Back up to Library
Return to the Model Horse Galleries Home PageDetermining a class list for your show is based on a number of factors including:
Here's one example of a class list. (It's for a show held in 1997, but shows a regional bias of halter.)
So what does the venue size have to do with setting up the class list?
Well, if you have a preliminary layout that only allows for two show tables, that will limit how many rings you can have running simultaneously to two.
If you can have six show tables, that could be set up as three tables for two different groupings or two tables for three groupings.
If a larger/diverse class list is wanted, it may demand a larger show venue.
How does the length of a show and number of judges fit into putting a class list together?
Well, you don't want to schedule 200 classes in a single day with one judge, or you may be there until 4am.
From my experience in show holding, I estimate for a single table:
Judges can sometimes move from one class immediately into the next if it's been previously set up. Practically that means that one class is being judged while the previously judged table is being cleared and set up for the next class.
A class list may indicate the number of judges needed, or a class list may need to be limited based on the availability of judges.
Also an issue is whether there will be "multiple" judges needed to judge the same horses at the same time. There are two multi-judge situations:
Double judging is where two or more judges use different criteria (e.g., collectibility/halter-breed or workmanship/halter-breed). Concurrent judging is where two or more judges use the same criteria (i.e., what is used at NAN to determine the best horses).
Know the trends from recent shows and interests of those who will attend your show.
Are you in a region that has overflowing performance classes? Then perhaps a more robust, extensive performance class list will satisfy the shower's desires.
Are you in a region that shows a large number of Arabians? Then perhaps there should be a subgrouping of Arabian halter classes (separate from Lightbreeds) split by gender as well as part-bred Arabians.
Has the region exploded with custom glazed horses? Then perhaps separate custom glazed from factory finish china horses should happen.
Perhaps your region likes to judge plastic horses not only by halter/breed standards but also by collectibility standards. Or perhaps artists like RESS workmanship critiques/classes as part of their showing experience.
The type of show has the biggest impact on a class list, as it often multiplies the number of classes held (awards needed, etc.).
There two general types of shows: general and specific.
General shows try to offer everything, specific shows may be limited to a finish or even a single manufacturer.
A general show is usually a large show, perhaps two days in length. One possible selection of divisions by finish for a general show might be:
A specific show may be just one or two of those divisions above.
To draw showers seeking to participate in the national show NAN or for merit awards, many show holders get NAMHSA membership for their show.
NAMHSA mandates a "core" class list. Check out the organization's web site for further requirements.
To break up the monotony or stress of classes that "mean" something, such as halter, performance NAN-qualifying classes, special fun classes are often held at a lunch break or the end of the day. These fun classes may be based on the show theme. Some classes may be included as part of the entry fee; others may be a per class or per horse/entry separate entry charge.
Some shows may include a special challenge class for customized horses that are unable to show as the judge of the division they would normally show in is the artist.
One class that often brings out creativity of presentation are collector classes. This is often a grouping of 8 or so pieces by one manufacturer (or even an artist).
Other fun classes may include mascot, "best spots" or whatever creative ideas you may be able to come up with.
Having one championship for a division can be done, but many showers appreciate an opportunity for more awards and judges find it hard to judge different "types" against each other. (I actually had some judges refuse to judge different types for a championship.)
Here is a suggested division by breeds in types.
Shows use tags or other identification methods to not only provide an identification of the horse (so it can be returned to the owner properly), but also to provide standard information for the judge to identify the horse in the results. Some times the information is set up ("encrypted") so that a judge cannot determine the owner.
Some shows specify what information needs to be supplied, and how that information is to be presented; showers are responsible for providing the identification tag/card. Other shows collect horse information in advance and provide the identification tag/card to the shower (in the show packet).
Some regions/shows have set up regional databases that provide a standard identification code.
Using cards (often 3x5 index cards) to provide show information allows the judge less work as the cards just have to have the placing put on it. But even if the cards are used, some showers like the security of a leg tag to keep a horse identified.
Shows sometimes have entry limits per class -- e.g., three horses in breed/workmanship classes, two entries in performance -- or even a total show limit -- e.g., 50 horses.
There may also be other class rules, running anything from "combination classes" where horses must be entered in a set of classes for placings or special championships/awards, reminders of obstacles/stock required for specific performance classes, etc.
Genesis | Timeline | Philanthropy | Venue | Show Date | Class List | Judges | Theme | Awards | Raffle, auction | Vendors | Promotion | Hall layout up | Sponsorships | Finances | Program | Sportsmanship | Countdown | Running the Show | Aftermath
Back up to Library
Return to the Model Horse Galleries Home Page
This page is maintained by the Model Horse Gallery Curator. ©1996-2020