Novice Corner
Are you new to live showing? If so, you have come to the right place!
This page is dedicated to helping novice showers learn the in's & out's of live showing.
This page is dedicated to helping novice showers learn the in's & out's of live showing.
What is a live show?
Written by Jackie Moore
A live model horse show is just like a real horse show, only model horses are being judged. The models are judged just like real horses - the entrant assigns a breed to their model and enters the model in the proper class for that breed. The model with the best conformation and is the best representation for that breed will be the one that wins.
Some model horse shows are sanctioned by NAMHSA (North American Model Horse Shows Association www.namhsa.org), which is a national organization for model horse shows. Models that win a first or a second place in their class at a sanctioned show qualify to enter NAN (North American Nationals) - a national model horse show held once per year.
How late will a show run?
That is very difficult to predict! It all depends on how many entrants come to the show, how many models they each bring, how big the classes are, and how fast the judges judge those classes. Normally, it is a full day affair. Shows try to finish somewhere in the 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM range, but sometimes shows run as late as 8:30 PM or 9:00 PM.
Do I need to enter each horse I want to show?
Your entry fee covers you for as many models as you want to bring to the show. If this will be your first show, I would recommend bringing no more than 20 - 25 models. You definitely don't want to have a model in every class! Leave yourself time to walk around and meet other people, or just to sit down for a few minutes.
Can I enter my horse in multiple breed classes?
While in the "real" world, horses can be double and even triple registered with different breed organizations, in the model horse world you need to pick the one breed that best fits that horse and show it as that breed. So, no, you cannot show the same model in multiple breed classes. Now, when it is appropriate, you can show the same model in a breed class and then in either a collectability or a workmanship class, but you can only show your model in one breed class.
What can I expect?
There will be sets of tables placed together in part of the show hall, they are the show rings. These tables will be numbered and labeled with the ring number and division name. These are the judging tables.
Judges or an announcer will be calling the classes. You will need to pay attention and listen for your classes. All judging rings will be running at the same time, and some judges/announcers may be louder than others.
When one of your classes is called, take your horse and put it up on the table. Make sure you are on the correct table and make sure you put the horse's ID card or tag down for that class. If your horse is an unusual breed, or an unusual color for the breed you have assigned, feel free to put down reference materials (a printed out page or card with the reference information for your model) on the table next to your horse. Our judges are very knowledgeable, but they can't know everything! You normally will need documentation for some of your models. Rare breeds, rare color for a breed, for collectability for original finish models & performance entries need documentation. Common breeds & colors for those breeds (for example a bay Morgan) don't need documentation. Always use documentation for collectability classes telling what the model is, how many made, etc. Most performance classes need documentation telling what your model is doing. Classes like western pleasure, English pleasure & saddleseat don't require documentation.
When the judge announces that a class has been pinned, go up and pick up your horse and any ribbons you won.
If your horse has won a first or a second place, they are eligible to win a championship! Once the division is done being judged callbacks will be announced. Models with a first or second placing are called back to be judged for the championship for the division it won the ribbon in. Leave the ribbon on the table next to him. The judges will judge the models that won a first or second in their class and name one horse "Champion" and another "Reserve Champion." Once the judges announce the champs and reserve champs, then you can go and pick up your model from the callback table.
Most shows have "sub divisions" within a division. Models that won a championship or reserve championship are called back up when the division is finished All of the models that either won a Champ or Reserve Champ in that division will be called back, and those models will be judged for Overall Division Grand and Reserve Grand Champion. So, if your horse wins a Champ or Reserve Champ, don't pack him away! He will have one more class at the end of the show!
Most importantly, HAVE FUN, talk to people, walk around and look at all the pretty models, and don't be afraid to ask questions!
Model Horse Collecting And Showing
Courtesy of The Lakeshore Collection, Ltd. Porcelain Model Horses www.lakeshorecollection.com
Collecting model horses is a growing hobby enjoyed by more people all the time---they can of enjoy beautiful
horses without all the care & work.
Collection sizes may range from a few to thousanda. Some collect only a favorite breed, some specialize in a
particular material like china or resin, or brand such as The Lakeshore Collection (www.lakeshorecollection.com)
but most just collect anything & everything they love!
While many simply enjoy their collections at home, a fast-growing number of collectors enjoy model horse showing,
competing for fun, prizes, bragging rights, as well as the fun of meeting other collectors and seeing other lovely
models! Many model horse clubs & shows are educational & fun for adults and children alike.
Model Horse Show Basics
There are live, photo and on-line shows, but all have some basics in common. At minimum, a model must have an
assigned name, breed & gender. It’s best to use something other than the manufacturer’s name in case more than
one Lakeshore Collection “Marshall” is exhibited, for instance. And no matter what, accuracy to breed standards or
performance event rules, realism, scale & condition are of primary importance.
Be sure you show your model as the most appropriate breed and gender! Just because the box calls it a
Hanoverian stallion, for instance, a model with a lighter build may show better as a Thoroughbred gelding.
Sometimes the model’s color doesn’t actually occur in a breed. Comparing your model to photos & descriptions in
a good breed book or on-line is educational, fun, and will help you win more awards.
Most live & some photo shows offer divisions by make or media, to allow for differences in characteristics, then
there are classes within each division. For instance factory-made plastic Arabians compete against other plastic
Arabians, not against hand-painted artist sculptures which may cost thousands of dollars.
Typical “make” divisions and their hobby abbreviations are:
Original Finish (OF)—As it came from the manufacturer without any alterations, typically mass-produced. Some
shows will even have different divisions or classes for OF plastics, chinas, and resins.
Custom (CM)—A model that has had alterations such as being repainted, having body parts repositioned, or has a
hair or sculpted mane & tail added, intended to be a one of a kind. Some shows will even have a custom glazed
(CMG) division for ceramic pieces that have been reglazed & fired in another color.
Artist Resin (AR)—A resin casting of an artist’s sculpture that has been uniquely hand-painted by an artist, hobbyist
or owner, intended to be a one of a kind piece.
Model Horse Show Classes
Shows may offer halter or performance classes, or both. In performance, the goal is to have a setup that looks like
a “freeze frame” of a real horse performing an English, Western, Harness, or Costume event. Models wear finely
crafted miniature tack, bits held in horses mouths with sticky wax, appropriate for the event. Tack is usually made
by hobbyists from a kit or purchased from a hobby tack maker, rather than mass-produced. Other props like
dressage rails & letters, cattle in cutting, trail obstacles, or fences, flags & jump numbers are used, all scaled to the
size of the model. Some even outfit scaled rider dolls in custom-made attire appropriate for the event!
There are generally a variety of Halter classes that shows may offer, but a halter itself is not required unless it is a
Showmanship class.
Typical Halter classes may include:
Gender (Stallion, Mare, etc.)—Judged primarily on how well the model conforms to gender body type (Stallions
tend to have thicker necks, more muscled than a gelding, etc.) and if it is a good example of stated breed.
Breed (Arabian, Draft, etc.)—Judged primarily on how well conformation of the model matches breed standards.
Since there are over 140 breeds of horses & ponies, it is common to have “type” classes such as “Draft” or “Pony”.
Rather than individual classes for Clydesdales, Belgians & Shires, any Draft breed horse would just be entered in
the Draft class & is judged based on their individual breed standards.
Color or Workmanship-Color classes are judged on what the judge feels is the best example of palomino, bay, etc.
color. If it is an OF model, finish neatness & shading comes into play. Workmanship classes are for CM, CMG or
AR horses and are judged on the quality of the painting & customization work.
Make or Collectability—There are usually individual classes for various brands (Lakeshore Collection, Breyer, etc.)
and these might be even further broken down by run size (Lakeshore Runs of 25 or less vs. other Lakeshore
Limited Editions, for instance). These classes are judged primarily on rarity & age of the model. Condition may
matter a bit less as a well-mended but very rare piece may outplace a mint but more common one. The general
appearance of a model is also considered.
Presentation (Showmanship or Liberty)—Judged primarily on appearance, realism, neatness, & look of an entry.
In Liberty, horses wear no tack at all. In Showmanship, they wear the same type of halter or bridle that the breed or
type of horse would wear in an “in-hand” class. At live shows, handler dolls are typically used and entries are also
judged on conformance to Showmanship patterns; in photo showing, it is common to run the lead out of the photo
as though a person were holding it just outside the edge of the photo.
Some shows even offer special classes for original sculptures (OS), rare test pieces (TR), or one-of-a-kind (OOAK)
models. Unrealistically colored models are typically only shown in their own special fantasy, decorator, or
unrealistic color classes.
Showing Your Model
Many clubs and organizations offer photo (mail-in and/or on-line) or live shows and offer chances to win prizes,
ribbons, trophies, year-end, high point, or cumulative awards.
At live shows, exhibitors pay a fee in advance and bring their models to the show, usually driving for several hours.
A show packet with class lists & information is provided before the show. The fee usually includes a table, and
there’s generally a one hour set-up time before the show starts so entrants can unpack, but it’s a good idea to put
ID tags on the models at home. Then each model is taken to the “ring” (a long table) when their class is called.
Many live shows are sanctioned by NAMHSA ™, the North American Model Horse Shows Association (check
www.namhsa.org for information & shows, and you don’t need to be a NAMHSA member to enter!). Models that
win 1st or 2nd place in a NAMHSA show receive a card that qualifies it to show in the North American National
Championships (NAN), held in alternate years in Lexington, KY & in the western US. Showing at NAN is an honor
In itself and there are typically hundreds of entrants with thousands of models exhibited at the 3 day event.
For photo showing, good, clear, well-lit photos with the horse filling most of the frame will help the judge see your
model clearly & help you do more winning. Since scale & realism are so important, no pictures outside in the grass
—it will be knee-deep! Many use kitty litter, model railroad supplies, coffee grounds or sand for in-scale footing. A
good background will look natural. The photos and any entry fee are sent either via mail or PayPal. If photos are sent via mail,
entrants must include a SASE (Self-addressed stamped envelope) for their return & results after judging, and any prizes.
The model’s name, gender, age, & either the manufacturer & model number or artist’s name, along with the owner’s name &
address, must be on the back of each photo. A piece of “magic type” transparent tape or white label is used on the
back so entrants can write the numbers of the classes they wish to enter in pencil & erase for next time.
Why not give model horse showing a try & see for yourself what all the fun & excitement is about?!?
Courtesy of The Lakeshore Collection, Ltd. Porcelain Model Horses www.lakeshorecollection.com
Collecting model horses is a growing hobby enjoyed by more people all the time---they can of enjoy beautiful
horses without all the care & work.
Collection sizes may range from a few to thousanda. Some collect only a favorite breed, some specialize in a
particular material like china or resin, or brand such as The Lakeshore Collection (www.lakeshorecollection.com)
but most just collect anything & everything they love!
While many simply enjoy their collections at home, a fast-growing number of collectors enjoy model horse showing,
competing for fun, prizes, bragging rights, as well as the fun of meeting other collectors and seeing other lovely
models! Many model horse clubs & shows are educational & fun for adults and children alike.
Model Horse Show Basics
There are live, photo and on-line shows, but all have some basics in common. At minimum, a model must have an
assigned name, breed & gender. It’s best to use something other than the manufacturer’s name in case more than
one Lakeshore Collection “Marshall” is exhibited, for instance. And no matter what, accuracy to breed standards or
performance event rules, realism, scale & condition are of primary importance.
Be sure you show your model as the most appropriate breed and gender! Just because the box calls it a
Hanoverian stallion, for instance, a model with a lighter build may show better as a Thoroughbred gelding.
Sometimes the model’s color doesn’t actually occur in a breed. Comparing your model to photos & descriptions in
a good breed book or on-line is educational, fun, and will help you win more awards.
Most live & some photo shows offer divisions by make or media, to allow for differences in characteristics, then
there are classes within each division. For instance factory-made plastic Arabians compete against other plastic
Arabians, not against hand-painted artist sculptures which may cost thousands of dollars.
Typical “make” divisions and their hobby abbreviations are:
Original Finish (OF)—As it came from the manufacturer without any alterations, typically mass-produced. Some
shows will even have different divisions or classes for OF plastics, chinas, and resins.
Custom (CM)—A model that has had alterations such as being repainted, having body parts repositioned, or has a
hair or sculpted mane & tail added, intended to be a one of a kind. Some shows will even have a custom glazed
(CMG) division for ceramic pieces that have been reglazed & fired in another color.
Artist Resin (AR)—A resin casting of an artist’s sculpture that has been uniquely hand-painted by an artist, hobbyist
or owner, intended to be a one of a kind piece.
Model Horse Show Classes
Shows may offer halter or performance classes, or both. In performance, the goal is to have a setup that looks like
a “freeze frame” of a real horse performing an English, Western, Harness, or Costume event. Models wear finely
crafted miniature tack, bits held in horses mouths with sticky wax, appropriate for the event. Tack is usually made
by hobbyists from a kit or purchased from a hobby tack maker, rather than mass-produced. Other props like
dressage rails & letters, cattle in cutting, trail obstacles, or fences, flags & jump numbers are used, all scaled to the
size of the model. Some even outfit scaled rider dolls in custom-made attire appropriate for the event!
There are generally a variety of Halter classes that shows may offer, but a halter itself is not required unless it is a
Showmanship class.
Typical Halter classes may include:
Gender (Stallion, Mare, etc.)—Judged primarily on how well the model conforms to gender body type (Stallions
tend to have thicker necks, more muscled than a gelding, etc.) and if it is a good example of stated breed.
Breed (Arabian, Draft, etc.)—Judged primarily on how well conformation of the model matches breed standards.
Since there are over 140 breeds of horses & ponies, it is common to have “type” classes such as “Draft” or “Pony”.
Rather than individual classes for Clydesdales, Belgians & Shires, any Draft breed horse would just be entered in
the Draft class & is judged based on their individual breed standards.
Color or Workmanship-Color classes are judged on what the judge feels is the best example of palomino, bay, etc.
color. If it is an OF model, finish neatness & shading comes into play. Workmanship classes are for CM, CMG or
AR horses and are judged on the quality of the painting & customization work.
Make or Collectability—There are usually individual classes for various brands (Lakeshore Collection, Breyer, etc.)
and these might be even further broken down by run size (Lakeshore Runs of 25 or less vs. other Lakeshore
Limited Editions, for instance). These classes are judged primarily on rarity & age of the model. Condition may
matter a bit less as a well-mended but very rare piece may outplace a mint but more common one. The general
appearance of a model is also considered.
Presentation (Showmanship or Liberty)—Judged primarily on appearance, realism, neatness, & look of an entry.
In Liberty, horses wear no tack at all. In Showmanship, they wear the same type of halter or bridle that the breed or
type of horse would wear in an “in-hand” class. At live shows, handler dolls are typically used and entries are also
judged on conformance to Showmanship patterns; in photo showing, it is common to run the lead out of the photo
as though a person were holding it just outside the edge of the photo.
Some shows even offer special classes for original sculptures (OS), rare test pieces (TR), or one-of-a-kind (OOAK)
models. Unrealistically colored models are typically only shown in their own special fantasy, decorator, or
unrealistic color classes.
Showing Your Model
Many clubs and organizations offer photo (mail-in and/or on-line) or live shows and offer chances to win prizes,
ribbons, trophies, year-end, high point, or cumulative awards.
At live shows, exhibitors pay a fee in advance and bring their models to the show, usually driving for several hours.
A show packet with class lists & information is provided before the show. The fee usually includes a table, and
there’s generally a one hour set-up time before the show starts so entrants can unpack, but it’s a good idea to put
ID tags on the models at home. Then each model is taken to the “ring” (a long table) when their class is called.
Many live shows are sanctioned by NAMHSA ™, the North American Model Horse Shows Association (check
www.namhsa.org for information & shows, and you don’t need to be a NAMHSA member to enter!). Models that
win 1st or 2nd place in a NAMHSA show receive a card that qualifies it to show in the North American National
Championships (NAN), held in alternate years in Lexington, KY & in the western US. Showing at NAN is an honor
In itself and there are typically hundreds of entrants with thousands of models exhibited at the 3 day event.
For photo showing, good, clear, well-lit photos with the horse filling most of the frame will help the judge see your
model clearly & help you do more winning. Since scale & realism are so important, no pictures outside in the grass
—it will be knee-deep! Many use kitty litter, model railroad supplies, coffee grounds or sand for in-scale footing. A
good background will look natural. The photos and any entry fee are sent either via mail or PayPal. If photos are sent via mail,
entrants must include a SASE (Self-addressed stamped envelope) for their return & results after judging, and any prizes.
The model’s name, gender, age, & either the manufacturer & model number or artist’s name, along with the owner’s name &
address, must be on the back of each photo. A piece of “magic type” transparent tape or white label is used on the
back so entrants can write the numbers of the classes they wish to enter in pencil & erase for next time.
Why not give model horse showing a try & see for yourself what all the fun & excitement is about?!?
Links with More Information Website links with more information about showing model horses:
NAMHSA's website with links to NAMHSA's blog and Facebook page:
http://www.namhsa.org/
Laura Skillern's blogs Showing 101 and Don't Eat The Paint (look for showing 101 posts in the archives):
http://showing101.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html
http://donteatthepaint.blogspot.com/2011/05/showing-101-breed-assignments.html
IMEHA (International Model Equine Hobbyists Assoc, Inc) (a photo showing association with lots of great showing and judging information):
http://www.imeha.org/
Positively Perfect Performance (great performance showing information in the Dear Eddie Blog and under the Oh Joy Farms tab):
http://www.positivelyperfectperformance.com/
Article from JAH Magazine:
ABCs Of Showing.pdf
Blog post about how to prepare for and enjoy a live show:
http://braymere.blogspot.com/2013/10/how-to-prepare-for-and-enjoy-live-show.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FIcCVb+%28Braymere+Custom+Saddlery%29
Blackthorn Stables Live Showing Tips:
http://blackthornstables.weebly.com/live-showing-tips.html
Blog Post about showing in OF Halter:
http://braymere.blogspot.com/2013/11/original-finish-halter-showing.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FIcCVb+%28Braymere+Custom+Saddlery%29
Blog Post about showing in CM and AR Halter:
http://braymere.blogspot.com/2013/11/custom-and-resin-halter-showing.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FIcCVb+%28Braymere+Custom+Saddlery%29
Blog Post about Performance showing:
http://braymere.blogspot.com/2013/12/performance-showing.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FIcCVb+%28Braymere+Custom+Saddlery%29
Presentation about the hobby by Jill O'Connor: http://www.regionxnation.com/presentation
Tips for your first live show experience by Jill O'Connor: http://www.regionxnation.com/bundles/rxnmain/pdf/Model%20Show%20Tips.pdf
Model Horse Madness: http://modelhorsemadness2.weebly.com/
The Jennifer Show 2019 & What It's Like Going To A Live Show Video: The Jennifer Show 2019 And What It's Like Going to a Model Horse Live Show
NAMHSA's website with links to NAMHSA's blog and Facebook page:
http://www.namhsa.org/
Laura Skillern's blogs Showing 101 and Don't Eat The Paint (look for showing 101 posts in the archives):
http://showing101.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html
http://donteatthepaint.blogspot.com/2011/05/showing-101-breed-assignments.html
IMEHA (International Model Equine Hobbyists Assoc, Inc) (a photo showing association with lots of great showing and judging information):
http://www.imeha.org/
Positively Perfect Performance (great performance showing information in the Dear Eddie Blog and under the Oh Joy Farms tab):
http://www.positivelyperfectperformance.com/
Article from JAH Magazine:
ABCs Of Showing.pdf
Blog post about how to prepare for and enjoy a live show:
http://braymere.blogspot.com/2013/10/how-to-prepare-for-and-enjoy-live-show.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FIcCVb+%28Braymere+Custom+Saddlery%29
Blackthorn Stables Live Showing Tips:
http://blackthornstables.weebly.com/live-showing-tips.html
Blog Post about showing in OF Halter:
http://braymere.blogspot.com/2013/11/original-finish-halter-showing.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FIcCVb+%28Braymere+Custom+Saddlery%29
Blog Post about showing in CM and AR Halter:
http://braymere.blogspot.com/2013/11/custom-and-resin-halter-showing.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FIcCVb+%28Braymere+Custom+Saddlery%29
Blog Post about Performance showing:
http://braymere.blogspot.com/2013/12/performance-showing.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FIcCVb+%28Braymere+Custom+Saddlery%29
Presentation about the hobby by Jill O'Connor: http://www.regionxnation.com/presentation
Tips for your first live show experience by Jill O'Connor: http://www.regionxnation.com/bundles/rxnmain/pdf/Model%20Show%20Tips.pdf
Model Horse Madness: http://modelhorsemadness2.weebly.com/
The Jennifer Show 2019 & What It's Like Going To A Live Show Video: The Jennifer Show 2019 And What It's Like Going to a Model Horse Live Show