Prepping your Model Horses
Depending on the judge, a clean model can make or break your chances at success. When I judge, I use the model's cleanliness as a tie breaker to determine my placings. I had a 3 way tie between three horses and was having trouble figuring out which one I wanted to place as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. The horse I was going to give 1st to ended up getting 3rd when I saw a lot of dust packed into the carvings of the tail. So, I guess what I'm trying to say here is: Cleaning your horse thoroughly can ultimately lead to success. Not cleaning your horse will only lead to failure.
There is a video link at the bottom of this list, if you're interested in a more visual/audio tutorial.
There is a video link at the bottom of this list, if you're interested in a more visual/audio tutorial.
- Get most of the dust off with a cloth - If your horses have been on a shelf and are covered in dust, you need to first get the majority of the dust off before you can think about working on the details. Take a rag (one that will not be used at the show. I recommend doing this step BEFORE packing for a show) and brush lightly over the horse "knocking" the dust off. DO NOT rub the horse, as it will GRIND the dust into the model.
- Use a different cloth and dust again - This step is also done at the show hall when removing your horse from his packing. Your cloth should be made of microfiber (great for glossies!) or fleece (great for either finish). Rub all areas of the horse down and buff out any hand prints or finger prints.
- Use Makeup Brushes for detail cleaning - Use CLEAN make up brushes (NOT makeup brushes that've been used for makeup!) and clean the hard to reach places. Examples being where there is keyhole detailing in the mane and tail, between the ears, under any lifted parts of the mane, inside nostrils, etc.
- Give it one final look over - Even when you think you're done... there might still be more to do! Give it one final look over to make sure no new dust has been shook up.
PRE-CLASS PREPPING (The Final Prepdown)
So, your class has been called, entrants are bringing their horses up to the ring. Here are some essential things to check on your horse before the class is closed for judging
- Re-check for fingerprints - We all get a little clammy or otherwise excitable at a show, and the chance of transferring fingerprints to a pre-cleaned horse is higher than you'd think! To prevent fingerprints smudges when transporting a horse from my table to the show ring, I actually hold them by a leg with a cloth. I usually only have to do this for the glossy horses.
- Check for blemishes showing in the new "lighting" - Pick a GOOD spot for your horse on the show table. If you place your horse directly under a light, it can be a blessing or a curse. Blessing in that on some horses the color will appear brighter or bolder. Curse in that things that DIDN'T show up at your table WILL show up in the direct sunlight or overhead light. These things include: flaws to the finish, rubs, and fingerprints and dust.
- Place your documentation and toe-tag properly - Make sure your documentation is set straight (not crooked or blown back) and that the horse's toe tag is arranged to where a judge can easily read it or flip it over if they need to. Make sure it's not directly underneath your model or upside down/crooked. It makes your model appear a bit more professional, if that makes sense. It looks like you placed it there with care, rather than just throwing it down and running off.
- Take a step back, give one last look - Everything look okay? Between the ears? Backs of the lifted legs? No ear tip rubs? Does it look okay in the lighting? If so, then you're good to go!