WEST COAST LIVE

The best way to describe showing model horses is to think 'All Breeds Show.'  Whether you own horses or not, most people have heard of, participated in or spectated at an All Breed Show (The Perth Royal Show is a great example).  An All Breed Show is an equestrian show where owners of a wide range of breeds exhibit their livestock in designated breed classes against other horses of the same breeds.  

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Model horse showing is basically the same principle. 

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A class list will have been prepared prior to any model horse show and made available to interested entrants.  There will be 'halter' classes and 'performance' classes and possibly 'collectability' classes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 A Halter class list contains different 'divisions' and within those divisions will be specific breed and possibly colour classes.  The breed classes are generally divided into categories - for example, Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, Sport Horses, Spanish and Gaited breeds are considered 'light' types and would show in the light breed category.  Each category will have sub-categories; for example  If an entrant has an Andalusian model, that model would be entered into the 'Spanish' class.  Some shows offer colour classes; these are also grouped into categories and sub-categories; for example black, bay, brown, chestnut, grey, palomino, buckskin, dun and other dilute colours are considered 'solid' colours.  The same Andalusian model would also show in the 'grey' class (should it be a grey model).

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Performance classes are where the fun really starts!  This is where you get to tack up your models and set the scene for a ridden, driven, games, sports or any type of equestrian activity that involves horses. 

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This is the chance to let your imagination come alive.  If you can do it with real horses, you can do it with model horses as well.

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The basic idea of performance showing is to create a scene.  A moment in time, almost like somebody had taken a photo of horses in action.  The principles are the same for photo or live performance showing but photo showing allows the use of photo back drops whilst live showing does not.

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There will be a prepared performance show class list and it will also be divided into categories and sub-categories.  For example, one category will be 'western' and the sub-categories will generally be 'western pleasure', 'western trail', 'western cattle events' & 'all other western'.  There will generally be an 'english' category, a 'harness' category, a 'costume' category and various other categories where every sort of entry can show.

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A performance class list will have the same format as a halter class list  -  there will be category champions and reserve champions and depending on the show there will generally be division grand champions which go on to compete for overall supreme of show, or there will be category supremes and reserve supremes taken from all category champions..

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Generally, model shows are divided into 'divisions' which relates to the type of model horse being shown.  While model horse language is fairly consistent throughout the hobby internationally, some countries have slightly different interpretations.  However, the 'divisions' are usually :

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OF  -  original finish

CM  -  custom, customised

AR  -  artist resin

Mini

OFC  -  original finish china

CMG  -  custom glaze china

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More details about model horse terms and language can be found here

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The possibilities for performance showing are endless and are not just limited to equestrian sporting type set ups.  The 'costume' classes are popular and the detail found in the tack is simply amazing.  Arabian costume and Native American Regalia are always well represented:

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Other popular costume classes are ones like circus horses and parade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can have authentic period/historical costumes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And entertainment scenes like this circus set up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can have as much fun with the minis.

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The Collectables classes are similar to halter classes but judged entirely differently.   Some people become quite serious about collecting, and look to have the rarer, harder to get, produced for a special event models in their collections.  While they may show those models in the regular 'halter' classes, the 'collectables' classes are specialised to exhibit them at their best.  These classes are not divided into breed or colour but - depending upon the show, they are divided into the year they were produced and the type of 'run' they were produced in.  more information about 'runs' can be found here

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Each category, depending upon the show will generally  have a 'champion' and a 'reserve champion'.  All models who place first in each class will be called back for judging once each category has been completely judged.  For example, if looking at the 'halter light breed' classes there will be a first place Thoroughbred, a first place warmblood, a first place sport horse and so on.  The judge will decide between all those first place winners who they want as their champion and reserve champion.  As the judge works through a division there will end up being a number of champions and reserve champions.  At the end of judging a division the judge will call back all champions (possibly reserve champions too depending upon the show).  These models will be judged for a 'grand champion' and 'reserve grand champion' or a 'supreme' and 'reserve supreme' depending upon the show. 

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It depends upon the show and the show holder as to what you can win, but at West Coast Live shows all models in every class are placed 1st - 10th.  Champion and Reserve Champions receive either a large satin printed sash or a printed satin rosette.  All Supremes receive a large satin printed rosette and trophy and all Reserve Supremes receive a large satin printed rosette.

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West Coast Live Halter Shows have 9 Supremes and Reserve Supremes to be won and the performance shows have 8 Supreme and Reserve Supremes to be won.

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LIVE SHOWING

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Live showing is getting together with other model horse owners at a designated venue and showing the models in various classes.   "Live' shows are held in large halls with a class list similar to photo shows although generally not split into gender classes and some age classes.   Long trestle type tables are set up within the hall - these are called 'rings' just like at a real horse show where there are different rings to exhibit livestock.   At a live show the model owner will physically place their model/s on to a judging table (ring) along with other models for judging.   Each live show entrant will have allocated space within the hall and generally tables provided to unpack their models in readiness for judging.  Live shows are a great way to meet other people also involved in the hobby, meet new friends and get to see a wide range of various model horses.