Custom Mini Model Horses

There’s an old saying that goes “no hoof, no horse.” And I’m always reminding myself to check in on my model horses’ hooves. Especially those models whose hooves are supposed to be flat on the table.  I feel that a show-quality model should stand well. All feet that should be in contact with the table should be on the table—not hovering above it, not touching on one side and not the other. My boy’s feet on a flat surface. Right without shoe, left with a shoe. Enter two things: one, a piece of sandpaper. Two, a table-height view. If the model has a problem hoof (or four), I hold the sandpaper flat to my desk and move the model’s hooves across it. Back and forth, side to side or in circles—it can depend on the horse. The trick is to go slowly and check your progress often. This Rivet custom had a hovering right hind hoof. But I didn’t want to sand off the toe of the right fore. So... I sanded only the hind feet, letting the forefoot scrape ...

I went to two shows this fall, the Michigan Show Series Halloween Show in Hastings, MI. Melissa Hart was a wonderful host, the show hall was a great size, and the autumn drive in the country was beautiful. The show was for all scale models from Trads to Micro minis so the tables had a little bit of everything on them! Drafters with spots in Stablemate and Classic scales. This custom pair caught everyone's eye. But it was the CM minis that I admired. So sweet! Mini Alby's in all sorts of yummy colors... And every shade of gray! My Copy Cat Custom Project went to her first show! And the minis held their own against the big horses! This presentation worked so well—showing off belly details and helping this little resin show up on dark tablecloths. The second show I went to was in Riga, MI near Ohio. The show was for Classics and smaller sizes. Trina Houser hosted  Riders Up on the Hill Veteran's Day Live to raise funds for...

I am a little behind the curve on my custom model for ICEE. That’s the Facebook challenge held in October and November. I had two live shows back to back so I had been focused on my show string. Now I’m working on my model. He is a Akhal-Teke stallion from the new walking thoroughbred / unicorn mold. So far I’ve taken off the mane, forelock, horn and tail. I’ve lengthened the neck and patterns and shortened up the hip. The legs are only moved a tiny bit. We had a little snow! First layer of primer on. Thanks to the hosts and the model horse community as a whole for making the ICEE event informative, inspirational and supportive to artists of all levels of experience. The tips, advice, and new products shared are something we can use all year long!