Halter Showing 101

Article and photos by Kristen Cermele

Model horse showing is a diverse hobby that can be whatever each participant makes it. For those just starting out, Original Finish halter is the best place to get your feet wet. This doesn't mean it isn't a competitive or fun division after becoming a seasoned competitor (it's in fact still, and probably always will be, my favorite division!) but it is the most straightforward way to show, and your experience gained here will help you move into other divisions of competition if you'd like to! All you need to compete is your model and a bit of research and preparation.

To start, "Original Finish" means a Breyer horse straight out of the box, with no alterations. Shows will almost always universally shorten this to "OF." So while painting new markings, or putting nail polish on our horses can be fun, you've got to make sure that you're bringing out only horses that haven't been changed up in any way.

First, find a show in your area that you want to go to. Try to start looking a few months in advance, as some of them fill up fast, and depending on where you are, there may be some travel to prepare for. Google and Facebook are your friend in this case! Another resource for finding shows is Model Horse Go-N-Show, a website that lists model horse events happening around the country and the world.

Always make sure to read the show packet, but don't hesitate to contact the show holder with questions and let them know that you are new to showing.

Once you've got a show and date, it's time to prepare. I recommend NOT trying to bring every horse you own, if you've got a shelf (or shelves) full. Especially for the first few shows, trying to bring the very maximum allowed will just guarantee you miss classes and feel stressed.

I'd try to bring 15 models to start, and pay attention to the class list in the packet - we will go over breed selection in a second, but for example, don't pick ten draft horses if the show only allows two or three. Bring what you love, but also bring the nicest horses in your collection. "Nice" does not mean "most expensive," but rather, your horses with the least flaws (like rubs in the paint or breaks), and nice shading.                

When you've selected your horses, it's time to clean them, pick breeds and names for them, and pack them. While many showers have their own way of cleaning their models, the end goal is to remove dust. Chemicals and household cleaners should not be used as they may remove paint, and there is no real need to scrub with anything harsh like a toothbrush. My general rule is to take a damp soft rag or towel and run it over each horse. Make sure to get into areas like between the ears and divots like detailed tails!

Next, you need to give your horses a breed and a name. Each show has a different way of identifying horses, and it's best to refer to the show packet to make sure you have everything correct. However, as a basic rule, model horse shows require hang tags (pictured) attached to the back hoof of your horse. On one side of the tag, you'll put your horses name, and your initials or identifying credentials. Your horses' name is where you can have some creativity - it does not have to be the Breyer manufactured name. Name your horse whatever you'd like. This side of the tag will be facing DOWN on the table when you show. On the side that will be facing up, you'll at the very least need a breed for your horse (and sometimes other things such as gender, age, or color.) Don't try to get too inventive - for example, my horse, Fletchinder, will show as an Appaloosa. Make sure that your horse fits the breed you'd like to show it as, though - for example, make sure the breed can come in the color of your model. My biggest tip is to write your tags *before* the show. It is stressful to try to write these tags the day of the show, especially when you are just learning.

With your horses cleaned and tagged, it's time to pack. Most people use totes such as plastic storage boxes to carry their horses into the show hall from their cars. The easiest packing material to find is bubble wrap. Make sure you carefully wrap with the bubbles facing OUT, and make sure to cushion pointy parts like ears, hooves, and tail tips. Don't overfill your totes, having a little wiggle room is better than smashing the top of the box shut.

Another way to pack, which will save time in the future, is with sewn cushioned pouches, such as Breyer's Pony Pouches. They supply protection and less bulk and time needing to wrap and unwrap. Some collectors make and sell their own, which means you can have whatever pattern you want - the one shown here was sewn by my mom, Joanne. I like giraffes, so she's made me a bunch of themed pouches. Thanks, Mom!

Whatever you choose, be conscious of the temperature outside. Don't leave your horses out in the car when it is very hot or very cold for long periods of time. Especially with heat, Breyers can warp (which is great for straightening legs, but terrible if all their parts are exactly where you want them already).                                                                             

Along with your horses, you'll want to bring yourself a sheet or blanket to put over your show table. You'll also want to bring yourself extra tags, a copy of the class list, and a pen. In Halter Showing 102, we will go over class placement and what the judges are looking for!