1) Leave grumpy, whiney children and/or spouses at home, period. Trust me, you'll have a way more better time at the show that way. The drive may be long and lonesome, but will definately be worth it.

2) Make it a point NOT to take so many models that you're trying to enter every single class in every single division there is. If you do, you'll be sorry. There's no point being stressed out & exhausted at the end of the day. 12 to 20 models is ENOUGH to take for a showstring. Any more and you're going to be missing classes!

3) Start packing models a week or two before you leave for the show, so you're not in a rush and liable to make mistakes or forget something. If you create a list of models/tack/props/etc. beforehand, you can easily check off items as you pack. You can use heavy cardboard boxes, but plastic see-thru storage boxes (the type with flip up lids) are better. Wrap models individually with bubblewrap, plastic bags, towels, styrofoam peanuts, etc. Do not use newspaper as newsprint can & does rub off and make a mess. And don't let models sit in a hot car for very long or you're asking for trouble.

4) Showhalls eventually get hot & stuffy so dress light. Bring a sweater to peel off later if you must. Bring snacks to drink & munch on during the show to keep your level of energy up. Also, plenty of aspirin/advil/tylenol. It's gonna be a long day with the possibility of headaches.

5) When you arrive at the showhall, check in with the show committee and pick up any last minute programs/name or leg tags/etc. Find your table and set up shop. Bring a nice tablecloth to decorate your "stable" tabletop with. Separate any "sale" items from your showstring, then divide your showstring into 2 groups: OF and OS/CM.

6) Consider donating items (auction, raffle, or just plain door prizes) to the show. It shows your support & is much appreciated. Items can be models, tack, props, dolls, books, magazines, mugs, stickers, t-shirts, jewelry, stationary, artwork, paint supplies, rubberstamps, movies, etc., anything with a "horsey" theme. People LOVE winning things. Likewise, support the show by buying a few raffle tickets or bidding on auction items.

7) Look your showstring over, making sure they all have leg tags on one of their back legs/feet. Those with mohair manes/tails, take a toothbrush and gently smooth fibers down. (Judge penalize flyaway hair).

8) Put a noticeable "FRAGILE: PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH MODELS" sign up on your table to help warn people who either don't know they're not supposed to pick up models or else just aren't thinking when they do it. If they do happen to ignore the sign, be firm but gentle in pointing out your sign. If you have small children, instruct them about the NO TOUCH rule.

9) Once classes begin, try placing your model entry up front or close to an edge of an show table (as opposed to the inside or middle of table), so the judge will subconsciously notice them first before the next conga line. If your model is a bit "tipsy," it’s fine to lay it down on it's side, with a scrap of soft material between the table and the fragile model.

10) Always place the model's best side to the judge. This enables you to "hide" a flaw like mold marks, flawed seams, rub or paint mark, etc.

11) Place solid color models between flashy ones, or if you have a pinto or appy ~ place between 2 bland solid color ones. A judge will notice a dapple grey model in a sea of chestnuts instantly. The idea is to make your models stand out any way you can.

12) In the OF Halter division, if you have a Brown Sunshine and see 10 others of the same on the table at one end, and 10 Brighty donks down at the other, by all means nestle BS amongst the Brightys. ANOTHER way to make your BS stand out in a sea of others, is the use of halters. Not only will the halter jog your memory as to which one BS is yours to pick up, but it can also give your entry an edge over other similiar entries .

13) Consider using "cards" to explain a perculiar breed or event (what the model is doing). Sometimes a little "extra" like this can help set your entry apart from the others and win favor with the judge who might not be familiar with "Coonjumping" for instance and would appreciate the added criteria. This can range from simple handwritten index cards to elaborate computer-printed place cards under acrylic covers.

14) Never move or touch any models that aren't yours. Placing models on a show table is a 1st come, 1st serve basis. Likewise, never scramble to & from tables as you don't want to chance dropping that model in your hand or causing another entrant to drop hers.

15) When placing entries on a showtable, always look for last minute hair or flecks of dust (as those will down your placings). Invest in a big poofy facial makeup brush (type used for applying blush/powder) and lightly "dust" each model. Doublecheck that the leg tag # faces up so judge can easily read & pin.

16) If entering performance, make sure tack is snug & correct, that bits are securely snug in the corners of the mouth. Use sticky wax to secure bits in mouths.

17) Make sure rider/handler dolls are properly dressed in correct eng/west attire, and always doublecheck hand/legs/feet posture. Use a little sticky wax in hands so doll holds reins correctly.

18) Watching judges do their thing is often nervewracking, so keep busy by readying models for upcoming classes. Or use the time to walk around the hall oogling other people's models. Take lots of pictures, but remember, don't touch.

19) Be positive, upbeat, friendly, and helpful. Don't be petty or critical (even if you don't agree with how the judging is going). Nobody likes a sore loser. Make it a point to attend shows to make new friends, see old friends, add to your existing collection, and to just plain have fun. Root for friends, root for the underdogs, concentrate on personal growth and ways to better improve your setups and thus placings. There's nothing wrong with learning to find ways to move up the ranks.

20) Create fun, silly ways to keep attitudes in check. For example, make an agreement with other hobby friends beforehand, that the one of you who wins the most 10th place ribbons, gets treated to a free dinner after the show! There's nothing wrong with a fun, silly, sideline bet to help keep things in perspective. The goal is to have a fun memorable experience, regardless of how many ribbons or champs you pick up or don't pick up.

21) Look around the room and see who ISN'T having fun! Consider loaning a novice entrant a set of extra tack or props (just for the duration of the show, OR heck, give 'em your old tack as a "starter kit") so that they may try their hand at entering performance. Not only would you be gaining a new friend and setting a good example for our hobby, but you'd also be grooming our next generation of hobbyists. If the show happens to have a tack recycling program for kids/novices, consider donating items to it. This is a wonderful learn and grow hobby. They'll remember your kindness and pass it on eventually to the next novice.

22) Listen carefully for announcements telling entrants when judging is over & ready for model pickup. Be prompt and courteous, and try NOT to hold up a class if you can help it.

23) When photographing a model on the table, try NOT to do while the judge is busy judging. Either do it BEFORE class closure or AFTER class is judged.

24) Keep track of any models that get 1st or 2nd placings as those will be called back for Championship judgeoffs!

25) Stay after the show and help clean up & put tables away. The show holder went to alot of trouble to put on this event for you, and could always use an extra set of hands afterwards. Show your gratitude. Likewise, if you arrive a day BEFORE the show, offer to help set up the hall. Putting on a show is alot of work.

(This Page last updated: February 15, 2002)