Making your horse list
In region 1, we have a the tag saver program and use horse lists so that both judges, entrants, and show holders have the easiest time to prepare for a show. Using leg tags means they only need to be created 1 time and can be re-used as long as the entrant wants (or if a tag is lost which does happen!). Leg tags help judges because only a short number (or alpha numeric in some cases) needs to be recorded instead of the judge having to record a long horse name onto their sheets. More to record gives more opportunity for errors, especially with unconventional spellings or really long horse names. Lastly, the leg tag-horse list system helps the show holder by making the process of creating results really fast, especially in the event that horse lists are sent electronically. Ideally, when compiling results, the show holder only needs to look at the judge sheet for a tag number, do a search in an electronic document for that number, then copy and paste the horse name into the results. That easy! Gone are the days of hours of typing and searching for horse names.
How do you make a horse list that is the best format for a show holder? While region 1 does not have a standard form, show holders really only need the leg tag number (ex: 999-012) and the horse name Flame. The breed and division or finish are helpful information to determine if the tag number recorded is relating to the correct model but not a must have. Here is a basic example of what a horse list should look like:
Shower Name: Jane Doe
Entrant shower number: 999
first line of horse list:
999-012 Flame Arabian
When a show holder is trying to create results, it can be easier if they are able to type in the tag number into a search function (999-012) then copy-paste the horse name. If a horse list is written like this:
Shower Name: Jane Doe
Entrant shower number: 999
first line of horse list:
012 Flame Arabian
The show holder must search entrant 999, then scroll or search again for tag number 012. By having the entire tag number together like the first example, it can save the show holder time. Any show holder can tell you that compiling results is the least fun thing about hosting a model show.
Want to show in region 1? Get a tag savers number! See the list for more detailed information & a list of available numbers.
Do you know yours ABCs?
In the model horse world, we get to see and learn about so many parts of the real horse world through breed research and showing. Showing challenges us to find a perfect breed choice for our models that matches it. Odd models can make it harder and the more we learn the harder things can be at times. The term ABCs gets used in many places and if you are not sure what it is, it can be scary to ask!
ABCs stand for Anatomy, Bio-mechanics, & Conformation. One of the best ways I have been able to understand and explain ABCs is like this:
**Anatomy: Can it be alive if that were possible? Models can be sculpted in many ways & some are more artistic, some are dated, and some are incredibly accurate. Some things to ask when considering a model for the best anatomy could be "Are the eyes even & placed in the spot on the head where nature puts them?" or "Is the neck going to break if it were to turn like that in real life?"
**Bio-mechanics: Can the Body of this model work like it supposed to? biomechanics is the mechanical component--how the horse moves. If the model were alive, could it move like a horse is supposed to? Questions to ask when considering this could be "Are the leg bones the same length?" or "Does it have extra or missing parts?"
**Conformation: Could this model depict the breed it's being shown as if it were alive? After getting through A & B, you get to pick the breed choice for this model. Some models are very easy to see what they are. Example: Breyer's Rhapsody in black on the Weathergirl. This is clearly an Arabian and a very accurate one at that. Weather girl is not conformed to be a Thoroughbred or a Clydesdale. Other moulds can be tough. Depending on the color, it may alter the breed possibilities. Idocus and Carrick are 2 models that can go a few ways for the breed pick depending on the color presented.
Happy learning & get out there & show those equines!
ABCs stand for Anatomy, Bio-mechanics, & Conformation. One of the best ways I have been able to understand and explain ABCs is like this:
**Anatomy: Can it be alive if that were possible? Models can be sculpted in many ways & some are more artistic, some are dated, and some are incredibly accurate. Some things to ask when considering a model for the best anatomy could be "Are the eyes even & placed in the spot on the head where nature puts them?" or "Is the neck going to break if it were to turn like that in real life?"
**Bio-mechanics: Can the Body of this model work like it supposed to? biomechanics is the mechanical component--how the horse moves. If the model were alive, could it move like a horse is supposed to? Questions to ask when considering this could be "Are the leg bones the same length?" or "Does it have extra or missing parts?"
**Conformation: Could this model depict the breed it's being shown as if it were alive? After getting through A & B, you get to pick the breed choice for this model. Some models are very easy to see what they are. Example: Breyer's Rhapsody in black on the Weathergirl. This is clearly an Arabian and a very accurate one at that. Weather girl is not conformed to be a Thoroughbred or a Clydesdale. Other moulds can be tough. Depending on the color, it may alter the breed possibilities. Idocus and Carrick are 2 models that can go a few ways for the breed pick depending on the color presented.
Happy learning & get out there & show those equines!
Want to be more involved in the hobby? Become a NAMHSA member! By either hosting a live show or becoming an individual member, you get a discounted entry to NAN, cast a vote on all by-law & policy changes that go out to the membership, and learn more about the organization as a whole. Please visit NAMHSA.org by clicking on the above button.
The NAMHSA Region 1 Representative is Janal Purtlebaugh -- email [email protected]