British Equine Collectors' Forum

What is a Newcomer? 

Being a Newcomer isn't about having the most expensive or extensive collection of models. 
It is more about the models you love. It is about getting involved, having fun, meeting people, 
showing on a slightly less competitive scale and experiencing the model horse hobby. 
The judging criteria for newcomers shows is slightly different to that for 'open' entry shows in that:

 
a) It will be understood that some of the newcomers may be younger children showing toys as their first 
models.
b) Newcomers may have made their own tack and props and might not have as much experience in doing so
as people who have been involved for longer or who are older (see point a)

c) Newcomers may be showing Original Finish or Factory Finish models such as Breyers, Magpies, 
Peter Stone, Schleich, Julip, Safari, MBH etc., or their own customs/part customs. Eg: Horses with 
added markings. Classes should be judged bearing in mind these factors.
d) Not all newcomers are going to start out their showing 'career' with top notch models from award winning
customisers. Judges of newcomers' classes should be aware of this and be sensitive when commenting on 
models. Constructive advice may be given, for example suggestions of better classes for a horse to go in or 
perhaps guidance on tack and turnout. In fact, judges are encouraged to give guidance to the entrants in these
classes once they have been judged and this should be taken as an opportunity to learn from those who have 
been through the experience of being a newcomer already.
e) Models might not be Live Show Quality (LSQ) and condition of models in Newcomers' classes may not be
as exacting as 'open' classes. 
Newcomers are welcome to enter 'open' competitions BUT must be aware that higher standards of condition, 
customising and presentation are expected and that other competitors may be more suitable. Newcomers are 
welcome to enter 'open' competitions but must be aware that higher standards of experienced or even 
semi professional when it comes to customising, tack making etc. If a Newcomer's models are of an initial 
high standard they may be invited to leave the Newcomer's section early and compete wholly in the 'open' 
classes straight away, which makes it much fairer for all concerned.
                      
Newcomers are split into three main categories and one subcategory:
A) Junior Section
Young people of 16 years or under. This ends at the member's 17th birthday to roughly coincide with the end
of formal schooling in year 11 (year 12 in Scotland) 
B) Senior Section 
People of 17 years old and over (there is no upper limit) who are new to the model horse collecting hobby. 
These people may remain as Newcomers for 2 years unless they are deemed to be of a standard able to 
compete in open classes evenly. 
C) Returners 
Former active members who have taken a break of more than 5 years (eg, to go to college, have kids etc). 
The aim here is to allow them to get back up to speed and rejoin the main hobby. 
 
Subsection - Live Show Novices.
Anyone of any age with any amount of experience who is attending a Live show for the first time. These 
people may wish to have help from a Mentor. 

Please Note: 
Newcomer's is not just geared towards the younger collector, don't be scared if you want to join the hobby
if you are an adult collector. A Newcomer can be any age and can collect any type of model, from the
cheapest to the most elite models - the BECF are here to help you get the most out of your collection, 
this could be Live showing, Photo Showing, customising, tackmaking, prop making, pedigree research 
or just simply collecting and enjoying your collection.

Currently British model horse members range from under 10 to over 60! 
 

BECF Newcomers Rep

My name is Kelly Savage and I am the Newcomers' Rep for the BECF.

I am a model horse collector and I take my models to Live Shows several times a year. I chose the role of Newcomers' Rep as in my own experience joining the hobby (in 2005) I found it quite difficult starting out with Live Shows; I didn't understand the structure of the hobby and I wasn't sure where to turn to find the information I needed, I was worried I might insult someone or make a fool of myself if I asked a very basic question. I should not have worried; the UK hobby is made up of a friendly bunch of people who are very welcoming and happy to help. So, I feel I understand some of the concerns that Newcomers have about starting their show careers and as I now know where to find the information and the people that Newcomers need to help get started out, I feel I can help collectors to get more involved in their chosen field and get the most from their hobby.

My role as Newcomers Rep is to be a first point of contact for anyone who is keen, or just curious about joining in with this fascinating hobby. I am able to answer most basic questions and I can provide contact details for an expert in a more specific field should you have questions that I can't help with.