British Equine Collectors' Forum
For All UK Model Horse Collectors
Introduction to the Hobby
WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF MODEL EQUINE COLLECTING!
Model Horse collecting as a hobby has been in existence in the UK for well over four decades. There are no rules governing what you can and cannot collect: anything goes, from plastic toy horses to expensive sculptures. There are a number of manufacturers who produce a variety of models to suit all tastes and pockets, and many clubs and societies dedicated to helping you get the most out of collecting. They run various postal, photo and live events at which your model may compete for rosettes and other prizes. There are so many different aspects to the hobby that it's easy to get involved and have fun!
Model horse collecting can be a very creative hobby; you can reposition, repaint, and rehair your models, making a totally unique piece of work. You can create details for your models, including pedigrees, and keep records of their results at shows. Alternatively, you can just collect your models and keep them on shelves or in cabinets, the choice is yours. It can cost as little or as much as you wish to spend. The people involved are all friendly and helpful and many compete with, breed and judge real horses, so the hobby is not as unusual as it may first seem!
Models come in a range of materials and sizes, though at the beginning there were only a few makes available. The most recognised are Britains farm horses and their ridden mounts, Magpies or 'Dream Ponies' as they were first called, the ever popular Julips, Beswicks (though these were looked upon as the more expensive end of the market, and more of a collector's item), Sindy and Barbie horses, and of course the homemade wooden, handknitted, and Papier Mache models, and anything else in between.
From the 1980's, models made by an American company, Breyer, became available in this country. They have a large variety of models in various colours increasing the choice, and they continually produce new models again increasing the choice available. Hobbyists soon learned that they could customise these models by replacing their manes and tails, repositioning the heads and legs and repainting them to make a unique piece of work. This is now a popular aspect of the hobby.
Artist resin models of horses are now available, and are proving popular amongst showers, though this is not the whole picture of the hobby. Makes such as Leonardo, Border Fine Arts and Northlight and Breyer are also still very popular, as well as other open and limited edition models that are produced by many artists and companies worldwide.
The BECF and its members hold many shows throughout the UK each year. Some are 'Live shows' where hobby members gather together, usually in a village hall, or similar venue, with Ridden and In-hand classes just like a real horse show. Live shows give your models the opportunity to get out and compete in person, and they are a great way to make and meet friends as well as a great day out!
Some are Photo Show where you are required to send in a good clear photo of your model(s) to the Judge. These models are then judged as with real horses on conformation and Breed Type, as well as its 'way of going' and ability to perform in ridden events. You may even be lucky enough to win a rosette or trophy!
The British Equine Collectors' Forum was established in 1992, and is the central source in the UK for all aspects of model horse collecting - a sort of British Horse Society to compare it to the real horse world. Any information required or questions relating to the hobby may be initially directed to the BECF. If you ever come across any interesting information on new models or clubs, please send it to the BECF for our library.
A Basic Introduction to the Hobby
Know your Models
Model horses come in a range of materials and sizes. The three most common materials are plastics of various types, ceramic and resin. Manufacturers whose names you may already have come across include Breyer (tenite plastic), Peter Stone ( tenite plastic), Magpie (hard plastic), Julip (rubber) Beswick/Royal Doulton (ceramic), Hagen-Renaker (ceramic), Border Fine Arts (resin) and North Light (resin). Unlike many hobbies, there is no standard scale for model horses, but the three most popular sizes are known as ‘Traditional’ (approx. 1/10), ‘Classic’ (approx. 1/12), and ‘Mini’ (any model which stands less than around 3” at the ears).
Whatever the material or size, models are divided into two categories: Original Finish or ‘O.F.’ – a model as it comes from the manufacturer, and Customised or ‘CM’ – a model that has in some way been altered (for example, been repainted, had its original moulded-on mane and tail replaced with hair, been repositioned, etc.). There is no stigma attached to collecting and showing OF models, in fact a good OF is always preferable to a bad custom!
Buying Your Model
A variety of models can be purchased over the counter, ranging in size and expense from the ever-popular Britain’s plastic farm horses to limited edition resins and ceramic sculptures. Additionally, there are a number of firms such as Franklin Mint, Animal Artistry and Utterly Horses who can supply by mail order . There is also a large and thriving second hand market, which may allow you to buy models that are no longer available commercially. All hobby magazines carry ‘for sale’ adverts: though most of these are honest and genuine, it is always as well to take care when contacting sellers you may not know. If you are interested in a model, write to the vendor with an SSAE or email them, asking whether the model is still for sale, and if any photos are available for you to see. Once you are satisfied with the appearance of the model, you then send your payment. Always try to send either a cheque or postal order – cash is too prone to being lost in the post. If by chance the model is not as advertised (damaged, perhaps, or not even the same model!), ask for a refund, and return the model once you have received your money back. On the other hand, if the model reaches you and you are happy with it, it is nice to then drop the person a note to say that you are pleased with your model and that it has arrived safely. Common courtesy costs nothing, and will get you far if you ever have to deal with this person again!
Buying a Customised Model
Before you buy a custom, it is advisable to become familiar with the work of the various artists. If possible, go to live shows, and see which models appeal to you, and which look well finished. Also ask around and see which artists have a good reputation. It is sometimes tempting to think that a model advertised at a very high price must be something special, but this is not always the case. Probably the best way to buy a rework is from an artist’s production list – you are guaranteed to get a new model straight away, and if by chance you are not happy with it, most artists will offer a refund. Alternatively, you can always commission a model: though you will get exactly what you want, you may have to wait quite a while for it (several months, or even a year or more), as most artists customise models during their spare time. You can always buy customs second-hand, but it is as well to be careful as they are prone to damage. However, most owners look after their customs, mainly due to the amount they cost to buy. Always insist on seeing current photos before you part with your money.
Models With Details
Some second hand models may come complete with their own set of details: if the vendor specifically states that they have to be kept, you must respect their wishes. If you can’t/don’t want to do this, don’t buy the horse. If no such proviso is made, you are quite within you rights to give it a new identity: however, this may still be frowned upon if the model is particularly well known, has been around a long time, or was bred from other models. If in doubt, ask around first.
Where to find Tack and Accessories
Breyer sell both Traditional size riders and tack, but most people prefer to make their own tack, as Breyers is not totally realistic, and can be rather expensive. Breyer also sells a range of accessories such as jumps, which offer rather better value to the novice hobbyist. Other firms make tack to suit their own models, and there are a few hobbyists who also sell tack/kits etc. in various scales. ‘How-to’ information for those who want to take the plunge and make their own tack is regularly featured by the various hobby publications.
A trip around a car boot sale often provides useful dolls for riders in a variety of scales. ‘MEGO’ dolls (articulated dolls like ‘Action Man’, identifiable by the ‘MEGO’ stamp on the back) make good Traditional riders, and can wear some Breyer outfits, but any doll with ball-joint hips can be used, providing it is in proportion to the horse. Sindy, Barbie and other similar fashion dolls are usually too large or disproportionate for most makes of models, but wire framed 1/12 scale dollhouse figures can be used with classic-sized models.
They are also a great place to find items like small flower pots and ‘prop’ items, sometimes you may be lucky enough to find fences and hedges from children’s farmyard sets that work well for backgrounds and ‘prop’ building.
Details and Breeding
Part of the fun of model equine collecting is finding identities for your models. It is accepted convention in the hobby that models, as well as having a name, also belong to a breed, and have other ‘vital statistics’ to suit – date of birth, parents, (normally either real horses of appropriate breed or existing models – in the latter case, with the owner’s permission, of course), height and sex. Colour and markings will naturally already be established! These ‘details’, as they are known, are usually considered an indivisible part of the model throughout its ‘life’ in the hobby. It is therefore important to make sure that the details are appropriate for the model as, for example, a model of a Shire type that is given the details of a Shetland will never ‘look’ right.
The subject of breeding is one that newcomers to the hobby often find a little difficult at first, and admittedly it does sometimes take rather a leap of imagination to grasp it! Essentially, many hobbyists run their collection as a stud – or several studs – specialising in ‘breeding’ specific types of horses or ponies. All models from these reputable ‘breeders’ will be given parents that trace back to real horses of that breed, just as if they were genuine flesh and blood descendants. The actual ‘breeding’ itself is all done on paper, with each model mare being assigned to a particular stallion in a particular year, and eleven months later ‘producing’ a ‘foal’ (which may be shown as a foal model, or may remain on paper as just a set of details until it is assigned a model body). Breeders normally retain a ‘pool’ of foal models, which they distribute between mares every year, the previous foal’s details being re-assigned to an adult model body. ‘Breeding’ is a fascinating subject, and one that often gives the hobbyist great understanding of real horse pedigrees and genetics.
Showing Your Model
There are three types of shows and events in which your model can compete: postal shows, photo shows and live shows. OF.’s and Customs, especially minority breeds, can and do compete together, but at larger shows, you may find a separate division for each type, with its own championship structure, thus assuring both kinds of models are judged on their own merits.
Postal shows are normally judged by chance – you enter your models’ ‘details’ together with an SSAE for return of results, as well as any entry fee, and the show is judged by the ‘raffle’ method. In addition to more general shows, there are postal events such as racing, show-jumping, eventing, dressage and so on. These are frequently judged by more sophisticated means – model Thoroughbred racing, for example, takes into account the horse’s suitability for the distance and going, its previous form and other factors to find the most likely winner of the race.
Photo shows require you to send in a good clear photo of your model – with suitable tack and rider for ridden classes – to be judged. The model is then judged, as with a real horse, on its conformation and breed type. The only exception is in the ‘collector class’, where condition, rarity and ‘collectibility’ are the deciding factors. When entering a photo show it is not only vital to include an SSAE large enough for the return of your photos and results, but also to ensure that the model’s details, and your name and address are written clearly on the backs of the photos, to prevent them from going astray.
Live shows are the hobbyists’ chance to get together and meet for a spot of friendly competition! Normally held in either a local community hall, or if a small event, at the show-holder’s home, a live show gives your model the opportunity to get out and compete in person! They are also a great way to make friends in the hobby, as well as giving you a chance to buy new models and accessories. Most live shows also provide rosettes and awards, so you may even be lucky enough to take home a souvenir of the day!
