The big day has arrived and you're eagerly waiting to see how your Breyer horses and other model horses did at their first big photo show. You open your email to view the results, and your heart sinks; what happened? Your best Breyer horse didn't even place, and only a few horses made it into the first 10 placings. This happens to everyone at one time or another. Model horse shows are similar to 'real' horse shows in several respects. Judges often prefer certain horses over others. Competition can be fierce. But with a few simple tweaks, you can improve your chances of winning at your next photo show.
1. Focus on One or Two Divisions at a Model Horse Show
Photo copyright 2010 Jeanne Grunert, Licensed to About.com Inc.
Many collectors acquire model horses from among many different manufacturers, breeds, scales, and types. Yet by focusing on only one or two categories that fall within typical divisions at model horse shows, you can boost your odds of winning, especially if you choose less popular divisions such as gaited horses, Spanish breeds, or draft horses.
If you're showing in a club or group, look over the results posted from the last several shows. Note which divisions have the least number of entries. If any of them appeal to you, focus your show string on those niches. Acquire new models specifically for your show herd within those niches.
2. Choose Unusual Breeds for Model Horses
Photo copyright 2010 Jeanne Grunert, Licensed to About.com Inc.
Arabians remain the most popular model horse breed, and for good reason; they're beautiful and there are many gorgeous Breyer horses, artist resin model horses, and other original finish model horse Arabians to choose from for your collection. Yet because they're so pupular, Arabian breed classes are packed with super entries, making it very difficult to place in the top 10. One recent photo show had over 100 entries in the Arabian class, but only 15 in the "Other Breed" category. Choosing unusual breeds such as this American Knabstrupper horse, may help you by focusing your showing efforts on classes with lighter competition. If you find an unusual breed you love, go for it!
3. Learn as Much as You Can About Real Horse Breeds
Photo copyright 2010 Jeanne Grunert, Licensed to About.com Inc.
The third tip seems simple, but it's a tip that will help you win at all types of model horse competitions from photo to live shows, halter and all sorts of performance classes. Learn all that you can about the real horse breeds that interest you, and apply what you learn to your model horse hobby. Realism is the name of the game among model horse collectors, and model horse shows are judged according to nearly identical standards used by breed associations and actual horse shows. Although some allowances must be made due to the static poses of model horses (a model posed as a cutting horse, for example, can enter a halter competition, even though in real life that pose is only seen in the show pen while the horse works cattle), knowing the colors accepted by a breed assocation, specific breed characteristics and other things may set your winning entry apart from the crowd. Pick your favorite breeds, learn all your can and follow the breed association news to keep up to date on the latest information.