A Passion for Ponies

It's a sculpture workshop and a sleepover and a hike and a model horse show. Basically, a pony party and mountain retreat. For all the fun and laughter, the competition is intense, the horses may be worth several thousand dollars and the winners qualify to move on to the big shows - the North American Nationals and the Western Conference of Model Horse Showers.

Models in the Mountains 2018 was a success by all accounts. In its fourth year at Chilao School in the Angeles National Forest, the weekend was punctuated by perfect weather. The first show in 2015 came on the heels of snow; 2016 and 2017 saw summer's full fury. But June 15 and 16 of this year could not have been more beautiful.

The model horse hobby continues to evolve since its origins. In America it began with the #57 Western Horse soon to be joined by a line of equine models by Breyer Animal Creations. Today there are roughly five prominent manufacturers of collectible plastic, resin, rubber and china horses, and a growing number of independent artists producing their own exquisite pieces, primarily in resin.

The show is produced annually by High Desert Bandits Productions, a group of art and equine enthusiasts with close ties to Chilao School and California's local wilderness. The 2019 show is scheduled for June 14 and 15, Friday and Saturday of Father's Day weekend. There will be an art workshop on Friday, most likely followed by an early evening walk or hike in the Charlton-Chilao area. There is always plenty of food and fellowship, and guests are welcome to sleep over in the school. The building goes through a number of transformations throughout the course of the show; from art space to slumber party to a four ring horse show.

More information about the venue and the show - and loads of pictures - can be found at

https://modelsinthemountains.w...