Blab “Fun Show” New Shower Tips Last edited 1/8/2017

Fun Show Guide

In this guide we will walk a first-time-ever, or just a less experienced, shower through some tips for choosing your entries to show all you can with a given classlist, and selecting among your models for those with the best chance of placing.

 FOR EACH MODEL ENTRY, ENTER 1 PHOTO of a SIDE SHOT of your model, with the entire model in the frame. Multiple photos of the same model are not permitted. (Link to a PDF guide with entry photography tips.)

 A MODEL MAY ENTER ONLY 1 CLASS IN THIS SHOW. Even if a model could be eligible for more than one class, it may enter only one.

 A SHOWER MAY ENTER ONLY 2 MODELS PER CLASS IN THIS SHOW (THE “CLASS LIMIT”). You may need to choose among your models which will show, as you can enter only 2 in each class. We will discuss choosing well!

You could also think of this “fun show” as a “new-shower boot camp” show! But why is that?  A small classlist means fewer of your models can show. Learning how to select the models with the best chance of placing will help you evaluate your models later for a larger online show, or for a live show. See the notes below.  A small classlist can also mean more classes that are described as breed groups, rather than individual breeds. For example, a class described as “UK Draft” or “American Ponies” means learning more about breed origins.

BlabTip: Before you begin your entries, you may already have a definite breed in mind for each of your models. That’s ok, but as you’ll see below, it’s good to keep your options open for the breed you will use to show.

A good breed reference book, supported by some helpful internet breed sites, is your most important aide to entering for as much of your show string as you can. We’ll explain more below. Before you buy one (they can be spendy), check inside it for a couple of breeds that you already know and make sure the photos are of good examples of the breed. Here are some breed book recommendations from the Blab community – link to a Blab thread on breed references.

You need a breed reference book that ideally includes: many breeds found in various parts of the world; original purpose of the breed; height range; body type; colors allowed by the registry; and gaits for gaited breeds. Books typically include the most popular breeds – such as the Tennessee Walker – but does it also have common related breeds such as the and Rocky Mountain ? You need all the breeds you can find, as you will see in this guide!

You will also need these short How To’s … links open online PDF’s

How To Upload & Manage Your Entries New Shower Photography Tips for Entries

How To Reduce & Rotate Your Photos for Entries Reference Division-Breed & Common Terms & Abbrv.

Blab “Fun Show” New Shower Tips Last edited 1/8/2017

The Fun Show for Winter 2016 will include these major divisions OF Breyer Plastic - OF Stone - OF Other Plastic – OF China – Artist Resin

The standard Blab model horse show breed divisions (by body type) are Light – Gaited – Spanish – Sport/Carriage – Stock – Pony – Draft – All Other Check each classlist! Some major divisions may combine breed divisions.

Here is one method of choosing the best entries from your show string:

1) First, classlist in hand: How many models can you show in each division? For example, if the Stock Division has 4 classes and a class limit of 2 entries per shower per class, you can show a maximum of 8 of your Stock models.

2) With your breed guide handy, start by sorting the herd members you would most like to show in each division. Although this can be done on paper, as a first-timer it’s helpful to look at your models, the classlist and your breed guide at the same time. Take note of combined breed divisions (such as Pony, Draft & All Other).

BlabTip: “But I don’t know which breeds are the Light breeds! Etc.!” Check the explanation/rules section of the classlist for information, and the online PDF (linked) Blab Reference Division-Breed Guide.

3) Next, start picking models for classes. Warning: This can be tougher than it sounds! The model with the best chance of getting a ribbon will be the model that shows the combination of ...  the best type, conformation and breed characteristics (check color & gait restrictions);  the best finishwork – good color and shading; minimal overspray between and neck; realistic transitions between white and colored areas, etc.;  the best detail – clear molding of the face, mane, tail, joints, etc. and paint detail of eyes, hooves, etc.;  the best condition – the fewest rubs, scratches and dings.

BlabTip: In classes with many entries of the same mold, finishwork, detail and condition are primary judging points. See a live show example at this link. (Click the link at that example to return to this page.)

4) Now, having done the first round of entries …  Did you fill up some classes, but have not filled others? Note which classes have room for entries.  Do you have models left over that did not make the class-limit cut? Consider which models would be suitable for alternate breeding assignments, so they can enter the classes that still have room against your entry limit.

We organized the models by division to make it easier to find the classes that are the best fit for each model. 1. How well the body type fits the division. 2. Which class is most suitable for the color and conformation … and gaits, for a gaited-type model.  For example, your Arabian model may show well as a Half-Arabian, or a breed closely related to the Arabian.  Keep in mind that other showers may be entering those classes with models that were designed for that breeding. Evaluate as best you can whether your model will show well against that class competition.

BlabTip: For Blab online shows, it is allowed to change a model’s breed/breeding from show to show. BlabTip: When live showing, once your model receives a NAN-card for a certain breed or crossbreeding, it’s important to keep that breed assignment for future NAN-qualified shows. Also, some regions keep records of show models and breed assignment. Check what is allowed in your region for breed changes between NAMHSA shows. Page 2 of 4

Blab “Fun Show” New Shower Tips Last edited 1/8/2017

What about confusing class entry situations?

 Some models are eligible for more than one class or division, but are typically allowed to enter only ONE class in the show. You must choose the best class for that model. For instance, a TB x QH could show in either a Sport Division class or a Stock Division class. The best strategy is to choose the division that is the best fit for the body type. Keep the class limits in mind as you decide on breed and crossbreed assignments, and enter your other models as well.

BlabTip: A bit of showmanship: Weight your crossbreed notation by division – for instance, for the Sport Division, 75% TB – 25% QH. For the Stock Division, reverse the percentages. Of course the model should look right for the breeding assigned. And, keep in mind that, regardless of your notation, a horse that is more ‘stock’ in body type will not be likely to show well in ‘sport’, and vice versa.

 Paint and aka “patterned” enter based on TYPE before color. Only STOCK type horses enter the STOCK Division classes “Paint” and “Appaloosa”. For example, an appaloosa Stone Stock Horse should enter the Stock Division: Appaloosa class. But an appaloosa Breyer “Lonesome Glory”, a TB mold, should enter the Sport Division in a class for suitable breeding (such as , or a sport breed cross that allows the color).

This “Other Sport” class in an OF Stone - Sport Division includes patterned sport-type models, including models that could show in either the Sport or Stock Divisions. (Photo from a live show.)

1) A patterned TB mold is showing as an American Warmblood. As a TB mold, it is correctly showing in a Sport class, *not* in the Stock Division: Paint class.

2) The Palouse could show in the Stock or Sport Division. If the shower has already filled Stock class limits, the shower can enter it in the Sport division with appropriate breed/crossbreed assignment. This model is showing as 75% TB – 25% Paint.

 When offered, the “Other” class in each division is for those breeds and crossbreeds that belong in the division, but don’t have a class.

BlabTip: If you aren’t sure which division to show a breed or crossbreed, ask the organizer or judge, BEFORE the show begins. Different show organizers, even judges, may wish to see certain breeds in different divisions. For instance, the Akhal Teke can sometimes be found in the Light Division, the Sport Division or the Other Division.

 “Grade” breed assignment. Because many real horses are described as “grade” of unknown breeding, some showers will show some of their models as “grade”. This is allowed. However, a principal part of model-horse showmanship is demonstrating your knowledge through the assignment of breed and crossbreed. The judge is rewarding showers who do a good job of assigning of breed or crossbreed for a division and class. Models entered as “grade” are judged against the division type. The judge does not assume a breed/crossbreed, as that is the shower’s job to assign.

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Blab “Fun Show” New Shower Tips Last edited 1/8/2017

Some example entries

A patterned Stone Palouse could enter either the Stock or the Sport Division. Examples: Sport Division: 75% TB x 25% (accounts for color; 25% Paint is another option) Stock Division: 75% QH x 25% any patterned stock or light breed There are a number of other breed and crossbreed possibilities for this flexible mold.

The Stone TWH mold represents well several other related breeds and crossbreeds. (TWH). Missouri Fox Trotter comes in buckskin and patterned color. North American Single-Footing Horses come in all colors and patterns. However, Rocky Mountain Horses do *not* come in patterned colors. This mold’s movement is gaiting, so it can only show with gaiting breed assignment.

“WEIOTT” or “What Else Is On The Table?” (or, “What else is in the online photo show class?”) When many entries are of the same mold ….

… the judge is looking closely at finishwork, detail and condition.

See the descriptions of each term in this section (link).

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