ABC vs. B&C
Anatomy, Biomechanics & Color Accuracy
Breed Type & Conformation
Judges using this criteria believe entries must first
be evaluated as horses, since unlike their living
counterparts model horses do not automatically
have realistic structure or coloration. Using this
system, all types and colors found in the breed
are given equal consideration, and it is more important that the structure be realistic than that it
conform to the rules of “good” conformation.
Judges using this criteria believe that entries must
be evaluated both on traditional ideals of equine
conformation and on points of type specific to
their breed. Using this system, errors in structure
are interpreted as deviations from “good” conformation, while errors in coloration are seen as
violating registry requirements or failing to meet
the breed standard.
Buzz words – realistic, accurate, viable,
structure, gene pool, skeleton, articulation,
proportion, scale
Buzz words – conformation, breed type,
proper, breed standard, registry, show ring,
requirement, faults
Prevalent – United States (varies regionally,
however), North American Nationals (particularly in the artisan divisions)
Prevalent – United Kingdom, photo shows,
club shows, and any setting where older
traditions prevail
Quotes
“If the skull dipped down that far on a real
horse, there would not be enough room
for the roots of the teeth. It is too stylized
to be realistic.”
Quotes
“The straight profile on that model indicates poor breed type. The breed standard
states that a concave profile is preferred.”
“If a horse had those white markings, the
rest of the pattern would look different
than it looks on this model.”
“White markings are undesirable in that
breed and are widely seen as proof of outside blood. No breeder would consider
that a proper example of the breed.”
Pros
This method offers a wide range of objective criteria for evaluating entries that apply equally to all breeds and types. Promotes diversity in poses, type and turnout.
Pros
Breed standards are widely available at no
charge from breed clubs. The system also
draws on rules of thumb familiar to many
horsemen.
Cons
There is a steep learning curve for judges,
and independent study using many different sources is required
Cons
The criteria is more subjective. Rare breeds
and those not shown in-hand may not
have published breed standards.
Because there is no universally accepted judging criteria for halter classes at model horse shows,
neither of these two approaches is inherently wrong. It is also true that some judges use a mixture of
both, though generally speaking a judge will lean more towards one than the other.
34
Equine Collectibles – Winter 2015