Ready for NaMoPaiMo?

There are just 3 days to go and then we can all get painting! If you are anything like me you've probably left everything to the last minute...

But in shocking news I have actually prepped my model already! (I know right what has happened to me, I'm becoming prepared and organised). I prepped my Classic model horse just over a week ago and he is all ready to paint. He is currently sat in my spray box staring at me! How likely do you guys think it is that I actually finish him before the end of February? I'm not exactly hopeful, I haven't painted a single horse this year *hides behind sofa*

O I should say, before I share some pics of my project, if you don't know what Namopaimo (National Model Painting Month) is then check out the Facebook group here, you've only got a couple more days to sign up so get planning if you intend to take part!

 https://www.facebook.com/groups/234123470349077/

My Project

So last year you guys may remember I painted the very beautiful Dionysus here: 

Now he was my kind of project, Stablemate scale, a lovely colour, covered in sparkles and generally everything I want from a model horse.

But this year I thought it was about time I did something that actually challenged me. No Stablemates. No minis. Something big. Something very big.

OK so it isn't that big if you are a normal human being and paint normal sized horses, but if your me and a Stablemate is on the large side, then this is basically a GIANT LIFE SIZE HORSE.

So without further ado I give you my project horse, a rather boring Breyer Classic:

Now you're probably thinking, what a random choice? Well yes he is a random choice, that's because I had two Breyer Classic bodies, knew I wanted to paint a Classic and chose him at random. I'm not sure where he came from, I think I won him in a raffle at a live show last year. Anyway poor creature is now going to have my painting skills inflicted upon in.

Now as if painting a Classic wasn't bad enough, in a moment of complete and utter and total insanity I decided (genius that I am) that I am not only going to work in a scale that I hate working it but I am also going to paint my most hated of all the colours...a....PINTO. I hate pintos. Ucky. Horrible colour to paint. YUK YUK YUK. But they look so pretty I hear you cry! Yes that's because you aren't the one painting several million layers of white on the bloody things.

Deep breaths.

So here goes nothing, my reference picture for this month of insanity (because it is not my image here is a link to it):

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/488429522084474159/

O yea did I not also mention that I chose a ridiculously challenging base colour as well? And you know how much I hate dapples? Yep this thing has dapples.

So in conclusion. I wish I could be the person I thought I was when I had drunk a bottle of cider and signed up for Namopaimo. We will find out in a month's time whether I am or not. Maybe you should all send more cider?

SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE!

Herefordshire Live 2019

WOW! So I was going to write this with the full intention that there would be spaces left but the demand for this show completely swept me away. We sold out within an hour! But do not despair, we do have a waiting list and also the chance to purchase a half space (of which there are still five available), so hopefully you won't feel like you've missed out because I took a couple of days to write this (bad me).

Herefordshire Live is a brand new live show for 2019. It will be held in Edwyn Ralph Village Hall, Herefordshire. I decided to make it a general live show, the only thing missing is an artist resin and china section. This is because I felt it was more appropriate to add an Animal Artistry section instead as the show is being held in Herefordshire (I really wanted to make sure the show had both performance and workmanship as well).

Show Information

Date: 21st July 2019

Location: Edwyn Ralph Village Hall, Edwyn Ralph

Sections: Original Finish (large), Custom Finish (large), CTF (large), Animal Artistry (medium), Performance (small) & Workmanship (small)

If you would like a schedule or to learn more about the show please email competitions@chestnutridge.co.uk

About the Charity

Now it would make sense for me to support a local charity for this show but ever since I learned about DOTS I have completely fallen in love with the work they do and knew I had to support them in some way in 2019.

The charity is Dogs on the Streets (DOTS), this awesome charity not only helps street dogs but also their owners. It makes a real difference in peoples lives and it is just awesome. One of the things they do that is just real awesome is to foster the dogs in emergency situations, meaning that their owners don't lose their beloved pet because of circumstances out of their control.

You can learn more about their work here: https://www.dogsonthestreets.org/

We will be running a raffle at lunchtime, if you would like to donate a raffle prize please just email me.

Schedule Information

There are 130 classes at this show, a little less that I normally have but I wanted to make sure that with both performance and workmanship sections the show wouldn't overrun!

There are three large sections: custom, original finish and CTF

There is a mid-sized Animal Artistry section

And then there is a small (15 classes each) performance and workmanship sections.

You can download a full schedule from our website here: http://www.chestnutridge.co.uk/herefordshire-live-2019.html#/

Want to Enter?

Unfortunately general spaces are sold out for this show.

But we do have 5 half spaces (20 models or under) left if you would like to book one of these.

You can also be added to our waiting list.

If you would like to enter either email me or join the Facebook group here.

DONATIONS PLEASE!

GIVE ME STUFF!

We are looking for the following donations for the show:

Raffle Prizes

Sponsorship

General Prizes

Food/Cake/Edibles (not that kind of edibles...)

If you would like to donate something please just email me. In return you can have an advert in the show pack (given to each entrant), on the Facebook group and will be listed to our list of sponsors on the website (which stays up for all eternity).

Anything model horsey or non-model horsey is welcome. It doesn't have to be something huge, every donation, however small, makes a huge difference.

We will also be giving out goody bags at this show, we are particularly interested in local businesses who might like to donate 20 small items to go in these along with advertising! That equally applies to model horse businesses/tack makers/hobbyists/anyone really.

For information on where to send your donations to please email me

SEE YOU THERE!

A preview of what the show hall looks like (Animal Artistry Live 2014)

Healthy Live Show Snacks

We all know that live show calories don't count, but it is January, and I think we should all at least pretend to be healthy for a bit! So here is a list of some healthy snack based alternatives to get you through that live show day (but don't feel too bad if you do end up cracking open the Red Bull, chocolate and crisps, we all know you need it)!

1. Muesli Muffins

I couldn't actually find a picture of them but here is another thing I baked that looks relatively healthy!

I actually made these for a live show many years ago, I can't say they were as popular as my chocolate ones but people did eat them! Alas I cannot find the recipe to share but I did a quick google and there are loads of recipes out there. They had lots of slow release energy without lots of sugar, great for getting you through a long drive and a tiring day!

2. Cereal Bars

NOT THE CHOCOLATE ONES (OK maybe a little bit of chocolate). There is loads of variety when it comes to cereal bars so it shouldn't be too hard to find one you like. You can even get variety packs so you can have lots of ummm variety in your live show snacking!

3. Some Fruit

Actually a nice satsuma or an apple is great on show day, it's just a bit of a PITA getting rid of the waste (particularly if your like me and feed the apple cores to your animals)! But they are refreshing so great for giving you a little bit of a sugary boost.

4. Nuts and Things

Nuts actually contain a lot of calories but they don't contain loads of sugar (so that's good). They are usually quite high in fat as well which is a better slow release energy source. Of course you could bake them into something like flapjacks for a bit more flavour (with minimal golden syrup of course).

5. Juices and Smoothies

I've taken these to shows before and got comments of "what on Earth is that?!?!?" I'm not talking shop bought I'm talking home made! I live off this stuff and my husband does get a little annoyed that every shopping trip involves me buying like a million oranges because I really really really need to juice things.

Do you have any suggestions for less sugary snacks to take to a live show? Then drop them below! You never know, I may even offer something less sugar filled at my next show :p

2019 Breyer Range

Greetings all!

I bring you Christmas gifts of the 2019 Breyer range :D

To view the full range including non-regular run items please take a look at: http://www.chestnutridge.co.uk/breyer.html#/

Catch Me

Dominante XXIX

Enzo

Justify Resin

Thoroughbred and Hackney Foal Set

Cascade and Caspian

Thunder

Truly Unsurpassed

Protocol Gift Set

Makayla

Ryan

Show Stable Accessories

Classics

Bay Roan Australian Stock Horse

Buckskin Hanoverian

Grey Saddlebred

Grulla Paint Horse

Mahogany Bay Thoroughbred

Silver Bay Mustang

Cloud's Legacy

Cupcake

Malik

Pony Power

Barrel Racing Set

Running Wild Mare and Foal

Mini Whinnie

Mini Whinnie Surprise Series 3

Craft Sets

Horse Painting Set

Paint and Play Andalusian

Paint and Play Unicorn Arabian

Paint and Play Unicorn Thoroughbred

Paint and Play Unicorn Warmblood

Other Things

Blossom the Ballerina

Stablemates

Riding Camp

Truck and Gooseneck Trailer

Mystery Horse Surprise Series 2

Friendship Foals Pocket Barn

If you would like to pre-order any of these items please email catriona@chestnutridge.co.uk for a full price list.

More 2019 Stablemate Club Annoncements

We've had two new announcements about 2019 Stablemate club models over the last couple of days. If you haven't yet signed up there is still time to do so on the Breyer website here: https://www.breyerhorses.com/products/2019-stablemates-club-welcome-kit

First of all we learned that Fiero will be a gambler's choice of matte or glossy. We had only seen the glossy before!

Personally I really like the glossy but I'll be happy with both of them, the chestnut looks really nice.

Secondly it was announced that the G3 Highland would be the Gambler's Choice model with four different colourways available:

I think the silver dapple is my favourite (I know not the decorator)! I think the decorate will have to be seen in the flesh for me to make a decision as to whether I like him or not, he's a bit of an unusual colour. But it's nice to see something really different.

The perlino pinto is really unusual as well, as is the grey pinto! It's a pity none are in proper Highland colours (a cream dun would have been lush) but hey I'm not complaining I'll be happy whichever one I get.

O and on that note if you are a 2018 International member and haven't noticed already the final set are available to order. I ordered mine last night, the question is, which Mule will I get? I NEED THAT RAINBOW MULE! Let me know which Mule you get below :D

Hawthorn

Hawthorn is the latest Breyer Collector's Club special run. He is limited to 300 pieces and is available for entries now at www.breyerhorses.com

He will be priced at $125 if you are lucky enough to get him

I mean who wouldn't want a woodgrain pig? I definitely want a woodgrain pig!

How Do I Pick A Model?

With so many beautiful model horses in the world how do you pick your next one? Everyone has their own system when it comes to picking their next model horse, so I thought I would give you the lowdown on how I choose mine.

The "Ooo That's Pretty" Approach

OK so let's be realistic about this. I'm going to talk about lists and savings and grails and all kinds of useful systematic approaches below but 90% of my models were purchased as impulse buys because I liked them.

This is particularly true of things like resins, chinas, RubberNedz and customs. I rarely save up and say "I'm going to get an AA Mule" for example, in fact I've never done that, yet I still seem to have about 10 of them...

This usually happens at live shows as well, I've sold a few things, there's money in my pocket, Donna gets out some pretty horses to sell...you get the picture! Deb Brown listings on eBay are also really bad when it comes to this.

Veronica is an example of an impulse purchase. I literally just bought her because she was called Veronica's Vodka!

The "OMG WHAT A BARGAIN" Approach

If it's cheap or reduced I want it. Doesn't matter what it is. The moment TK Maxx gets Breyers in I'm buying them. All of them. I don't care what they are they are cheap and I want them. Retailer running a sale? Having that. Someone selling something off cheap at a live show? I'm having that. Noticed bargain listing on Facebook? I'm having that.

I would say this probably equates to around another 8% of my collection, especially if you include stuff that I've won in competitions, raffles or been given as gifts!

Katya is an example of a bargain purchase. I got her a couple of years ago from TK Maxx when they were selling Breyers.

The Planned Approach

So when I first started collecting model horses I had a notepad in which I planned all my future purchases. I saved up my pocket money each month and when I had enough I sent off an order form and cheque to Julip and got my new pony, accessory or companion back.

Nowadays I still try and stick to this, I still have a savings chart in my journal but as with many things in life my savings often get spent on more important things, like food, or vet bills. At the moment I'm trying to save for Sonorah who I need for my Bobby Jo conga, but that is going to take a very long time!

I do also still have a list of horses I want to buy, although it is generally a bit more general than it used to be. Now it says things like "Bay FCM ISH" or "Custom Salinero" they are more general statements that may eventually be achieved although it is unlikely I ever will (VET BILLS).

So how do you decide which model to buy next? Are you a bit of an impulse buyer like me? Or are you a bargain hunter? Or do you strategically plan and save up your money? I'd love to know! You could even write a guest Blog post on this topic for me and I'll add it to the Blog :D

Minstrel is one of my earliest Julips, I saved up for 16 weeks in order to buy her.

This blog post was written by Catriona Harris, owner of Chestnut Ridge and model horse fanatic.