Some Examples of Bad Sportsmanship Related to Judging to avoid altogether are:

• Spouting snide, unkind commentary regarding the judge, host, staff, show or placings, to anyone. This includes catty remarks, proclamations of another’s stupidity, negative grumblings or any other disagreeable behavior.

• Standing around an exhibitor or show table, gawking and rudely commenting on the models in the presence of others, or even the owners.

• Confronting the judge before, during or after the class, declaring that you are an expert, and that the class should have been placed your way.

• Accosting the judge for any reason, and loudly declaring that a model is a “disaster” and thusly should never have placed.

• Being rude if a judge encounters something he/she doesn’t know. Remember, no judge can know everything in all of horsedom, and while good judges know a lot, eventually they encounter unfamiliar information. So if you do have something constructive or educational to offer, do so only to the judge, in a polite, gracious and discreet manner, at the appropriate time.

• Making a judge feel bad. Remember, he/she is volunteering the time and energy so you can show.

• Grumbling about judges behind their backs.

• Becoming crabby and ill tempered as a display of disapproval.

• Speaking disparagingly about trivial or personal things regarding the judge or anyone else, for that matter.

• Throwing a tantrum, spouting such complaints as, “The judge must hate me!” or “The judge must be blind!” etc.

• Creating a scene, overt or behind the scenes, with crying, complaining or emotional behavior. If you’re unable to emotionally cope with the situation, it’s best to discreetly and diplomatically leave the premises.

• Loudly packing up and leaving, making a great show of your indignation. Instead, if you feel compelled to leave, do so discreetly, graciously, quietly and politely.

• Standing off to the side of a class, even within earshot of the judge, and griping about the placings and how poorly you expect all the judge’s placings to be.

• Speaking of how you would place the class within earshot of the judge.

• Sitting at your exhibitor table and grousing, being a Negative Nelly, because you are unhappy with the placings.

• Arguing with a judge, for any reason, whether or not the judge is right. This includes cornering a judge who didn't place your entry as you expected, and thus possibly delaying the show.

• Discussing the models, positive or negative, on the show table within earshot of the judge.

• Complaining about a placing when you placed your model in the wrong class. If you were in doubt, you should have politely asked the judge or host beforehand.

• “Getting in anyone’s face” about a showing issue. This includes threatened or real damage to person or property. Aggressive confrontation is absolutely unacceptable.

• Switching ribbons between models once they have been placed is unacceptable, whether the model(s) belong to you, or to someone else. If a ribbon was accidentally moved, ask the judge for the correct placement if you are unsure where it goes.

• Bribing or otherwise influencing the judge, host or anyone affiliated with show is unacceptable and those responsible should be reported.

• Forgetting to have fun and forgetting to help others to have fun!

Here are some suggested tools to help you mingle (which are also very handy for shy folks too):

• Take advantage of the Internet since it offers several tools:

• Join your Regional NAMHSA list and other model horse mailing lists, such as Fallen Leaves and Model Horse Blab, and introduce yourself as a newcomer. Read the various threads and become familiar with what’s going on and be sure to engage in conversations in a friendly, polite and fun way so people will want to meet you. Absolutely avoid “lurking” on lists since no one can get to know you if you don’t participate.

• On the online lists, find out if anyone will be at a show you plan to attend and arrange to meet them there, if possible. Perhaps they also have the time to show you around and even share lunch.

• Go to any and all local model horse activities you learn about online and actively mingle.

• Contact your NAMHSA Regional Representative and introduce yourself and see if he/she can help you ease into the local model horse community.

• Find out if there’s a local model horse club in your area, and join. Also attend the meetings and gatherings, and perhaps volunteer to help with club logistics.

• If you’re interested in customizing, sculpting or painting, join lists and associations that specialize in our model horse arts, such as the Realistic Equine Scupture Society (RESS).

• Before a show, it’s important to contact the host and introduce yourself, and be sure to mention that you’re new to the experience. Ask questions, ask for tips and insights, and just get a dialogue going.

• Volunteer to help with a show! This is one of the best ways to learn about the live show experience, meet people, and make a positive impact that people will happily remember. You can sell raffle tickets, hand out packets and information, help distribute any catered lunches, assist as a ring steward, help keep the awards organized, assist the judges when they need it, etc. Really, there’s so much to be done at a live show, your assistance will always be welcomed and remembered!

• If the show has a get-together before or after the competition - go to it and actively socialize.

• Find other new local showers and get to know them.

  • When at the show, try some of these handy ice-breaking techniques:

    • People love to talk about their show string, so when you stroll among the exhibitor tables, compliment the owners on their lovely models and ask questions about them like, “Who created this piece?” or “What do you show it as?” or “Has it done well for you”? or “Which is your favorite and why?” Then be sure to tell them you’re a newcomer too.

    • Remember that the common denominator with everyone in the hall is horses! So you really aren’t in a room full of people who may have no common interest with you; in fact, the situation is quite the opposite! So take advantage of this when trying to start a conversation by asking a question about anything related to horses or model horses. You’ll soon discover that model horse folks love to chat about such topics at the drop of a hat. Such questions could be, “How long have you been showing?” or “Do you know of other good shows in the area?” or “Do you know the best place to buy Breyers or Stone Horses locally?” or “Do you know of any local clubs I can join?” or “Do you have horses?” or “What’s your favorite breed and color?”

    • Put some horse-related magazines and paraphernalia on the corner of your table to attract people to you. This way you’ll instantly have something to talk about.

    • Put a sign on your exhibitor table, or write it on your nametag, that says, “I’m new to model horses – please stop by and say hello”.

    • If artists are present whose work you admire, go ogle their work. Compliment them and ask questions about their inspirations, their techniques and future plans. And if you’re also taking your first steps into the creative side of horse modeling, ask him/her for pointers or critiques. Start a dialogue on ideas, concepts and motivations and you’ll find most artists get quite chatty about such subjects.

    • If you notice someone who is doing particularly well that day, ask them questions that will get him/her talking about their insights, goals and how success was achieved. You’ll find that many showers enjoy talking about such subjects and have a lot of helpful information to offer you.

    • If you have a question about placings, it’s OK to ask the judge when he/she has a free moment. It’s a great way to learn and gain insights.

    • A Note of Caution: Be mindful of people’s time and focus. It’s important not to impose on those who are busy showing, so wait until people have a free minute before you approach them. And be sure to circulate in the hall and refrain from latching onto one or two people all day. Not only is this a bit of an imposition, but you lose out on meeting other folks, too. And while most people are very helpful and friendly, if you happen to come across some who are not, do not take it personally.