Realistic cross country setups

Hi! I've decided to be a more active blogger now as I've come out of my model horse hobby slump thanks to my friend who makes the most gorgeous tack and paints beautiful customs (see my last post!)

While with my friend recently, we dug a hole in her garden (much to her gardener's disgust!) and built a setup and took some photos. I have a pretty awful phone so the quality isn't great, but I hope you'll be able to use this and maybe make a setup yourself! Keep an eye on my blog as I am about to start making a saddle for my gorgeous custom!



Include different angles and funny positions!



I love this angle as it gives you an idea of the scene!

This angle is nice too just removing the hosepipe would be great!

Create different kinds of jumps for more variety!



Include jumps in and out of the water and through ditches!



I think this is my favourite picture and angle, it looks realistic.



This gives you an idea of what the rider sees and the hoofprints add realism too!

The water looks great here!



This is pretty much the stuff you need to build a good XC setup!

Use different decorations for your fences!

 

 

 

I hope this tutorial has helped you create a successful XC setup! Email pictures of your setups to mramasamy@godolphinandlatymer.com for them to be posted on this blog! See you soon :)













 

Live show reference pictures - Part 6 - Carriage Driving

Hi, today is part six of my reference series, and today's discipline is carriage driving! Don't forget to have a look at my other parts of my series, and leave a comment.

Carriage driving is what was used before cars were around. Horses in harness provided a good, reliable means of transport. In London in particular they were used to pull buses, food, supplies, anything you can think of! Nowadays, we don't really use horses for carriages, however there are often lots of classes at shows which are for carriage driving, and there is also extreme driving! Perfect for a set up.

Here are some reference pictures to get you started:

         

 

As you can see, the tack is quite complicated, so would be extremely difficult to make. I have a link which has a clear picture of a harness on a horse.
http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/44600/44668/44668_harness.htm

Anyway, let's get back to the horses! Here are some model horses which would look great in harness:

Breyer SBH Pheonix: A lovely cobby sort of horse, perfect for driving!


Breyer Trooper: A lovely horse with a swinging trot.


Breyer Totilas: Although this horse looks best in a dressage set up, he looks great in harness too!


Breyer Valentine: A horse which looks calm and relaxed.


Brookside Pink Magnum: A lovely little pony who would look great in harness!



These are the main ones which I think would look good in a harness. There are plenty of vintage and rarer models which you can find. If you have any more suggestions, drop me a comment and I will immediately respond.

To finish off, here are some reference pictures.

      
 
 

I hope you benefitted from this post - drop me a comment! Good luck with your set ups, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! See you tomorrow!

Live show reference pictures - Part 5 - General Western Riding

Hi! This is the fifth part to the reference pictures series, and today's topic is general western riding, instead of yesterday's fast, furious reining!

Western riding was traditionally used for roping cattle, and spending long days riding out. It has adapted to being very comfortable and to reduce saddle sores! Unlike an English saddle, it cannot be adapted for different disciplines and would most certainly not be used for jumping! The Western horses were trained to have smooth paces, which were easy to control.

Here are some reference pictures to get you started:







Now we will have a look at some of the models suitable for Western riding:

Breyer Nugget: He is in a relaxed position and looks comfortable and happy.



Breyer Topsails Rein Maker or Big Chex to Cash: These horses are well suited to Western riding.



Breyer Northern Dancer: In a calm walk.



Breyer Lil' Ricky Rocker: A lovely appaloosa western horse.


Breyer Harley D Zip: An excellent Western horse.



Breyer Weathermont Ethan: In a relaxed halt.



The Pinto Mare in the Pinto Mare and foal set: She is a classic Western horse.




These are the main horses I can think of, but if you have any more suggestions drop me a comment and I'll add it in! Now we will look at some reference pictures to finish off.








Please also refer to the pictures at the top of this post.

Have a lovely Winter Solstice, Christmas and New Year! See you tomorrow for another post.

Bye!

Live show reference pictures - Part 4 - Reining

Hi, today is part four of the live show reference pictures series. Today's topic is reining.

Reining is a bit like Western dressage. In international reining, a rider has to pick between a few different patterns (like dressage tests), learn it and then perform the movements required in front of judges. Some of the movements include sliding stops (where the horse gallops and then slides to a complete stop), canter circles, spins and flying changes.

Here are some reference pictures to give you a few little ideas.




To get more inspiration, have a look at some videos on YouTube, there are plenty!

Now we will have a look at some models suitable for reining! There aren't many widely available ones that are perfect for reining - for example there is a mould where the horse is performing a sliding stop - but most galloping models look good!

Frankel/Secretariat: These two are excellent for reining - galloping fast and furiously.




This is a rare mould which will not be easily found:


Big Chex To Cash: Is quite a good horse for reining



Frankel, Secretariat and Big Chex to Cash are some of the main horses I can think of that would be suitable for reining! Big Chex to Cash would be an excellent casual reining horse as well.

To finish off, here are some reference pictures which could help you with your reining set ups!










Also refer to the ones at the top of the page!

I hope you enjoyed reading my blog - keep watch for tomorrow's post! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Bye!