More Prep for Happy Trails V/The Dan Patch Fun Show

False Fall and its beautiful weather continues here in western Indiana. It's always fun to horse-sit, but when the weather is this nice? Double win-win!

Spending a little time with Sultanna and Hokey.

Plans for Happy Trails V/The Dan Patch Fun Show are complete now that I have written up the rules and procedures for the Toilet Paper Racing.

Someone has already shared that she's bringing a trophy for the race - I can only imagine what it might look like!

Past Happy Trails shows have had a signing model at the show.

I spray paint a vintage model that has seen better days and put it on a table with a marker, asking everyone to sign their names on it. I end up with a nice memento of the show (and another collection within a collection!)

You never know who is going to sign that model, but having Action Stan do so was a fun surprise!

The 2019 and 2018 Happy Trails signing models.

Happy Trails was not an in-person show in 2020 due to the pandemic. I held a photo show instead and then wrote all the participants' names on the model myself.

For some reason, the paint did not spray smoothly, but I don't mind - it goes along with the pandemic theme, don't you think? Hah!

I bought a new can of spray paint for 2021 and I really like how it looks on the Stretch Morgan.

I will probably go with silver again for this year's show.

Of course, I am using Breyer's Standardbred mold. 

It is actually a pacer, just as Dan Patch was, so it is very appropriate.

When determining a signing model for the show, I always look for a vintage mold that has flaws and dings. This piece is one of those vintage Breyers that suffers from mold so I have no problem spray painting and repurposing it.

I was surprised to discover how sturdy it was - the Standardbred mold is notoriously tippy but this one is rock solid! (I wouldn't set him by my chinas, but still...)

I need to run to the hardware store and choose some paint, and then, if False Fall continues for a few more days, step outside and spray paint this year's model. 

Or, I may just spend more time at the barn enjoying the horses.

Sounds like a plan.

Show Prep: Readying the Party Signing Model

Last year for Happy Trails I, I spray painted a vintage black Appaloosa Running Stallion in metallic foil copper and asked everyone to sign him as a memento of the show.

 I signed him myself first

and dated him

and then asked everyone who had come to take a moment sometime during the day and add their signature or message.

He now stands with pride on the shelf with my other Running Stallions. (It's a great way to use an older model who has scuffs and dings - new life as a show memento! And in a glitzy, sparkly color, too!)

This year I wanted a Running Mare for the party signing model, but I did not have much luck finding one. (Well, I found plenty, but all of them were in good enough condition that I did not feel good about spray painting them.)

So I expanded my search, still looking for a vintage mare mold that was suitable to use.

(photo from eBay auction)

 I found this scuffed up Family Arabian Mare on eBay

(photo from eBay auction)

for a reasonable price and in bad enough condition that I had no qualms about repainting her.

 Several coats of spray paint on a nice sunny day

 And she's ready to be signed!

Another thing checked off my to-do list as I get ready for Happy Trails.