Definitions
Apprentice (novice) level is someone that has not sold, or been commissioned for, any customizing.

Advanced (experienced) level is someone that has sold custom models, or has been commissioned for customizing. Once you are paid for a skill, then you are generally considered a professional at it.

Advanced sculptors might have gained recognition through an extensive portfolio, commissions, or awards. They might have established a signature style or technique that sets them apart in the hobby, while novices are still working on building their portfolios and reputations.

These guidelines are for the purpose of this event only and are not meant to define anything else within the hobby.

4 shows annually
Jan 1 - April 1
April 1 - July 1
July 1 - October 1|October 1 - January 1

YEAR-END CHAMPIONSHIPS: Grand, Reserve & Bronze

classes:
SCULPTING
1. Advanced: Realistic
2. Apprentice: Realistic

PAINTING
3. Advanced: Realistic
4. Apprentice: Realistic

5. OPEN FANTASY

*** PAINTING (painting only)-- repainted OF models may be entered in the custom painting classes. Models do not have to have any type of customizing other than painting. Photos will be judged only on the model and not on any background or set up. Be aware that all of this can certainly give a better presentation to any judge, however.

*** SCULPTING (sculpting only, NO painting) The degree of changes (sculpting) made for the realistic custom classes is at the discretion of the artist. Models can be primed but not painted. Photos will be judged only on the model and not on any background or set up. Be aware that all of this can certainly give a better presentation to any judge, however.

*** FANTASY OPEN (sculpting, painting optional)-- The degree of changes (sculpting) made for the fantasy open class is at the discretion of the artist. Models do not have to be painted at all. Photos will be judged only on the model and not on any background or set up. Be aware that all of this can certainly give a better presentation to any judge, however... including painting of the model.

GENERAL GUIDELINES/RULES
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. Entries can be posted in the starting class photos albums at any time the album becomes available.

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

4. No entries will be accepted after midnight EST on the last day.

5. Novice cannot cross over into advanced and vice versa.

6. Artists may have up to 3 different entries in each class.

7. Prizes will only be shipped if your address is on file. You may register at: https://seunta.com/online-event-registration

This is not a requirement and is only needed if you want your prize(s) sent to you. Unfortunately, we do not have time to track everyone down after the event. Deadline for having your address on file is the day of March 31, 2025, before judging begins. If there is no address on file after the judging, then we have to assume you do not want your prize(s).

8. All scales are allowed in all classes.9. This event is for horses only.

10. No medallions.

11. 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.

12. Horses may only be entered in only one class.

13. There is a limit of TWO photos per horse, per class in the finished albums. No photo collages allowed.

14. There is a limit of ONE photo per horse, per class in the starting albums. No photo collages allowed.

15. Once your custom model has been finished, that same model may then advance as an entry in the painting division.

ENTERING THE CONTEST
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.

1. Read the guidelines.

2. 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).

Models must NOT be started before entering the contest... no prepping, no chopping it up.

3. Your final photo must be posted 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 "Finished Photos" (and then the class name).

4. Remember to submit your mailing address if you want your prize(s). There is no entry fee for this contest, or cost for shipping your prize (even International).

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.

JUDGING CRITERIA
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.

2025

CLASS PLACINGS:
1st through 6th place under each judge: Flat satin horse show ribbons and tiny Charm Model Horse.

SCULPTING & PAINTING: APPRENTICE DIVISION
Each final class placing, 1st place: Traditional artist resin pony, “Martina” by Fabrizio Sburlati & Sherry Carr. Also, flat satin ribbon, mini trophy, and tiny Charm Model Horse.

Each final class placing, 2nd place: Custom “DreamCatcher” medallion by Fabrizio Sburlati Also, flat satin ribbon, mini trophy, and tiny Charm Model Horse.

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

SCULPTING & PAINTING: ADVANCED DIVISION
Each final class placing, 1st place: Traditional artist resin QH, “Skip” by Fabrizio Sburlati & Sherry Carr. Also, flat satin ribbon, mini trophy, and tiny Charm Model Horse.

Each final class placing, 2nd place: Custom “DreamCatcher” medallion by Fabrizio Sburlati Also, flat satin ribbon, mini trophy, and tiny Charm Model Horse.

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

FANTASY CLASS
Each final class placing, 1st place: Traditional artist resin Steampunk Horse, “George” by Priscilla Andrews. Also, flat satin ribbon, large trophy, and tiny Charm Model Horse.

Each final class placing, 2nd place: Custom “DreamCatcher” medallion by Fabrizio Sburlati Also, flat satin ribbon, large trophy, and tiny Charm Model Horse.

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

There is a year-end Championship to be judged in January from all 1st through 3rd placings throughout the year. Prizes are not yet determined. THREE places: Grand, Reserve & Bronze.

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

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

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

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

5. 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.

6. Entering the event using an alias is not allowed.

7. Any participant that engages in any activity that will bring the Model Horse Customizers group, Seunta LLC, OnlyOne, Rose Denis.

8. No photo collages allowed.