Beginner's info about NAN

[Heather]

From NAMHSA-Discussion:

Live updates from NAN, including photos of winners, will be posted to the NAMHSA website each evening after that day's showing ends!! Stay tuned to the NAMHSA website for these updates, which will be accessible from:

http://www.namhsa.org/nan2004.htm

Thanks,
Shay Canfield
NAMHSA Webmistress

(:woohoo)

(I split this topic so that all of the questions that PSA was asking would be in one thread and not clogging the show results thread - but of course I screwed it up and split the originating post with it. Sorry about the mess, but it should be better now!)

[samantha k.]

:woohoo um... what are we cheering about again?... :uh

[Griffin]

um... what are we cheering about again?...
:lol You know NAN? North American Nationals? The "super bowl" of model horse showing... they are going to be posting photos of it each day after the show, so you can see what won and stuff. Yeah. :lol :woohoo

~~Griffin~~

[samantha k.]

Oh wow! That sounds pretty neat! I'll be getting a PS Arab with a NAN card.... mmm exactly what IS a NAN card? :uh

[Griffin]

Oh wow! That sounds pretty neat! I'll be getting a PS Arab with a NAN card.... mmm exactly what IS a NAN card? :uh

Here's the NAMSHA website:

http://www.namhsa.org/

Basically, many live shows around the country are NAN-qualifying shows. That means the horses that get a first or second in each class at that show get a NAN card. A NAN card is your ticket to show that particular horse at NAN. No horses can show at NAN unless they have earned a NAN card at a NAN-qualifying show within the last 2 years. (whew) There are 2 types of NAN cards: Halter and Performance. I know that NAMSHA just started a collectability division at NAN, but I don't know if those have their own cards yet. The cards look similar, but Halter cards are green and Performance ones are pink.

Hmmm... hope that wasn't too confusing.

~~Griffin~~

[samantha k.]

Nope! Makes perfect sense to ME!! So, where is NAN held? And... what's a merit award!?:uh

[Griffin]

They alternate NAN every year. This year it is in Kentucky for BreyerFest. They usually have it the next year in California at the Model Horse Jamboree (sorta like a BreyerFest on the west coast,) but next year they won't be having it in conjunction with Jam. They're going to announce the location at the NAMSHA meeting in Kentucky this year. Personally, I hope it's Las Vegas.

A merit award is something a horse can qualify for by winning a certain number of NAN cards. Not sure how many, you'd have to check the site.

~~Griffin~~

[samantha k.]

But I mean what IS a merit award? A trophy, ribbons, etc.??

[ryllina]

Depends on the level of merit award. I think for some it's a certificate and for others it's a certificate and a "cookie" (which is like a plaque).

:)

[Breyernut]

Cool! LOVE pics of NAN.. Wish I could go someday! And BF too! Oh well, keep on dreaming..

[Stef]

Thjis is awesome!!! :woohoo I can't wait until the pictures are posted!!! =D

Stef

[samantha k.]

They alternate NAN every year. This year it is in Kentucky for BreyerFest. They usually have it the next year in California at the Model Horse Jamboree (sorta like a BreyerFest on the west coast,) but next year they won't be having it in conjunction with Jam. They're going to announce the location at the NAMSHA meeting in Kentucky this year. Personally, I hope it's Las Vegas.

A merit award is something a horse can qualify for by winning a certain number of NAN cards. Not sure how many, you'd have to check the site.

~~Griffin~~
Hmm, well that sucks! Wish they would have it somewhere near ME! Like New York or Connecticut! Cuz... I'm paying $200 for a horse with a NAN card and i've got nothing to do with it!!

Ok, so.. me and my mom were discussing this and we were really curious as to HOW THE HELL THEY CHOOSE WINNERS AT MODEL HORSE SHOWS!?!?!?! What they just choose the one they LIKE!? I mean I am just completely thrown off on HOW the heck they decide these things!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:confused

[samantha k.]

Ohh wow really!? Is there a site for this "mini-NAN"? or do u know where I can find any other info on it? Wow that would be GREAT if I could enter my Latte somewhere! Then maybe I wouldn't feel as tho I just wasted 200 bucks! Though, I think I might have to read up on showing because I would have NO IDEA what I'm doing!!!!.. is there alot to learn?

[samantha k.]

Thanks for the link!!

So... I mean.. what if a bunch of people are showing the same model in a class!? THEN how do they choose!? And since the name is OF HALTER, does that mean the model can be wearing a halter? And how does a judge know what's more collectible and rare?? How are classes split up??? Oh, and what's conformation?? Ooh im just overflowing with questions!

[wobbler_kitty]

Well, first you pick what breed you want your model to be. If it is a breed that is not so well known, then documentation is key. i.e. pictures, articles... If you're new to showing then stick with simple breeds. Obviously your PS arabs would only be arabs. Unless it could pass for a part arab, then that's what it should be shown as. An Adios mold (my specialty) could be in a quarter horse class or if it's a paint, like Yellow Mount, it would be in a paint class.


The showholder has a classlist, you decide what classes you want to show which models in. I.e. quarter horse, paint horse, arabian, half/part arabian,... the list is specific on what can be shown where. You are assigned a showholder number by NAMHSA, this is your number for life. It's a 3 digit number. Then you pick a 3 digit number for each horse. ( 001, 002, 003, etc.). You place a small tag (the rectangle kind with the string attached) around the horse's leg. Your shower #, horse's #, breed, and gender go on one side of the tag. You put the horses name (you can make up your own or use the models factory name), and your name on the back of the tag.

If there are several of the same models in one halter class, the judge looks at what breed you assigned the horse to see if that model would really be a good representation of that breed. And they look at the quality of the model. There are more variations than you'd think out there! They look for flaws and also how clean the model is. Most showers bring a make-up brush to shows to do some last minute dusting. Most also give their models baths before a show as well. One Eureka may be just a bit better quality as another Eureka. Remember, when saying something is LSQ you are not only looking for flaws like paint rubs or scratches but also things like bad seams, bowed legs, sloppy paint like overspray or bad shading, maybe an eartip is tipped back a bit, etc.
As far as collectability, a judge should already know what's rare and what's not. If not, most of the time there are the Breyer and Stone value guides around. You can't expect someone to have them all memorized! Conn models do best around here. But then again, showing halter can be like russian roulette, you may get a high placing one day with one judge and a low placing on another day with another judge.

A model can wear a halter in halter classes but it's not required. The halter must fit the model well and be breed appropriate. You wouldn't put an arabian halter on a quarter horse, etc. I never use halters, they can be a bit pricey for a really nice, LSQ one. I'd rather spend the money on another model. You don't see many halters being used around here.

Halter is the best place to start. Performance is a whole other world. You don't do it until you know what you're doing. You'd have to go to a show to see what I mean. People spend hundreds of dollars on the tack and set-ups. (And of course the models themselves sometimes too!) It's set up to make the model look exactly like a real showing horse. Jumpers, dressage, western, there's a ton of classes.

Go to the link that Linda provided, ask to be approved for the NAMHSA Region 10 Yahoo group. All shows in Region 10 are peridically listed there. You could look for an old post if you don't see a more recent one. There is the New England Performance Challenge coming up in October in Sturbridge ( I think)and the Equine Affair in November at the Big E. I don't do performance but I may pop in to the NEPC to see people and what's for sale. I'll go to the Equine Affair but I doubt I'll show. I don't want to be tied down at a show, I'd rather see everything else.

And I dont' believe that RXR will be on this year. Maybe next year, hopefully in Mass!

[samantha k.]

Remember, when saying something is LSQ you are not only looking for flaws like paint rubs or scratches but also things like bad seams, bowed legs, sloppy paint like overspray or bad shading, maybe an eartip is tipped back a bit, etc.Oh wow, do they TOUCH the models??? Because this Hot Latte apparently isn't LSQ! His right foreleg is bended inward a bit and he stands with a wobble.... do you think I could fix that??





Go to the link that Linda provided, ask to be approved for the NAMHSA Region 10 Yahoo group. All shows in Region 10 are peridically listed there. You could look for an old post if you don't see a more recent one. There is the New England Performance Challenge coming up in October in Sturbridge ( I think)and the Equine Affair in November at the Big E. Ahh yes, the Big E, I used to go there every year with my friend until we had a big fight...*sigh* kind of wished I could have kept her because she took me EEEVERYWHERE! But so, they do MODEL horse shows there!?!?! o.O I always love watching the LIVE horse shows in the arena but... never saw MODEL horse shows?? Hm, probably becuase we didn't go on a day that they had them.



And I dont' believe that RXR will be on this year. Maybe next year, hopefully in Mass!
Awww well that busts my bubble! Not that it matters though, because this Hot Latte... in MY oppinion (though he has a NAN card) is NOT LSQ! Maybe I'll have gotten more PSA's by then, and will have learned about showing, and THEN I can go! So yea I guess maybe it's better that they kept it off!
Well hey, thanks for the all the info!!!!! preciate it!!!:yourock

[wobbler_kitty]

Oh wow, do they TOUCH the models??? Because this Hot Latte apparently isn't LSQ! His right foreleg is bended inward a bit and he stands with a wobble.... do you think I could fix that??
They don't pick up the models unless it's a breakable model that the owner has chosen to lay down on it's side rather than risk it tipping over on the sometimes unsturdy tables. Then the judge can reserve the right to pick it up and look at both sides.
And you can fix a bent leg with boiling water. Bring the water to just the point before it boils. You can dip the leg in the water for just a few seconds, then apply some pressure with your fingers. Go slow and be gentle. You can burn a model if the water is too hot, you can break a leg if your too forceful and you could leave fingerprints in the mold if it's too soft.
And he could be considered LSQ depending on the competition. If there's not a lot of models, someone still has to win. And it could depend on the judge too. Maybe they just didn't notice the bowed leg.



Ahh yes, the Big E, I used to go there every year with my friend until we had a big fight...*sigh* kind of wished I could have kept her because she took me EEEVERYWHERE! But so, they do MODEL horse shows there!?!?! o.O I always love watching the LIVE horse shows in the arena but... never saw MODEL horse shows?? Hm, probably becuase we didn't go on a day that they had them.

It's not the Big E. It's at the same location. I think the Big E is in September? This is in November.

[samantha k.]

They don't pick up the models unless it's a breakable model that the owner has chosen to lay down on it's side rather than risk it tipping over on the sometimes unsturdy tables. Then the judge can reserve the right to pick it up and look at both sides.
And you can fix a bent leg with boiling water. Bring the water to just the point before it boils. You can dip the leg in the water for just a few seconds, then apply some pressure with your fingers. Go slow and be gentle. You can burn a model if the water is too hot, you can break a leg if your too forceful and you could leave fingerprints in the mold if it's too soft.
And he could be considered LSQ depending on the competition. If there's not a lot of models, someone still has to win. And it could depend on the judge too. Maybe they just didn't notice the bowed leg.

Ehhhh :uh I wonder if I'm willing to take a risk doing that....hm, my mom's cousin re-molds and paints model horses (or so she used to) so I wonder if I could get HER to do it (IF I even keep Latte that is)



It's not the Big E. It's at the same location. I think the Big E is in September? This is in November.


Oooooh ok, and what's this called??

[egpete]

Sorry coming into this a little late. Everyone has a different idea of LSQ quality but generally if the horse is as perfect as can be from the factory the better it will do. If two of the same model are on the table then the judge would normally chose the one with the least flaws first. Factory flaws range from toed in legs, uneven ears, fingerprints in the paint, scratches from boxes etc. Some of the hobby puts an added value on a model being in LSQ condition even if they don't show. Never knew there was so much to consider when buying a plastic horse? Your just at the tip of the iceberg.
Judges judge a model on the real horse breed standard it represents (which the owner decides on) and the condition least flaws possible.
It sounds like it was $200 well spent. Hairdryers also work to straighten legs but don't get the leg to hot and with any method the more gradual and slower the better.
Erika Egpete@earthlink.net
I cut my teeth on OFs and then was weaned to resins

[samantha k.]

Sorry coming into this a little late. Everyone has a different idea of LSQ quality but generally if the horse is as perfect as can be from the factory the better it will do. If two of the same model are on the table then the judge would normally chose the one with the least flaws first. Factory flaws range from toed in legs, uneven ears, fingerprints in the paint, scratches from boxes etc. Some of the hobby puts an added value on a model being in LSQ condition even if they don't show. Never knew there was so much to consider when buying a plastic horse? Your just at the tip of the iceberg.
Judges judge a model on the real horse breed standard it represents (which the owner decides on) and the condition least flaws possible.
It sounds like it was $200 well spent. Hairdryers also work to straighten legs but don't get the leg to hot and with any method the more gradual and slower the better.
Erika Egpete@earthlink.net
I cut my teeth on OFs and then was weaned to resins

So then color/shading/dapples doesn't necessarily mean they'll do better? Say the judge has come down to 2 horses and they both have the same minimul amount of flaws, THEN do they decide by color?

As for Latte's crooked leg, that's basically the only other OBVIOUS flaw I can find, besides the weird anoyying overspray on the top of his neck (not very cute:thumbsdow ) and his signature sticker (which I don't think matters in the show ring yes??) He DOES seem to have funny lookin VERY tiny "holes" on the inside of his neck? They're VERY teeny though.
So, basically, if I can get his leg fixed than I'll be MUCH more happier about spending $200 on him. I won't attempt it myself, or even have my mom try, so the GREAT part is that mom's cousin used to remold and repaint models so I told her we need to visit her sometime soon and I'm SURE she could get his leg lookin' great! And he'll be standing firmly in no time! Then I'll just continue learning about shows and get him in some!! If he can win second place in a LARGE half arab class, he's got potential right!?:D

Thank ya for your input! It felt really good to hear you say he was well spent because though I'm happy I have him, there's times I ask myself "WHAT THE HECK WERE YOU THINKING!!!!!!??????" :eek:

[ryllina]

It really depends on the judge. In OF Halter especially, it's really a crapshoot half the time. At least, it is from what I've seen. :)

[flicksmom]

I prefer to refer to OF plastic halter as Russian Roulette. If you have a good eye for picking out near to flawless horses, have the cash to pay for said horses and have enjoyed collecting said horses for a few decades, you should do well.

That being said, most of the OFs I show have NAN cards and I don't fit my above statement whatsoever.

Teresa

[egpete]

I prefer to refer to OF plastic halter as Russian Roulette. If you have a good eye for picking out near to flawless horses, have the cash to pay for said horses and have enjoyed collecting said horses for a few decades, you should do well.

Or you can have my luck/curse and buy a horse from a dealer NIB at a show and have it take grand champ at the same show. Then get hopelessly addicted to more expensive things and go right back to working my way up. To stay on topic I believe it is very hard to find a truly lsq plastic (I have seen a few) that does not have any flaws. Show the horse because you want to and you like to go to shows otherwise leave him on your shelf and start out with some horses that you would be less likely to become seriously ill over if they had an accident at the show (got scratched, broken etc.). Soon you'll find yourself staring for hours at five of the same horse trying to decide which one to buy based on who has the best shading and least flaws.
Erika Egpete@earthlink.net

[Griffin]

Soon you'll find yourself staring for hours at five of the same horse trying to decide which one to buy based on who has the best shading and least flaws.
:uh :uh You say that as if it's a bad thing. :uh :uh

I try to limit my model picking to an hour, tops. :uh

~~Griffin~~