How to Display Model Horses

Part of the joy of owning a model horse collection is gazing at them and watching them gaze back at you. And it definately is a conversation piece. ("Does somebody here like horses?") There are many ways to display your collection. But overall, you want to keep your models safe when they are on display.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• As many shelves as you can afford
• Plenty of flat surfaces (when you run out of shelf space)
• Your model horses
• Cloth for "tippy" models
• Museum putty or earthquake putty (optional)

Hold Your Horses

1. Be sure your shelves are level and sturdy before you put any model on them. Check for rot and warping and how easily they jiggle. Many collectors prefer to use wall mounted shelves, as this is an efficient use of space.

2. Choose whether to make your collection display a library approach or a natural approach. A library approach would be to group all makers and molds together. A natural approach would be where you mix and match all makes, molds, colors and sizes of model horses.

3. Decide whether you like to see all of the same colors together, or evenly interspersed throughout the shelving unit, counter top or curio cabinet. Again, make sure your models do not touch each other.

4. Older models on stands tend to warp over time. It's best to take them off of the stands and lay them on their sides on a piece of cloth.

5. If a model cannot stand up easily by itself, it must be laid on its side on a piece of cloth.

6. If you live in a earthquake zone (or have a lot of vibrations that can knock your models over), you can use museum or earthquake putty on the bottom of your model's hooves to keep them in place. You won't be able to easily pick them back up, so use with care.

Tips & Warnings

• Rearrange the models every now and then, especially if sunlight keeps falling onto certain shelves. This cuts down on damage that can be done by sunlight.
• "Tippy" models that can't stand on their own must be laid on their sides, preferably on a piece of cloth instead of the hard shelf to prevent scratches and rubs.
• Avoid sunlight staying for a long time on the models, if possible. This can cause damage.
• Avoid setting shelves up near heating vents.
• Take all models off the very bottom shelves if you have pets. Even a curious guinea pig can knock down Breyers like dominos.
• Don't cram your models onto the shelves. You do have to take them back out again.
• Don't have your models touch each other. This will cause damage.

Resources

• Semper FAS Model Horse Collection Page
• Earthquake Preparedness