A new kind of horse show will be galloping to the West End on Saturday, May 3. Horses of all colors and breeds will be vying for ribbons in their classes.

Model horses that is, not real horses.LeeAnn Bachman is coordinating the first Poconos Model Horse Show at the Chestnuthill Park Community Building, Route 715, Brodheadsville on Saturday. The doors will open at 8 a.m. and the judging will begin at 8:30 a.m. This is open to the public."A model horse show is just like a real horse show, except models are shown instead of real horses. Each participant has a half table reserved for them with their entry fee where they can place their own models, and as each class is called, they take their model up to a 'ring' to be judged. Models are placed, first through eighth, and in the open divisions they can receive a card that allows their horse to compete in the national show. I also have a novice division for the younger members in the hobby, of 12 years and under," Bachman said.Bachman said that the show is recognized by Breyer Animal Creations, the world's most well-known model horse manufacturer, as part of their Live Show Benefit Program. As part of this program, Breyer has donated a very limited model to the show to raffle off.Model horse halter classes are modeled on real-life horse shows and real-life halter classes. Just as real horses are judged on confirmation and quality, model horses are judged based on anatomy and biomechanics (conformation), breed standards, color and condition.Models that are an unrealistic color, such as the Breyer "decorator" colors (Wedgewood, Florentine, charcoal, woodgrain, tie-dye, etc.) do not show in regular halter classes, but in special classes where they are judged mainly on collectability (rarity, age, color, condition).Just like model horse halter classes are patterned after real-life horse show halter classes, performance classes try to re-create an authentic class or scenario from the real-horse world.Bachman says she is very surprised but thrilled that she can no longer accept any more entrants and has a waiting list. She says the show promises to be very entertaining.To learn more about the show, visit the website at

http://poconosmodelhorseshow.weebly.com.