Off to Nationals... for model horses!!

I am headed to the North American Nationals with my model horses in Lexington, Kentucky. It is a 3-day show, but I am only showing 2 days. I am bringing 10 CM (custom models), one OF (original finish) Copperfox and one china horse. All but one of the CM horses were customized by others, and the one I did was my NaMoPaiMo horse from February. I have no expectations of doing well since I’m such a beginner show horse collector. With my small budget, I really can’t compete with the horses that cost $1,000 and a lot more.

 

But these horses earned their spot, so gosh darn it! We’re going to a show! At least I don’t have to feed and clean stalls at this show. My biggest worry is the heat. The original plan was to not bring the entire string in each day to Rupp Arena, but the heat is in the mid-90’s and the heat index takes it even higher. The poor things would probably cook down to a blob with a head, or at the least get some crooked legs. I don’t want to take my chance, so I’ll be carting them in for both days.

 

For the classes, I have some horses showing in 2 divisions: breed and workmanship. Breed is pretty simple. You study your horse and find a breed that fits confirmation-wise. Some are easy, while others you can get really creative with, as long as you’ve done your research and your documentation you bring to the show backs up your choice.  As for workmanship, this division solely rests on how the horse is customized. How is the shading, white spaces, hooves, eyes? Do the dapples look real? Everything is subject to the judge’s opinion – just like at an actual horse show. When I was judging, it came down to what horse would I like in my own barn?

My herd going to NAN 2018!

 

The same goes here at model horse shows. The devil is in the details, and some of these horses are incredible looking. Who am I kidding? All of these horses are incredible looking. 

 

Another division that I haven’t even ventured into is Performance. It’s not that I couldn’t do it. My real world experience with various breeds and disciplines would be ideal, but frankly I can’t afford to buy a custom saddle, saddle pad, girth, and bridle. I don’t imagine this division is ever something I will take part in. My husband has put up with my horse buying up to this point, but I’m pretty sure there will be a time where he starts to question my sanity. That would be when I start investing (and I do mean INVESTING) in tack.

 

So, my small show string will travel tonight to Lexington, get a good night’s rest, and begin our trek into model horse history!