"Making the Best Better" with Model Horses

Scenes from the Monmouth County Fair 4-H Model Horse Show

Article and Photos by Jocelyn Cote

On the evening of July 24^th, the Monmouth County 4-H Fair in Freehold, NJ opened its gates. Amidst the bustling crowds, a group of about a dozen young model horse fans gathered under a tent to participate in the Monmouth County 4-H Model Horse Show! Despite the modest classlist, these entrants brought their A-game to a fun and educational show.

4-H is America’s largest youth development organization, with over 6 million participants nationwide. The organization provides children of all ages with opportunities to get involved with their local communities, interact with positive mentors, and develop important leadership skills. Breyer is a proud supporter of 4-H and its important initiatives.

Divided into three divisions by age group – Cloverbud (grades K-3), Junior (grades 4-8) and Senior (grades 9-12) – excited showers flaunted their creativity with elaborate creative scenes to start off the show. 4-H’s motto is “Making the Best Better,” and these entries were no exception to that.

A model horse fiesta!

This Cloverbud Creative Scene entry featured a light-up sun!

More highlights from the Creative Scene classes

Participants also competed in two “standard” breed halter classes, divided by gender as they would be in a 4-H show for real horses – a Stallion/Gelding class, and a Mare/Foal class. In a real 4-H horse show, horses are evaluated on their conformation, way-of-going, soundness, and appearance. These models were judged on similar characteristics - their suitability to their assigned breed and gender, condition, and conformation.

A stunning Junior Stallion entry

Judge Elyse Vick pins the Junior Stallion/Gelding class

Junior and Senior Mare and Foal entries

Entrants then showed their models in performance – in a realistic “under saddle” class, and in a model horse costume contest filled to the brim with unique, handmade outfits!

An entry that would make any mini performance shower proud!

English and Western "Under Saddle" performance setups

"Happy Little Trees!"

A sheep and a grandma

Finally, the evening’s show ended with two more creatively-minded classes: “Repaint by Entrant” and “Resculpt by Entrant.” From fanciful decorators, to unicorns, to beloved real horse portraits, these classes proved that the next generation of model horse customizers is already thriving!

Senior Repaints by Entrant

Breyer's Jumping Horse repainted to a blue roan by a Cloverbud entrant

A dashing unicorn and your friendly neighborhood barista!

As is tradition at any model horse show, all top-placing entries returned to the rings at the conclusion of the main classlist for the grand championships. Champions and reserve champions were awarded beautiful custom rosettes adorned with the 4-H logo.

"Spots + Dots" Junior Champion	"Bob" Junior Reserve Champion

"Caddo" Senior Champion	"Sister" Senior Reserve Champion

For those who would like to join in the fun, the next Monmouth County Model Horse Show will be held on Saturday, October 5^th at the Freehold fairgrounds on Kozloski Road. For more information, call the 4-H office at 732-431-7260 x7264.