A Horse of a Different Texture

     She discovered two forms of these shows – the “live” show and the “photo” show.  The live show is an actual gathering of people and their models.  A panel of judges is preselected, and tables are set up to serve as “rings” for the competition.  The excitement is just as electric as at a real horse show.  Competitors are running around signing up for classes, getting their horses ready, and then placing them in the ring for the judging.  You hear the screams of delight, and the sighs of disappointment, when the placings are announced.

     I remember my daughter’s first show.  It was really amazing.  I would help her get her horses ready, just alike any other “horse show mom,” and she would be running back and forth getting each horse into its proper class.  Some of the classes were:  Stallion, Mare, Gelding, and Foal: Breed classes such as Morgan, Quarter Horse, and Tennessee Walker.  There were also performance classes such as:  Hunter Jumper over Fences, Harness Classes, and both English and Western Pleasure.  Ribbons were awarded for each class (usually up to tenth place). and grand and reserve championships handed out for each division.  Needless to say, we came home with our share of the ribbons!

     The other type of show is the photo show.  Jenny really likes these because she can mail photos of her horses to the judge that is holding the show.  She doesn’t have to be there.  It’s a lot less stressful, and allows her to compete all over the country without leaving her living room.  The photo show works the same way as the live show – you register for classes, and your photos are laid out with those of the other competitors, and the horse that displays the best qualities for the class, wins!  Ribbons are often awarded for these shows, but occasionally certificates are awarded instead.  Raffles and other contests may also be offered at this type of show, making it just a little more special.

     How did my daughter get started with this?  Well, she found a catalog from Breyer in the box with one of the their horses that she had purchased.  It contained a coupon for a subscription to their publication called “Just About Horses.”  This little magazine is filled with ads that tell about all kinds of model horse shows.  From there, things just kind of snowballed.  She has since found other publications, like the Model Trading Post, Hobby Horse News and TRR Pony Express, that keep her informed of up coming events.  There is even a “Haynet” on the Internet to hook up model horse lovers.

     Every year in July the “Ultimate” horse show and celebration for model horse collectors is held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.  It is sponsored by the Breyer Molding Company, which is part of Reeves International.  It brings together model horse lovers from all over the world.  A special model is made by Breyer just for that event.  There is also a sister event held in California each year.

     So, if you remember that you have some model horses just lying around, gathering dust, dig them up, clean them off, and come join us for some fun.  This is a hobby that knows no age limits, and it’s wonderful for those of us who love horses……of a different texture.