the tack does not harm the models, or the tack is damaged. Take tweezers and sticky-wax with you- you will need both of them to put and keep the tack on your horse. Note; you do not need a rider/ handler doll for performance, but on may be used. Halter classes are also called "breed' classes, where all you need is the horse. You do not need a halter on your horse, however, hence the name. Here are some divisions of halter classes: 1. Original Finish (OF) plastic (i.e., Breyer, Stone) 2. Original Finish (OF) Chinas (i.e. Hagen-Renakers) 3. Simple Customs/ Repaints/ Rehaired 4. Drastic/ Extensive 5. Artist's Resins- other hobby artists mass-produced There are also breed divisions (i.e. Arabian, Quarter Horse). Judges look for the following things: 1. Whether the horse displays the proper anatomy- such defaults are humpbacks, or not having all of the legs on the ground. 2. If the conformation is correct for the breed. 3. The quality of the paint job. 4. Condition of the model- No breaks, missing ears, chips, etc. There are also other types of minor classes that will appear at live shows. Finish/ Workman Classes are classes that are specially tailored to reward good workmanship. In a simple or drastic custom the host may have classes such as " painted by sculpting artist" or " painted by owner", etc. You may also see "Special Run" or "Test Run" classes, The following factors determine how a judge places a class: 1. Whether the model i a nice example of the mold- whether the sculptural details are nice and crisp, whether the molding seams show, whether the legs are crooked or straight, etc. 2. In OF classes, the rarity/ collectibility of the model. 3. The quality of the paint job- shading, details such as pink muzzles, eye whites, no overspray. 4. The condition of the model. Color Classes reward horses based on the realism of the paint job and intensity of the color alone. Collector's Classes are where entrants assemble 5-8 models from a particular line, such as Breyer. Models are usually displayed on a stepped platform with a colorful piece of fabric. The rarity of the models presented is an important factor in who wins. Also, the theme affects who wins- the judges enjoy collections of the same mold in different colors, or collections of all special runs for a particular year, etc. If you enter a collectors' class, prepare a small card that explains your theme and provide some information about each of the pieces in your collection. A note on halters in the halter/ Breed classes: You do not need a halter for these classes, and they are discouraged because they obscure the face of the horse. C. Entering Live Shows 1.How do I find out about Live Shows? Live show hosts usually advertise in hobby magazines, such as Just About Horses. Try and subscribe to them. They also may advertise on the internet. Try these sites to find a show near you: Hobby Horse News; Haynet Listserv; Lucky 7 website; NAMHSA Website. 2. How do I decide to enter? In order to decide to enter a Live Show, you must look at the classlist, rules, entry fee, deadline, and location of the show. Try and find one close to your area. The entry fee for a live show can range between $30.00-50.00. Make sure the classlist suits you and your models,. The classlist should allow you to show all of your horses that you intend to bring to the show to their best advantage, As you get more experienced, you will be better able to make this judgment. 3. When should I enter? If it your first show, do not wait until the last minute to enter. It is a good idea to enter early, and to tell the host that it is your first show. 4. How many models should I bring? Always try to bring only your BEST models. For your first show, limit your show string to 10-15 models. Pay attention to whether the show holder allows you a full table or a half table. If you intend to bring more than 20 models, a half table will not be enough room for you. 5. What is a NAN Qualifier show? A NAN Qualifier show will award ticket to first and second place in halter classes. Red tickets for first and second place in performance and green for first and second in halter classes. These tickets allow you to enter a championship show either in KY or CA in the summer. 6. How many classes can one model be entered into? Generally speaking, each model may enter only one class at a live show. D. Preparing for the Show 1.How do I decide what models to bring to the show? Bring only your very best models. You will experience competition like you have never seen before in your life at a live show. It is difficult to transport large amounts of models- DO NOT bring every model you own- a common mistake. Bring no more than 10-15 models to your very first show. . 2. Should I clean my models before the show? Wash models with mild soap and cool water with a soft cloth (Do not RUB!) and attach labeled hang tags to models legs ( see below) 2-3 days before the show. Wipe down all your models that can be wiped down and dust those that can not be the night before the show. Double check for an damage and neatly pack them. 3. Packing Your Models There are many ways in which to pack your Breyers. A time- honored tradition is to buy Rubbermaid containers and line them with upholstery foam and/or bubble wrap. Wrap each model individually so that they do not bump or scratch each other, and do not stack models on top of one another, esp. Traditionals. Remember to use plenty of padding around the models, esp. the tips of the ears and tails. You can make bubble wrap bags by ironing two edges of a folded piece of bubble wrap. Lay a cloth on top of the models before closing the lid. Go to the following website for packing ideas:http://www.equitog.com/shipping.html#inside_outCome back for more info. on Live Showing- Coming Soon!