“Live” model horse shows are hobby events that allow collectors to dust off their models and showcase them to compete against other similar models. Many shows offer different divisions to include various kinds of model horses including original finish, custom finish, chinas, and artist resins. These models are then generally judged on how well they represent their assigned breed, their overall condition, age and rarity.
For the sake of this blog today, I am going to focus on showing original finish plastic models which typically includes horses made by Breyer, Peter Stone, Hartland and others.
As a child, pretty much everything I knew about horses I had learned from Breyer. I did not own or have regular access to real horses. So, if Breyer released a model and said it was an Arabian, well, that’s what it was! If they said it was a Quarter Horse, who was I to argue? So, when I actually started researching breeds because I wanted to get into live showing, and learned about horse structure and conformation, I was kind of taken aback! Even though Breyer had sold a model as an Arabian (for example) didn’t necessarily mean it was the best representation of the breed. Wow! I know it probably shouldn’t have been, but it was kind of a shocker for me. I guess I never really gave it enough thought to question it!
I have always been a supporter of shows that, in addition to breed classes, offer classes in collectibility. The difference between the two – in a nutshell – is that in breed classes, models are judged on how well they represent the breed they are assigned to. And in collectibility, models are judged primarily on rarity, condition and age. As much as I love researching and assigning breeds to my models, the collectibility classes were always my favorite. I love recognizing a model that has survived the decades in one piece, especially when Breyers were sold mainly as toys. Shows that include collectibility classes are always a treat to me, not only because I can show models that don’t typically place well in breed classes, but to see the models other collectors bring out to show. It is usually a great place to see rare and vintage pieces that you don’t get to see in person every day!
The reason I am writing about showing today is because I want to help promote live shows. Since this is a reference site about original finish Breyers, and their collectible values, I want to help promote the live shows that celebrate the value of collectibility showing.
So, tell us about your favorite collectibility show! It doesn’t have to be a collectibility only show, but must be an upcoming show in 2017 that offers the yellow NAN cards for collectibility in a division that includes original finish Breyers. Share your favorite shows on the Facebook page or put them in the comments below. I will create a page on the website for all of the collectibility show listings I receive – PLUS – I will donate $200 to one show to help offset their show costs.
What is this again?
Nominate your favorite upcoming live show in 2017 that offers collectibility classes for Breyers. I will make a page on the website to list all of the shows submitted, and then randomly draw one show to donate $200 to. I know putting on a live show can be expensive and want to give back to the hobby by helping show holders offset some of their costs. I know I am only going to be able to accommodate the upcoming shows right now, but I hope to be able to repeat this donation again later this summer to include the shows scheduled later in the year.
What do I need to do?
Post on Facebook or comment below about your favorite NAN qualified live show that offers the yellow collectibility NAN cards for original finish Breyers. Include the show name, date, location and website. I will make a page on the website to list these shows, and on March 1, 2017 I will randomly draw a show from the list to donate $200 to. So, get in your nominations, share it on Facebook and help spread the word.
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