Live Showing 101
So, you've signed up for your first model horse show! How fun and exciting! But... what is the show going to be like? What can you expect? I came from a background of REAL horse showing, so I had a lot of misconceptions of what the show was going to be like. I'm going to try to remember all the weird questions I had when I was getting ready to go to my first show so I can help nip them in the bud for future first timers!
The Short, Short Explanation of Live Showing
To make this as brief as possible, a live show consists of competitors putting their horses on tables to be judged. It can almost be related to an art show. Depending on the show, there may be one or more rings at the focal point of the hall. The judge will call a class "First Call: Quarter Horses". If you have a horse in that class, place your horse on that table. The judge will do a final call, and will state "Class is Closed". She will then judge the class. When she has placed the horses, she will say "Quarter Horses have been pinned" which is your cue to go and pick up your horse from the ring so she can call the next class.
Easy, right?
Easy, right?
Basic Live Show Lingo
Ring: The table or "arena" to place your horse on to be judged. There may be many rings at one show for different divisions.
Class: The most basic category to show your horse in. Usually separated by breed.
Group: The collection of classes that consist of similar breeds. I.E. Stock, Sport, Pony, Draft, etc.
Division: A collection of classes for specific makes of model horses. Peter Stone, Breyer, Custom, Artist Resin, etc.
Group Call Backs: After a group has concluded, all of the 1st and 2nd place horses from that group are called back for the naming of the Group Champion and Reserve Champion.
Group Champion/Reserve Champion: The best two horses in the Group Call Back class. More often than not, these awards go to two horses that have pinned first in their class. Some regions, however, give Champion to a 1st place horse and the Reserve Champion goes to a 2nd place horse.
Division Call Backs: Any horse that received a Champion or Reserve Champion Ribbon in their class will bring their horses up for the naming of the Division Champion and Reserve Champion.
Division Champion/Reserve Champion: The two best horses in the Division Call Back Class. More often than not, these titles go to horses that received a Champion title, though again, in some regions they give Division Champion to a Group Champion, and the Reserve Champion title will go to a Group Reserve Champion.
Best in Show: Some shows offer this class to bring the Division Champion and Reserve Champion of ALL Divisions (Stone, Breyer, Artist Resin, Custom, China, etc) to compete for the title of best horse in the show. This class is typically judged by the show hostess, and the decision is made by their preference and usually the type of Championship earned (Reserve or Regular) will not effect their decision.
Class: The most basic category to show your horse in. Usually separated by breed.
Group: The collection of classes that consist of similar breeds. I.E. Stock, Sport, Pony, Draft, etc.
Division: A collection of classes for specific makes of model horses. Peter Stone, Breyer, Custom, Artist Resin, etc.
Group Call Backs: After a group has concluded, all of the 1st and 2nd place horses from that group are called back for the naming of the Group Champion and Reserve Champion.
Group Champion/Reserve Champion: The best two horses in the Group Call Back class. More often than not, these awards go to two horses that have pinned first in their class. Some regions, however, give Champion to a 1st place horse and the Reserve Champion goes to a 2nd place horse.
Division Call Backs: Any horse that received a Champion or Reserve Champion Ribbon in their class will bring their horses up for the naming of the Division Champion and Reserve Champion.
Division Champion/Reserve Champion: The two best horses in the Division Call Back Class. More often than not, these titles go to horses that received a Champion title, though again, in some regions they give Division Champion to a Group Champion, and the Reserve Champion title will go to a Group Reserve Champion.
Best in Show: Some shows offer this class to bring the Division Champion and Reserve Champion of ALL Divisions (Stone, Breyer, Artist Resin, Custom, China, etc) to compete for the title of best horse in the show. This class is typically judged by the show hostess, and the decision is made by their preference and usually the type of Championship earned (Reserve or Regular) will not effect their decision.
The Show Hall
Some shows release an outline of their show hall layout before the day of the show. Most, it seems, do not. I have been to quite a few different shows and the layouts do change from place to place... so as you're unpacking your horses take the time to look around and get acquainted with the layout.
This is a simple diagram I drew up of a basic show hall. The show will have one ring per division more often than not. This is to keep the show clipping along at a good pace. The rings are in the front of the show hall and are usually clearly labeled by Division.
Assigned Seating: The competitor's tables are behind the rings, and hosts try to allow for a layout that promotes easy traveling to and from your table to the rings. Some hosts pre-assign seats while others allow for a "first come first serve" mentality. Check with your host before the show to let them know if you have any special needs (medical conditions that require seating close to the restroom, or that require you be close to the rings) and they can do their best to accommodate you.
Extra Tables: If you need an extra table, ask the host for availability. Most of the time extra tables are allowed for an extra fee. Usually a fee rivaling that of the entry fee because if you buy that table, it takes a table away from a potential competitor.
This is a simple diagram I drew up of a basic show hall. The show will have one ring per division more often than not. This is to keep the show clipping along at a good pace. The rings are in the front of the show hall and are usually clearly labeled by Division.
Assigned Seating: The competitor's tables are behind the rings, and hosts try to allow for a layout that promotes easy traveling to and from your table to the rings. Some hosts pre-assign seats while others allow for a "first come first serve" mentality. Check with your host before the show to let them know if you have any special needs (medical conditions that require seating close to the restroom, or that require you be close to the rings) and they can do their best to accommodate you.
Extra Tables: If you need an extra table, ask the host for availability. Most of the time extra tables are allowed for an extra fee. Usually a fee rivaling that of the entry fee because if you buy that table, it takes a table away from a potential competitor.
Showing Fees
Unlike real horse shows where you have to pay a fee for each class you want to enter... in most model horse shows you are only charged an attendance and lunch fee, and can enter any classes you want. There are usually no additional showing fees other than the fee you pay to attend.
Limits to your entrants: Most shows do have a rule about the maximum horses you may enter in a class. Most of the shows I attend allow for 4 horses per class. Some allow you to add additional horses by placing a dollar bill next to the extra horse. Your show will list this information in their show packet.
Bring extra cash: Sometimes the shows will host raffles, or a vendor might show up to sell models. If you're interested in any of those things, bring a bit of extra spending cash. Make sure to have a lot of singles on you too, as you may want to use a vending machine at the show hall for a drink.
Limits to your entrants: Most shows do have a rule about the maximum horses you may enter in a class. Most of the shows I attend allow for 4 horses per class. Some allow you to add additional horses by placing a dollar bill next to the extra horse. Your show will list this information in their show packet.
Bring extra cash: Sometimes the shows will host raffles, or a vendor might show up to sell models. If you're interested in any of those things, bring a bit of extra spending cash. Make sure to have a lot of singles on you too, as you may want to use a vending machine at the show hall for a drink.
Quick Tips and Tricks
- When showing in multiple divisions, keep your ears open for your class calls. It's really easy to miss a class if the announcer isn't loud enough or if you're talking with friends!
- If you're unsure where your horse goes, you may ask the judge. But make sure you only ask when the judge isn't busy.
- Pack smart, and for your first show don't overwhelm yourself. Bring what you feel you can handle if you're not sure what to expect.
- Always make sure your horse is cleaned before you put him in his class.
- Read through the other sections on this website for more tips!
- If you're unsure where your horse goes, you may ask the judge. But make sure you only ask when the judge isn't busy.
- Pack smart, and for your first show don't overwhelm yourself. Bring what you feel you can handle if you're not sure what to expect.
- Always make sure your horse is cleaned before you put him in his class.
- Read through the other sections on this website for more tips!
Well! That's a very very very general overview of live showing! I strongly encourage you to read through the other sections I've posted for a more complete experience. Reading this alone will not prepare you for your first showing experience!