Online Event Registration & Rules

CUSTOM CONTEST:
SCULPTING, PAINTING & FANTASY

3 shows annually

• January 1 - May 1

• May 1 - September 1

• September 1 - January 1
  
  note: these dates and classes will begin as soon as the current contest ends in July.

YEAR-END CHAMPIONSHIPS: Grand, Reserve & Bronze
Championships held the first week of January

SCULPTING

• Advanced: Realistic

• Apprentice: Realistic

No model in the custom sculpting contest should be painted. Creation stops at primer.

Models created in the sculpting contest may then move on to the painting competition. within the same time period that they are finished.

__________

PAINTING

• Advanced: Realistic

• Apprentice: Realistic

Models created in the painting contest may then move on to the photo show competition within the same time period that they are finished.

__________

FANTASY

• Open

_________

YEAR-END CHAMPIONSHIPS

Championships are awarded (1st through 3rd place) in the following divisions for CUSTOMIZING:

• Realistic

• Fantasy

The champions will be determined by a multi-judge system. 1st-3rd place winners are automatically entered.

1. This contest is judged on photos that you post on your own. Take note that the photo albums may be in a slightly different location depending on the device you are using. The media/albums sections should be at the top of the group page.

2. Register. Submit the form at the bottom of this page.

3. Remember to submit your mailing address if you want your prize(s).

4. Read the rules & guidelines.

5. Post your starting photo.

6. For painting classes - prepped models qualify as starting models.

7. Post a photo of the model that you will be customizing in the correct album/folder for the class you want to enter. Remember to have your name either on the photo or in a comment with your photo. These albums will be clearly marked "Starting Photos" (and then the class name).

8. Models must NOT be started before entering the sculpting class. Everyone needs to start at the same place. Stripped but otherwise UNPREPPED models qualify (no primer or finished repairs) and UP/UP resins qualify (3D printed or resin cast).

9. Complete your customizing before the deadline.

10. Share your progress in group, get advice and enjoy the process.

11. Post your finished photos.

12. Completed sculpting (customizing) models should stop at the primer. They are then allowed to continue on in the painting division.

13. Your final photo must be posted for the class you want to enter. Remember to have your name either on the photo or in a comment with your photo. These albums will be clearly marked "Finished Photos" (and then the class name).

___________________

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR ENTERING

• Entries can be posted in the starting class photos albums at any time the album becomes available.

• These contests are held in the Media (Albums) section of the Model Horse Customizers group.

• Entries can be posted in the finished class photos albums at any time the album becomes available.

• Horses may compete in both sculpting and painting classes. Sculpting stops at the primer. Once your customized sculpting model has been finished, that same model may then advance as an entry in the painting division (but are not required to).

• Entry Limit: TWO photos per class of EACH finished horse. You may only show Three different horses per class (6 total photos per person per class). You MUST show your own photos, taken by you. You must OWN the horse you are showing.

• There is a limit of ONE photo per horse, per class, in the starting albums.

• All photos are removed (by an admin) at the end of each event. New folders are posted for the next event - so please be aware of the date on the cover photo for any folder.

1. This is an honor system, and you should enter whichever division you are most comfortable in. Most people recognize the more advanced artists.

• Apprentice Division - anyone who has never sold a commission or a finished piece. A Novice or beginner.

• Advanced - more advanced artists that have sold their work. Once you are paid for a skill, then you are generally considered a professional at it.

2. No entries will be accepted after midnight EST on the last day of the contest.

3. Advanced cannot cross over into Apprentice/Novice.

4. Artists may have up to 3 different entries in each class: Sculpting, Painting and Fantasy.

5. Prizes will only be shipped if your address is on file. You may register from this page (form at the bottom).

This is a requirement. Unfortunately, we do not have time to track everyone down after the event. Deadline for having your address on file is the last day of a contest. If there is no address on file, then we have to assume you do not want your prize(s).

6. All scales are allowed in all classes.

7. This event is for horses only. A model may be created from a different animal as long as it ends up equine in some manner.

8. No medallions.

9. Event rules will inevitably change over time. participants are expected to accept and adhere to new rules regardless of their personal opinions. Be mindful that the event hosts try to make decisions that are best for the event as a whole, which may not necessarily correspond to a decision that you agree with.

10. No photo collages allowed.

11. GENERAL CONDUCT within the group rules are expected to be followed. Basic courtesy and no critiques unless asked for. Judges’ opinions must be respected. Anyone having any questions at all are free to PM. Our judges have no need to defend their credibility but are always happy to discuss their opinion, politely.

Public posting with any bad attitude will get someone permanently banned from this group, and all others we manage. This should be a fun area where everyone feels free to share and learn. Bad attitudes are defined at the discretion of the admins who will take immediate action accordingly

12. Donations to Crazy Cat Kitten Rescue is optional - but deeply appreciated.

Donate directly to Crazy Cat Kitten Rescue by Paypal using this link.

13. There is no minimum for having the class held; this is only needed for prizes to be given. Classes must have a minimum of 5 different people entered (and finished in the custom divisions) in order for prizes to be awarded.

14. See the section “No photo alterations allowed”

15. Tie-Breaker: If there's a tie in final scores, the horse that placed higher more often will win. If there's another tie, a fourth judge will decide.

16. At end of each show AN ADMIN will move all your FIRST,  SECOND  & THIRD place photos in the album titled: CLASS WINNERS (with placing) will be displayed there for all to see throughout the year.

17.All photos are removed (by an admin) at the end of each event. New folders are posted for the next event - so please be aware of the date on the cover photo for any folder.

18. Once a model has been entered in the sculpting division, then it can move on to painting and from there can be entered in the general photo show as often as you like. Models can only enter in the custom sculpting and painting classes ONE TIME. This contest is meant for the sculpting and painting to be done during the time of the contest only.

INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS
International participants must pay for shipping to receive their prizes. There is no shipping charge for 10 or fewer flat ribbons. All shipping costs apply for 11 or more ribbons and for trophies or models.

__________________

DISQUALIFICATIONS

• Models deemed to have had steps on customizing done before the contest begins.

• Entry Limit: You may only show THREE different horses per class. SIX photos per class (TWO per horse max). 

• You MUST show your own photos, taken by you. You must OWN the horse you are showing.

• Entering a model that has been previously used in a contest will be allowed as long as the model is going to be totally remade.

• Anyone banned from this group showing by proxy or under a fake ID.

• Poor conduct (at the discretion of the group admins).

• Customizing a model in which the original sculptor has specified may not be customized is not allowed.

• Falsifying or manipulating photos that are presented at any point during the event. This decision is completely at the discretion of each judge. No Facebook trial is necessary.

• Entering the event using an alias is not allowed.

• Any participant that engages in any activity that will bring the Model Horse Customizers group, Seunta LLC, OnlyOne, and/or Rose Denis in disrespute.

• No photo collages allowed. Max of 2 separate photos only.

• Failure to post a starting model before any alterations to it.

• Any model that is unfinished will be removed.

• .Sculpted models must STOP AT THE PRIIMNG STAGE and show at that stage and not past it. After priming then that photo can be used as the starting photo for the painting division. Painted models in the sculpting class will be disqualified.

What is photo shopping?
-by Terry Boaz

Definition: “Pho·to·shopped, Pho·to·shop·ping. (often lowercase) to digitally alter (a photograph or other graphic) using image-editing software such as Photoshop.”

*Photo enhancement: Also a form of “photoshopping” changing the looks of a photo, adding color tones, enhancing light and darkness, colors, etc, are all photo shopping techniques.

The best thing to remember when shooting your photos is to make them as realistic as possible. You don’t need all these photo shopping techniques to do that. You can shoot outside or inside and still achieve realistic photos.

What is NOT Allowed:
1. Changing your photo to look like an oil painting, a black and white photo, a water color painting, adding special effects, like sunbursts, snowflakes, sprinkles, water effects, etc.

2. Changing the horse or rider in anyway. For example: using tools to hide scratches, blemishes on the model, saddle, doll, etc. In other words: A tool to blot out, remove, etc, that has changed the appearance of the photo/object/model AFTER it was taken.

3. Photo shopping out a base/stand that the horse sits on is NOT allowed. The model must appear as it made, stand and all. You can however, add foliage props to hide the base/stand, like a bush in front of it, a rock, bury it in sand, etc.

4. Taking a tool after the photo has been taken to create dust around the feet of the horse is NOT allowed. **You may create dust from props, such as wool, hair, blow smoke on the photo, etc.

5. Removing or blotting out items AFTER you have taken your photo is NOT allowed.

What is allowed:
1. Enhancing a photo by brightening it and/or enhancing the colors to make it appear as realistic as possible.

2. Altering a background BEFORE it is made into a backdrop is also allowed because it is a PROP.

*Definition of Backdrop: A photo enlarged to be used as a prop.

Why is this allowed? Because you place your model IN FRONT of the background, that has had its appearance changed, (example: removal of a building, tree, fence, animal, people, etc.) then been enlarged, and can now be used as a photo backdrop. Using this technique is no different than adding a bush, rock, flowers, props, etc, because these are props made BEFORE you took the actual photo.

We are not judging backgrounds made up for props, we are judging the HORSE put IN FRONT of that background/backdrop prop.

If anything in your background shows up that indicates it has been altered, EXAMPLE: a section appears “blurry” after it was made into your backdrop, just simply say, “Note to judge: background was altered before it was made into a backdrop, hence the blurry area “in the trees, on the ground, etc.” This will help the judge to know that your final photo was not tampered with after you took it.

Please do not accuse any one of tampering with a photo, this will be determined by our judges. If the judge feels there is a photo that has been photoshopped, the judge will bring it to the admins and they will deal with it privately.

JUDGING CRITERIA - CUSTOM SCULPTING & PAINTING

Although photos are used for judging, this is not a photo show in that only the model will be considered. There is no need for props or a background, but you may get a creative as you like.

Models are judged on: Difficulty, finishing details, realism and overall impression.

Models are marked down for: Unfinished areas.

Some consideration, good and bad, is given to the amount of, and angles of, all photos presented for each model. It helps if all of the model can be clearly seen. You are limited to two photos per entry in each division.

____________

MULTI JUDGE SYSTEM
All Customizing divisions use a multi-judge system.

This is the typical system used in real horse shows.

Three judges place each individual class and placings are awarded for each judges decision. The top three from each class are recognized by adding up points awarded for placings under each judge… 1 point for every horse that the entrant places above.

Tie-Breaker: If there's a tie in scores, the horse that placed higher more often will win. If there's another tie, a fourth judge will decide.

____________

YEAR END CHAMPIONSHIPS
A POINTS system is used for the Year-End Championships.

Points are awarded each individual horse for every class and placing. In the CUSTOMIZING division, each horse is awarded 1 point for every entry they place above in the final 3 placings - that is one point for every other horse in the final placings and not every placing under each judge for that show. Disqualified horses will not count.

____________

GENERAL CONDUCT within the group rules are expected to be followed. Basic courtesy and no critiques unless asked for. Judges’ opinions must be respected. Anyone having any questions at all are free to PM. Our judges have no need to defend their credibility but are always happy to discuss their opinion, politely.

Public posting with any bad attitude will get someone permanently banned from this group, and all others we manage. This should be a fun area where everyone feels free to share and learn. Bad attitudes are defined at the discretion of the admins who will take immediate action accordingly.

CUSTOMIZING CONTEST PRIZES:
SCULPTING, PAINTING & FANTASY DIVISIONS

CLASS PLACINGS:
1st through 6th place under each judge: Flat satin horse show ribbons.

Each final class placing, 1st place: 1:20 scale artist resin horse (different each show). Also, flat satin ribbon, mini trophy, and tiny Charm Model Horse.

Each final class placing, 2nd place: Stablemate scale (!;28 or 1:32) artist resin or 3D printed horse (different each show). Also, flat satin ribbon, mini trophy, and tiny Charm Model Horse.

Each final class placing, 3rd place: Random Micro Mini. Also, flat satin ribbon, mini trophy, and tiny Charm Model Horse.

Year-end awards are given for Grand, Reserve and Bronze year-end Champions.
Limited Edition resin cast models and/or medallions will be made for these prizes, along with trophies & nylon ribbons.

COST
Packages for 1-2 ribbons are sent free of charge.

USA $10 (3 ribbons or more) - $20 (trophies, medallions, models of any size)

Canada $30 (3 ribbons or more) - $45 (trophies, medallions, models of any size)

International $50 (3 ribbons or more) - $75 (trophies, medallions, models of any size)
** International participants are welcome to choose to get all of their prizes at the end of the year (in one shipment), after the final championships, so that there is only one shipping cost.

Anything irregular, in the size envelope that needed to send for ribbons, is considered a package. And things like trophies, medallions and models require a small box.

Any prizes are an OPTION and do not have to be paid for if not wanted.

PHOTO SHOW

4 shows annually

• January 1 - March 30

• April 1 - June 30

• July 1 - September 30

• October 1 - December 30

YEAR-END CHAMPIONSHIPS: Grand, Reserve & Bronze
Championships held the first week of January

*** SCENES ***

1. Scenes: Native American

2. Scenes: Around the Barn

3. Scenes: Animals/ Wildlife

4. Scenes: Ranch

5. Scenes: Seasonal

6. Scenes: Fantasy

7. Scenes: Fun Class - Anything Goes

*** HALTER ***

8. Halter: Stock Horse

9. Halter: Other Breeds & Mixed

10. Halter: Open Gaited

11. Halter: Open Draft Horse

12. Halter: Open Arabian

13. Halter: Open Pony & Longear

*** PERFORMANCE ***

14. Performance: Western Pleasure

15. Performance: Gymkhana

16. Performance: English Pleasure

17. Performance: Other Western (reining, cutting, cowhorse, trail, etc)

18. Performance: Open (other: cross country, horsemanship, etc)

19. Performance: Parade

20. Performance: Costume

21. Performance: Harness (sleigh rides, draft pull, carts, etc)

*** SEUNTA MODELS ONLY ***

22. Scenes: Open

23. Performance: Open

24. Halter: Open

*** YEAR-END CHAMPIONSHIP ***

Championships are awarded (1st through 3rd place) in the following divisions for the PHOTO SHOW:

• Scene Champion

• Halter Champion

• Performance Champion

• Seunta Champion

The champions will be determined by a points system throughout the year. 1st-3rd place winners are automatically entered.

This contest is judged on photos that you post on your own. Take note that the photo albums may be in a slightly different location depending on the device you are using. The media/albums sections should be at the top of the group page near the same featured section as this post.

PHOTO SHOW

1.       Register. Submit the form at the bottom of this page.
Remember to submit your mailing address if you want your prize(s).

2.       Read the guidelines.

3.       Post your photos in the correct album/folder for the class you want to enter. Remember to have your name either on the photo or in a comment with your photo.

• Go to Media, click on it

• Go to albums

• Click on the album you wish to enter.

• Upload your photo

• Comments: add the information on your horse that is listed below, your name, what the horse is doing,

• Click save. You should see your entry in the album. ** If you have any questions on how to enter, please pm myself or Donna and we will help you get set up.

REQUIRED PHOTO SHOW INFORMATION
When you enter your photo please add the following information:

EXAMPLE:

Horse’s name: Sugar

Breed: Quarter Horse

Color: White

Sex: Mare

Model: Breyer/Stone/Hartland/resin/china, etc.

Your Name: Jane Doe

What the horse is doing: Examples: Western Performance: walking along the rail, Rodeo: What the horse is doing in that event, Trail ride: Crossing a stream, going over a log, etc. Scene or Fun class: Tell what is happening in your scene. 
**Please note, it is not necessary to add documentation. This is a fun show,, and documentation is not required. If you want to add it, that is entirely up to you.

SEUNTA CLASSES
These are open classes for models from Seunta only.

Eligible models can be seen here:
https://seunta.com/model-horses
And also models in the archives that belong to Seunta (PM with questions).

• 22. Scenes: Open
  Open to any scene, anything goes.

• 23. Performance: Open
  Open to any show performance class, anything goes.

• 24. Halter: Open
  Open to any halter class, any breed or type of horse.

At end of each show AN ADMIN will move all your FIRST,  SECOND  & THIRD place photos in the album titled: CLASS WINNERS (with placing) will be displayed there for all to see throughout the year.

Horses that have already won 1st place in any class may not show again that same year in the same class. They may show another time IF the photo is noticeably different (different scene entirely or different riding discipline for example) but the same first place photo may not be used twice in the same year.

Horses can only earn an additional spot in the year-end championship album for 1st, 2nd or third placings, by additional photos being noticeably different (different scene entirely or different riding discipline for example).

Tie-Breaker: If there's a tie in final scores, the horse that placed higher more often will win. If there's another tie, a fourth judge will decide.

All photos are removed (by an admin) at the end of each event. New folders are posted for the next event - so please be aware of the date on the cover photo for any folder.

__________________

DISQUALIFICATIONS

• Information is required for each entry and should be posted either in the comments or details section when each photo is posted. See the "Entering" section for details on the information that is required.

• Entering the a horse that has already won first place during that same year will disqualify them.

• Anyone banned from this group showing by proxy or under a fake ID.

• Poor conduct (at the discretion of the group admins).

• Falsifying or manipulating photos that are presented at any point during the event. This decision is completely at the discretion of each judge. No Facebook trial is necessary.

• Entering the event using an alias is not allowed.

• Any participant that engages in any activity that will bring the Model Horse Customizers group, Seunta LLC, OnlyOne, and/or Rose Denis in disrespute.

• No photo collages allowed.

• Entry Limit: THREE photos per class (one per horse). You may only show THREE photos per class (different horses), it may be English or Western tack.

• You MUST show your own photos, taken by you. You must OWN the horse you are showing.

• There is no minimum for having the class held; this is only needed for prizes to be given.

• Classes must have a minimum of 5 different people entered (and finished in the custom divisions) in order for prizes to be awarded.

• See the section “No photo alterations allowed”

What is photo shopping?
-by Terry Boaz

Definition: “Pho·to·shopped, Pho·to·shop·ping. (often lowercase) to digitally alter (a photograph or other graphic) using image-editing software such as Photoshop.”

*Photo enhancement: Also a form of “photoshopping” changing the looks of a photo, adding color tones, enhancing light and darkness, colors, etc, are all photo shopping techniques.

The best thing to remember when shooting your photos is to make them as realistic as possible. You don’t need all these photo shopping techniques to do that. You can shoot outside or inside and still achieve realistic photos.

What is NOT Allowed:
1. Changing your photo to look like an oil painting, a black and white photo, a water color painting, adding special effects, like sunbursts, snowflakes, sprinkles, water effects, etc.

2. Changing the horse or rider in anyway. For example: using tools to hide scratches, blemishes on the model, saddle, doll, etc. In other words: A tool to blot out, remove, etc, that has changed the appearance of the photo/object/model AFTER it was taken.

3. Photo shopping out a base/stand that the horse sits on is NOT allowed. The model must appear as it made, stand and all. You can however, add foliage props to hide the base/stand, like a bush in front of it, a rock, bury it in sand, etc.

4. Taking a tool after the photo has been taken to create dust around the feet of the horse is NOT allowed. **You may create dust from props, such as wool, hair, blow smoke on the photo, etc.

5. Removing or blotting out items AFTER you have taken your photo is NOT allowed.

What is allowed:
1. Enhancing a photo by brightening it and/or enhancing the colors to make it appear as realistic as possible.

2. Altering a background BEFORE it is made into a backdrop is also allowed because it is a PROP.

*Definition of Backdrop: A photo enlarged to be used as a prop.

Why is this allowed? Because you place your model IN FRONT of the background, that has had its appearance changed, (example: removal of a building, tree, fence, animal, people, etc.) then been enlarged, and can now be used as a photo backdrop. Using this technique is no different than adding a bush, rock, flowers, props, etc, because these are props made BEFORE you took the actual photo.

We are not judging backgrounds made up for props, we are judging the HORSE put IN FRONT of that background/backdrop prop.

If anything in your background shows up that indicates it has been altered, EXAMPLE: a section appears “blurry” after it was made into your backdrop, just simply say, “Note to judge: background was altered before it was made into a backdrop, hence the blurry area “in the trees, on the ground, etc.” This will help the judge to know that your final photo was not tampered with after you took it.

Please do not accuse any one of tampering with a photo, this will be determined by our judges. If the judge feels there is a photo that has been photoshopped, the judge will bring it to the admins and they will deal with it privately.

JUDGING CRITERIA - PHOTO SHOW
Performance: follow standard horse show rules for the appropriate classes: Western Pleasure, English Pleasure, Cross Country, Endurance, etc.

Scenes: When judging scenes there are no set rules and we encourage you to pick a photo based on its creativeness for that particular scene.

Halter: Follow standard Breed judging for halter horses

____________

SINGLE JUDGE SYSTEM
The online photo show uses a single judge for each show.

YEAR END CHAMPIONSHIP
A POINTS system is used for the Year-End Championships.

Points are awarded each individual horse for every class and placing. In the PHOTO SHOW division, each horse is awarded 1 point for every entry they place above - that is one point for every other horse in the class and not just those that have placed. Disqualified horses will not count.

Tie-Breaker: If there's a tie in scores, the horse that placed higher more often will win. If there's another tie, a fourth judge will decide.

____________

GENERAL CONDUCT within the group rules are expected to be followed. Basic courtesy and no critiques unless asked for. Judges’ opinions must be respected. Anyone having any questions at all are free to PM. Our judges have no need to defend their credibility but are always happy to discuss their opinion, politely.

Public posting with any bad attitude will get someone permanently banned from this group, and all others we manage. This should be a fun area where everyone feels free to share and learn. Bad attitudes are defined at the discretion of the admins who will take immediate action accordingly.

PHOTO SHOW PRIZES:

1st through 6th place at each show: Flat satin horse show ribbons.

Year-end awards are given for Grand, Reserve and Bronze year-end Champions.
Limited Edition resin cast models and/or medallions will be made for these prizes, along with trophies & nylon ribbons.

Fantasy

Realistic

Scenes

Halter

Performance

Seunta Show

Cat Rescue

• Any sponsor is available on Facebook Messenger, or the contact page of this website.