Amateur Model Class:
how must one prepare?
Showing your horse in the Model division is both
challenging and rewarding as in all divisions.
Initially, one must objectively look at the model can-
didate and see if the horse has the
“right stuff ”. Picture your horse in silhouette. Does
he or she have the desired proportions of the breed?
Is your candidate muscular, does it have a glossy coat,
are ears curved and small, is shoulder angle correct?
There’s much more to consider but one must start with
the basics and move from there.
Nutrition and proper diet are the essential require-
ments for growing healthy muscle, skin and beautiful
hair. This takes quite a few months or years for some
horses. To assist with that are multiple grooming
products available to accentuate their coats, manes and
tails, although nothing can beat good old elbow grease
for bringing out the shine.
Cleanliness is very important in this division. You’re
there to present your horse; his coat, mane, tail and
forelock need to be groomed meticulously. Bridle
path, ears, jaw and muzzle need to be shaven. Fetlock
hair needs to be neatly trimmed also. Hooves are to be
cleaned, shined and polished with products that are
allowed in that HIO (Horse Industry Organization).
In WHOA (Walking Horse Owners Association), only
clear hoof polish is allowed. It’s extremely important
that the handler is familiar with the rule book for the
HIO affiliation of their chosen show.
Never mix your English and Western tack. If show-
ing English, an English show bridle or show halter is
used along with braids in forelock and first section of
mane. Western horses wear Western show halters but
no braids are to be used. The handler must also dress
either English or Western. One doesn’t show an En-
glish horse while dressed in Western clothing and vice
versa. Although the handler’s outfits are not judged,
there is no harm in coordination of colors with the
horse and his tack.
The handler and horse are a unit and need to present
as one.
Lastly, practice, practice,practice. Your horse needs
to know how to park out and stand still for the judges
to see him. Listen to instructions as you enter the ring
to know where to place your horse. Be considerate of
the horses around you and don’t get too close to them.
Now go have a great time!
–Jean Brannon
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