As you learn more about showing model horses in live shows or in-person competitions, you may yearn for the day when you can find a show near you and attend in person. If you can't attend a live show in person, the next best thing may be proxy showing.
What Is Proxy Showing?
The term "by proxy" means to have someone represent you in person. The person representing you stands in for you at an event. In the case of model horse shows, a proxy shower is someone who stands in for you and takes your models into the arena. The person proxy showing your models at a live model horse show is responsible for making sure each of your models makes it onto the correct judging table, is tagging with the proper information, and safely returns the models to you.
Who Can Proxy Show?
Most of the time model horse collectors ask a buddy or a friend to proxy show for them. It's important that the person who acts as your proxy is trustworthy. You're sending your precious model horses to them, after all, and you need someone who is responsible enough not only to receive and acknowledge your models, but who will return them safely to you.
If you've been collecting and interacting online with fellow model horse collectors for a while, chances are that you know someone who attends live shows regularly. If you've met them in person, so much the better; nothing helps forge honest friendships better than getting to know someone in person. Choose your proxy showing partner carefully.
How to Proxy Show Your Model Horses
Most live model horse shows allow proxy show entries, but check the rules for each show. Some may have restrictions on the number of models a proxy show person can enter into classes. Most require that each person entering the live show receives a separate entry number, so even if you're not there in person you will have to pay an entry fee and complete an entry form.
Live model horse shows have an entry fee that helps the show host cover the cost of the rented hall, ribbons, website and other materials needed to run a good live show event. The proxy show fee may be lower than the in-person show fee, but you will need to pay this well in advance of the show date.
Some shows offer proxy-showing through the show entry process. What this means is that the show volunteers, a group of local model horse collectors, welcomes proxy show entries and will put your models out on the judging table for you. Such shows charge a nominal fee for the service. You will need to mark you entries using a white hang tag, available at any office supply store, with the model's name, breed, gender, and your name and entry number. Pack your model horses carefully for shipping and send it along with a manifest to the show address. A manifest is a printed document that includes a picture of the horse model, all of the information you put on his hang tag, and your name and address along with a phone number and email address to contact you in case of questions.
Always ship your models using U.S. Postal Priority mail with tracking and insurance. Insurance provides you with monetary compensation should your show string succumb to damage in shipping.
Proxy Show Etiquette
If the show itself offers proxy show services to model horse collectors, your entries will be handled by a volunteer - not by a judge. Judges should not be responsible for opening, processing, and handling proxy show entries. This might represent a conflict of interest for the judge. Usually the show host will find a group of model horse collectors willing to stand in for people from afar. You might want to offer the show host a little extra money or a gift of some kind as a thank you for handling your models.
You will always be responsible for return postage and shipping. Most show hosts accept PayPal, but some require a check or money order to cover shipping fees. Sending a thank you note to the show host afterwards is a gracious touch. The show host should return your models along with the results and any ribbons or NAN (North American National) cards you may have won.
If a model horse buddy proxy shows your model horses for you, it's customary to offer them some money towards their gas or hotel expenses. Many people travel great distances to attend live shows and stay overnight in a local hotel, so offering a few extra dollars is a nice touch.
For those who want to attend live shows but cannot travel, proxy showing offers a way to earn ribbons, NAN cards and points as well as get some great feedback on their horse model collection. To find a live model horse show, a good place to start is NAMHSA, the North American Model Horse Show Association.