The Model Horse Hobby
The most wonderful thing about the model horse hobby is that there are so many different aspects to it that there is something for everyone to get involved in and it is open to horse enthusiasts of all ages! From collecting to showing to customizing, we do it all in this hobby. Here are a few of them... Model Horse Collecting Enthusiasts all over the world collect model horses of all types: plastic, porcelain, resin, china, and other original sculptures. Most people begin their collections with original finish models bought in stores - of which the most common of these are Breyer model horses, closely followed by the increasingly popular line of Peter Stone model horses, Schleich, and Hartland horses. These are all made of plastic (with the exception of the Breyer porcelain & resin releases), and can be found in most toy and hobby stores. Many collectors collect discontinued or vintage Breyer and Peter Stone models which have increasingly gone up in value over the years due to the manufacturers' releasing special runs and commemorative editions, or the discontinuation of a particular model from year to year. Just as Breyer and Peter Stone are the most popular plastic models, Hagen-Renaker horses are by far the most coveted porcelain models. The large traditional (and classic) size Hagen Renaker horses are no longer manufactured (except for the mini models). These very fine (and breakable) porcelain horses are quite detailed with exceptional breed realism and beautiful coloration. Unfortunately they break easily and are hard to find without any breaks or chips, but there are talented people in the hobby that can repair broken HRs. Other china and fine porcelain models are Beswick/Royal Doulton, Franklin Mint, Royal Worcester (Doris Lindner horses) and American Artists (Rene Rushing's Secretariat model is particularly lovely). NORTH LIGHT resin horses produced in Stoke-on-Trent, England (same area where Beswicks/Royal Doultons are produced) have gained in popularity among collectors over the years, due the high quality of material, finish, colors and realism. In 2005, the North Light factory located in Stoke-On-Trent, England was sold (including all existing North Light molds) to the company: WADE CERAMICS LTD. They repackaged and resold the North Light horses under the new trademark: North Light @ Wade. Eventually Wade stopped production on their equine series (and other animal figurines) altogether, and announced they would no longer produce the equine series in the UK. Most (if not all) North Light horses you see on eBay and elsewhere are produced in China, and come with a "Handcrafted in China" sticker, along with the North Light backstamp located on the inside hind leg. As North Light horses are no longer being produced or being sold by Wade Ceramics, these horses are now becoming quite rare and highly collectible. So where do you find these models? Everywhere! Current and discontinued Breyer and Peter Stone models can be found in Toy and Hobby Stores across the U.S., and in many tack shops. Don't live near any toy retailers that carry these products? Not to worry, there are many online resources where one can purchase vintage or discontinued models; including eBay, model horse community forums and discussion lists, online retailers, and elsewhere (google search is a wonderful thing). Many of the mini Hagen-Renakers are available at card and gift stores, as are Lenox, Lefton, Royal Doulton and sometimes North Light. Current run models can also be ordered through the mail, often at a much lower price than in stores. Vintage models and second-hand models can be purchased from other model collectors, eBay, antique stores, and at flea markets. Many model horse distributors are listed at various model-horse manufacturer sites. Clubs Collectors meet one another through model horse clubs, dozens of which can be found in the U.S. alone. Club newsletters are full of model horses for sale, informative articles, letters from members, and upcoming shows. Club fees are usually very low, and well worth it. There are many different kinds of clubs available; the type you join would depend on your specific interest. National and regional clubs cater to people who all live in specific countries or areas such as CANADA, the Midwest, New England, or west coast. Some regional clubs let showers from any area become members. A breed specific club is just that: a club dedicated to collecting and showing one particular breed. Some breed clubs cover a group of breeds, such as Model Horse Stock Breeds Association (Appaloosa, Quarter Horse and Paints), or Warmbloods, Gaited horses, Draft breeds or Ponies, etc. Special interest clubs are for hobbyists who like to collect specific models, such as Peter Stone Stock Horses group, or particular finish (porcelain/china's) or a particular size (Stablemate Lovers Club), etc. There are special interest clubs for miniature tack-makers, performance showers, stallions, novices, customized models, and so on. There are many kinds of model-horse related clubs available to hobbyists, most of which can be found through online clubs or hobby-related magazines. Shows and Exhibitions Model horses are shown in two ways. One form of showing are community and club events that host live shows where hobbyists and collectors meet at a show site; often in hotel banquet rooms, and enter their models in various classes. Other venues are trade shows and exhibitions such as Breyerfest or the Peter Stone Equilocity - Stonehenge events. These events attract huge numbers, and showers come from all parts of the world to attend the larger shows. Competition is tough, and taken quite seriously by showers who have spent a lot of time, talent, and money to get their models into the show ring, and into the North American Nationals, held every year in Lexington, KY alternating west coast locations. Judge Liesel Dalpe scrutinizes a performance entry at a Vermont live show Vermont Live, 2009 Burlington, Vermont, USA The other form of showing are photo shows. Model horses are photographed in one or more events (from halter to performance) and the photos are then mailed to the show holder who judges the classes and records the placings. When done, the judge/showholder returns the photos to the owner along with results of each class and any prizes won. Photos are judged in regards to the same realism as found in the real horse world: the quality of the model, suitability to breed standards, authenticity of the performance setup, correctness of tack, position of doll if used), correct gait & movement, clarity and sharpness of photo are all factors taken into consideration when judging photos. With the instantaneous results of digital photography, more and more hobbyists have opted to show their models in online photo shows such as the MODEL HORSE CLUB Of CANADA's online photo show series or TOPSA (Totally Online Photo Show Association). It's faster than snail-mail and in some cases easier to enter. Models can be shown in the same classes as their real counterparts. However, because a model can't move, one must imagine the model as a real horse that is competing frozen in time, as if a photograph was taken of that horse in a show. Halter horses are judged primarily on conformation, breed type, and craftsmanship (if the model has been customized). Performance classes are judged on the horse's appropriateness for the class, the ability to do the task at hand, and how much it looks like it is doing what it is supposed to be doing. The models are outfitted in miniature saddles and bridles, and sometimes a doll rider is added. Various props, such as fencing, cattle, jumps, and obstacles are often added for realism. Photography Some collectors find a great deal of enjoyment in taking realistic photographs of model horses. The challenge of learning the art of photography is ever-present in this hobby as models range in size from the very mini 1" to a robust 20" in height. Enthusiasts learn how to take convincing photos of miniatures both indoors and out, discover the best angles to photograph models, learn to build sets and backgrounds (dioramas), and acquire photography skills to make a model look its very best. There are numerous model horse PHOTOGRAPHY CLUBS online where you can upload, share and showcase your favorite photographs, and which also offer tips, hints and suggestions for digital photography as well as traditional 35mm. With the advent of digital cameras, scanners and email, one can enter online shows over the internet as well! Competition can be just as intense as at a live show, but with online photo shows, you can relax and participate from the comfort of your own home. Artistic Skills Many collectors are budding or established artists and find model horses the perfect medium with which to work. Models can be painted, and mohair can be used to replace the plastic or china mane and tail to make a more realistic looking model. More experienced model horse artists, known as customizers, actually reposition limbs, then paint and add mohair, to create completely new models. There are even a few artists who sculpt model horses from scratch, a skill which takes years of practice to master. Customizing model horses is more than just painting or repositioning limbs. Artists take time to practice painting techniques, study horse anatomy and conformation, using models to improve their skills. Getting Started If you would like to get more involved in the model horse hobby, you may be interested in subscribing to the online mailing list and newsgroup: The HAYNET; a group of model horse hobbyists who discuss models, report on the latest exhibitions, exchange hobby tips, and discuss anything and everything involving model-horse collecting. Currently there are close to 2000 hobbyists involved in Haynet. If you are interested in buying, selling or trading model-horse collectibles only, there is also the HAYNET EXCHANGE. With over 1500 members, you are guaranteed to find something you like! Adapted from "Introduction to Model Horses", courtesy of Janet Piercy |
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