What is Model Horse Showing?

Last week, we were thrilled to announce this summer’s model horse photo shows at BreyerFest, which all VIP and All-Access ticket holders can participate in.

But, if you’re new to the world of Breyer (or showing your horses) and you’re thinking, “well, how the heck do you show a model horse?” then this is the post for you!

Participants in a model horse show, regardless of whether they participate in the Open show or the CYAN (Children’s, Youth, and Adult Novice) show, show their Breyer model horses in the same way a person might show a real, living horse. 

Models are entered in either “halter” or “performance” classes and experienced judges review and judge each entry based on specific criteria. In our virtual Photo Show, you will enter your models into their appropriate classes with a single photograph. Last year we collaborated with our friend Stormy Strike on a video that explains how to photograph your Breyer models for a photo show – it has LOTS of great advice, and you can check it out here!

In “Halter” classes, an untacked, unaltered Breyer model horse is entered into a particular class based on the breed the competitor has assigned to their model.  If an Arabian model horse is entered into an Arabian class, the judge will choose the winning horses based on conformation, characteristics, and colors typical for that breed and how well each model in the class embodies them.

Competitors are welcome to show models in classes that are not necessarily obvious for the mold they are showing if they can provide documentation to support their entry.  For example, the 2018 BreyerFest Celebration Horse Brass Hat, which was created on Breyer’s Walking Thoroughbred mold, could also be shown as an Australian Stock Horse, provided the entrant can find documentation to support that Australian Stock Horses can look like that model.

In “Performance” classes, models are fully tacked, often with rider dolls, and set up in a diorama-like scene, complete with props and natural elements.  These scenes are viewed as if they are snapshots of a live horse event in action.  Tack is generally hand-made, but can also be Breyer-made tack, and all tack must be accurate to the activity being highlighted – a competitor couldn’t use a western-style bridle in a dressage competition scene, for example.

If you’d like to get involved in the world of model horse showing, the BreyerFest Children’s, Youth, and Adult Novice (CYAN) model horse photo show is the place for you.  The show managers, judges, and stewards are here to guide you, answer questions, and help you learn the ropes of this fun hobby activity.

More information about registering for BreyerFest’s model horse shows will be released soon, but if you think you might be interested in participating, we recommend checking out PonyBytes.com to get familiar with the site. PonyBytes is a great, new model horse showing website which will be hosting both our Open and CYAN BreyerFest shows! You can also check out their Help Documents here.