Celebration of Breyer Live Prizes & Raffle Prizes

I am very proud of myself in that I got everything for the show finished tomorrow. My horses are all packed, certificates are all cut out, prizes are all painted. Everything is packed and sorted. All I need to do is collect the food this evening and we are all good! This is a level of organisation I don't normally achieve so I'm feeling quite smug about it.

With less than 24 hours to go I thought I would share with you some of things that I've created for the show.

We are going to start with the section champion prizes. Each section champion will get a custom Breyer stablemate. I tried to pick slightly unusual colours for each one. I haven't decided which section will get which and will just pick random ones on the day. I know the MFT is definitely the most popular (I actually thought about painting another because I wanted to keep him so badly)! Let me know which one you want to win!

Anyway, here they are :D

First up is a Breyer G4 Paradressage to a bay blanket spotted (probably a pintaloosa). This mould works so nicely as a stock horse and I love this colour on her.

Next we have the only decorator in the bunch. I mean I had to do at least one unicorn! This is the Breyer G5 Warmblood Mare (unicorn variation). She has been painted to a black and pink unicorn. She actually has pink shading in her coat if you look carefully. Her hooves and horn are in a metallic pink paint.

Next we have a G2 Standardbred. This guy has been painted to a max white overo. I love how pink he is! You just know this horse is going to be a nightmare in the sun! He's a really unusual colour and something a little bit different for your show string.

Fourth is another extensive white pinto. This is a G2 Saddlebred that has been painted to an extensive splash white. I went with purple for her ribbon to pick up the blue in her eyes.

And now everybody's favourite, this is a Breyer M1 Missouri Fox Trotter that has been painted to a gorgeous shaded black sabino. I picked a reference I'd saved because of the horse's face marking. Although the horse in the reference was bay I went for a faded black instead and then copied the markings. I adore a black sabino and this guy is to die for, he is just gorgeous. He's definitely the one I want to win!

The final prize is a G3 Stock Horse that has been painted to a silver dapple with white markings. I wasn't too sure about this girl at first but I'm actually really happy with her. The shading is just beautiful.

I have also painted two models as prizes for the raffle. The first is a Breyer Paddock Pal, although I went with a very simple shaded black colour for this guy I thought it was quite cool to offer a custom Paddock Pal. You don't see many custom Paddock Pals around so I thought this would be a fun thing for someone to win.

Secondly, I wanted to offer a painted resin or pewter micro. I was going to do another piece but I had already decided I would probably sell this girl and thought instead I would offer her for the raffle. This is the Maggie Bennett Escape Foot Callie pewter. She has been painted to a lovely dun colour with no white markings.

All of these models will be available at Celebration of Breyer Live tomorrow. I always like to go all out for the shows I run and this one has been no different. Which one would you like to take home?

Personalised Goody Bags Anyone?

Would it really be a show run by me if I didn't go completely extra on the goody bags? Obviously not! This year even by my own standards I have gone a bit extra, that title is correct, this year I have made personalised goody bags for each entrant!

I've used these adorable small tote bags that are the perfect size for a goody bag. I've then used a very simple iron on vinyl for each bag (I know I know the waste THE WASTE, but it was the easiest option). Each bag has a little horse heart design with the entrant's name underneath.

I was so happy with how they turned out. I picked the colours completely at random so I hope people are happy with their colours! I was going to do glitter vinyl but I didn't have enough left to do all the bags and I didn't want some people to have some and others not. Also I desperately need to restick my Cricut mats, thankfully we didn't have any slippage today!

The bags will all be stuffed full of amazing items. We are still waiting on three items to arrive which is why I can't do a full reveal of the contents yet, but don't worry when they arrive I definitely will! They are going to be A-MA-ZING. Trust me.

And the best part? I have enough items to make two more goody bags which means if you book last minute (like now) I can still put you together a bag! Although please don't leave it super last minute as it does take time to get the Cricut out and make the bags!

If you are tempted to get a last minute ticket you can buy them here: https://chestnutridge.co.uk/collections/show-tickets

The Easiest Way to Record Show Results

Hello everyone :D In October at Recycled Live V we tried a little experiment for show results and I wanted to write a little bit about it to share what we did and how it worked.

Anyone who has ever run a live show will know that one of the most tedious tasks after the show is writing up results. Several years ago I decided I would try and make things easier for me by using a laptop but because some showers completely refused to use it this actually made my job harder as I basically had to write up all of their results afterwards! It can take hours to type everything up and attempt to read handwriting and also understand what people are going on about and quite frankly post-Covid show host me is completely done with that.

So for Recycled Live V I decided to try and do something different. I wanted a simple and easy way that would mean show holders are responsible for their own show results and not me. 

My solution was a pretty basic and simple one, a Google sheet.

So what did I do?

Well I typed up my usual results sheet into Google Sheets. I had my classes arranged by ring with space for 1st and 2nd place in the columns.

I then shared an editable link to the show group before the show and explained to people how I was going to do it. That meant everyone had access to it.

On the show day I had a laptop which was connected to a hotspot run off my phone which anyone could use.

After the show I simply picked a deadline and told people to ensure everything was correct by then.

People seemed to respond really well, nobody complained about having to do it and once everyone understood what they were doing it worked really well. Many people chose to write them up on the day on the laptop but some people chose to do them after the show and others used their own devices. 

For me it saved so much time and stress. I just needed to ensure my own results were correct. When I submitted it to BMECS I closed it for editing and sent them a link, I also downloaded a copy and sent one of these across as well just in case something went wrong!

Above shows how the sheet was set up. You can see it is arranged by ring with the class number, name and section as well as space to write in 1st and 2nd place.

Were there any issues?

As with anything there were a few issues.

Firstly, I forgot to make the link editable at first, but that was a quick fix

Secondly, I had to refresh my hotspot occasionally which took time and was another thing to think about on the day. Obviously a hall with WiFi would be helpful here.

Thirdly, there were some issues with results being in the wrong place and needing to be moved. But once everyone had sorted this afterwards it was fine. It just meant people who thought they had done their results did need to double check them as there was some weird stuff floating around in odd columns and some went missing? (I suspect they were accidentally deleted but that's OK).

There were still some gaps but TBF there were not too many BMECS relevant ones!

Would I do it again?

Definitely! The only real limiting factor is phone reception/WiFi in the hall. Obviously if I don't have this I cannot do it and that can be a real issue for some halls. So it isn't suitable for everyone but it's definitely so much easier than me having to type everything up. Several people also liked that they could just do it in the evening and not on show day as it relieved stress at the show. 

How do I start?

If you want to do it all you need to do is this:

1. Make sure you have a Google account (if you have Gmail then you have one)

2. Create your results sheet in Google Sheets

3. Share the editable link with your show entrants

4. On the day ensure you have a device (preferably a laptop) with access to the internet set up in a corner for people to type into

5. Set a deadline for results to be in

6. Remind people a week before the deadline to just double check nothing has changed

7. Lock for editing and then submit the link & downloaded copy to your qualification body

Anyone can do this, you just need a free Google account and access to the internet!

Pre-Show Anxiety

How do we deal with our pre-show anxiety? What if we forget something? What if I'm running a show and everything goes wrong? What if I have a car accident on the way? THINK OF ALL THE THINGS THAT CAN GO WRONG!

When your naturally a bit of a worrier like I am it can be a nightmare in the run up to the show. So here are some top tips on how to deal with those pre-show nerves and worries, whether you are attending or hosting.

1. Write a List

Write a detailed list of all the things and horses you are going to take to the show. Then when you pack your horses or when you are packing prior to the show check things off your list. I recommend also writing a 'show morning' list so that you know exactly what you need to take and can check it off when you put the items in the car.

2. Be Organised

If you are hosting a show then make sure to plan well in advance. Create a list of all the jobs that need to be completed before the show and create a time table of when you are going to do them. Some jobs, such as a judging list, may not be completed until quite close to the show, but others such as printing off results list can be done well in advance so you make sure they are done.

Writing 'to do' lists well in advance also means that if there is something you have forgotten you have time to remember them and add them onto your list in the days before the show.

3. Ask to be seated next to someone you know

If you are nervous about attending a show ask the show host if you can be seated next to someone you know well. Maybe it's someone you've met before or someone you chat to online. Having that person to reach out to will give you the confidence to start approaching new people and making new friends.

4. Read Blog Posts etc. in Advance

Particularly if it is your first show taking a look at Blog posts and show pics in advance can help you understand what to expect on the day. Many Blogs and websites feature guides and tips on attending your first live show and these can be really helpful.

5. Print Out Directions

If you are worried about getting lost print off the directions from the show schedule and plan your journey out the night before. Using tools such as Google Streetview can be really helpful to ensure that you know exactly where you are going.

6. Travel Together

If you are nervous why not travel with someone? There are plenty of showers out there who can't drive and would probably really appreciate the lift! They will usually also contribute towards the petrol money. Then at least if one of you is late, both of you are late!

7. Pack Well

Take time with your packing and pack your models well to help prevent breakages. Packing a few days before the show when you have more time may result in your models spending a long time boxed but will prevent any nasty breakages (obviously avoid this if it is boiling hot and you are packing custom finished models).

8. Ask Questions in Advance

Not sure where your model should go? Have other questions? Ask the show holder in advance so that you are prepared on the day and won't be asked to move your horses.

Print out your map in advance so that you know where you are going! Sat navs can't always be trusted...

15 Thoughts From a Show Host

I've been running live shows now for 8 years and photo shows for much longer. So here are 15 thoughts from a show host about shows, hosting and life in general.

1. Drop Outs

When I ran my first live show back in 2010 nobody dropped out. At all. The same was true the next few years, but then a few years ago something weird started happening. Suddenly waiting lists became essentially, people started to drop like flies. Now it isn't uncommon for a sold out show to not have a full hall on show day because of so many last minute drop outs.

This became so bad last year that this year I implemented a no refunds policy. Not that it has helped...what it does mean is that at least the charity is getting some extra money when someone drops out!

I honestly don't understand it. I've dropped out of shows, this Summer I dropped out of everything and I have never felt more guilty. I just cannot understand why it is so common place now. Well actually that's a lie, I do have a theory. Shows book up so quickly now I think there are people who are 'booking first, planning later'. You'd be amazed how many people book onto shows without even reading the schedule, checking they have transportation or even that there are classes for the models they own! Plan first, if that means you miss out on an initial space and have to join the waiting list then so be it, you'll probably get a space when someone drops out anyway....

2. Entry Fees

When I attended my first live show the entry fee was £15.00. Twelve years later the entry fees are still £15.00. Which makes me wonder, how much have costs gone up? Looking at my own accounts they have gone up a lot. Is it time that standard entry fees started going up and as entrants we expect this to happen?

3. Questions, Questions, Questions

No matter how many FAQ posts, detailed class descriptions or other ways you try to answer every single possible question in advance of a show you will guaranteed still be asked a myriad of questions. Usually the same ones. That you answered. On the schedule.

My highlight has to be "Where do you want British Spotted Ponies?" To which I responded "In the class titled British Spotted Ponies". Yep, they hadn't even bothered to read the schedule.

Pro tip for entrants, read the schedule first, ask the questions second! It's quicker for you and stops a stressed twitchy show holder from sending a rather curt reply!

4. Schedule Numbers

This is probably my autism showing through but seriously if you are running a show number your schedules properly.

I am so guilty of this, where it has reset and not continued numbering, but I've been to shows where it has just been all over the place and it confuses everyone!

5. Starting with Arabians

This is not just me I promise! But honestly there is nothing more confusing than a show that doesn't start with Arabians. Unless you don't have an Arabian class you should always start with Arabians, it just puts me all off centre if you don't (seriously this isn't just the autism I had this conversation with about four other people at BMECS who all agreed they can't stand it)!

P.S. I ran a show this year that didn't start with Arabians. Do as I say not as I do :p

6. Milk & Sugar

If you are running a show there are four things you should never forget to buy: Coffee, Tea, Milk and Sugar.

7. Glossy Certificates

You can't write on glossy certificates. They look pretty but they are annoying. Please use matte.

8. Don't stop moving!

How many miles do  you think a show holder walks on show day? As a show host I rarely sit down. I run BIG shows, 150 classes, six sections. If I sit down then the show stops. I keep people moving with good reason, it gets us all home at a decent time. Which brings me onto....

9. The Crash

If you've run a show properly you should feel like death the day after. It's stressful, it's painful. You put your heart, soul and money into making it an amazing day for everyone.

So as an entrant, always say thank you, always remind the show holder how awesome they are the day after. They've worked so hard to prepare that event for you. Honestly some of the stuff show holders do is just insane (crocheted figures for all the entrants anyone?)

10. Spreading...

I am so guilty of this! But I'm not as bad as some people.

When you attend a show you get one table. Bring a number of models that will fit on that table. Seriously don't block walk ways with your boxes. Show rooms are often quite tight for space and that isn't helped by boxes everyone.

11. Read the Rules People!

This goes for all types of shows. Honestly you haven't run a show if you haven't had at least 20 questions that the person could easily have found the answer to if they had just read the schedule/rules.

12. Hiding Information

That said, show hosts, don't hide the important information! I hate schedules where I have to click CTRL + F just to find out how many entries I can put in a class, or where it is, or how much it is or anything else that is quite important.

Think about how it reads, if you aren't sure get someone to test read it for you.

13. Check Your Postcodes

Hall websites are a nightmare for not putting the right postcodes on them. Check that the hall's postcode is correct (you can use the Royal Mail postcode finder) and also test whether your sat nav will take you there. Adding directions, a map and a correct postcode on your schedule will make things a million time easier for your show attendees.

14. Offer Help

Running a show is hard work, it is stressful and a show host cannot do everything alone. So offer help when you can, whether it is helping with judging (see point 15), helping set up tables or clear them up, washing up or even just bring a yummy cake for everyone to eat. These little things make a big difference to the show hosts day.

15. Send In Your Judging Lists!!!! ON TIME!

OK so I am guilty of this, I know I am, and I can't stand a show holder who wants a judging list 3 months before a show (as a show host avoid this because by the time the show comes along people will have around 50 new models each. Guaranteed.) but seriously people. If someone has given you a deadline of Wednesday before the show get them in by Wednesday before the show. Judging lists take time to do, they take time to alter when people decide they are bringing completely different models and they take time to print. We all have jobs, we all have real lives, we are all fitting this around our other commitments and all we ask is that when we say "We need your judging lists by X" you bother to get your lists in by "X". Please.