Frequently Asked Questions about MECAA Please click on the question below that interests you. You will be taken to the answer.

Are there OFs allowed?
What's this "Miniature Equine" thing? Why not "Model Horse?"
Is there a national show? How do I get there?
This sounds like NAMHSA. Are you trying to replace NAMHSA?
How do the Divisions work?
What are the "Arenas" of competition?
How are MECAA shows judged?
Tell me about the qualification process.
When does a qualification expire?
What/when is the MECAA National Convention and what's it like?
What else does MECAA do?
How do I host a MECAA qualifier, or make my existing model horse show a MECAA qualifier?
I can't travel to the Northwest for the Con! Do you allow proxy showing at the Nationals?
How can I help MECAA?



Are there OFs allowed? No. MECAA focuses on the artistic aspects of the miniature equines world. We do not include original finish (OF) model horses in our organization.

What's this "Miniature Equine" thing? Why not "Model Horse?" We feel that the term "model horse" evokes a mental picture of Breyers at the toy store. We have nothing against OF model horses - we like them! - but we are an organization that's all about elevating miniature equine art beyond the realm of "model" or "toy" or "hobby." We are all about celebrating the artistic work and beauty in our miniature equines and related miniatures.

Is there a national show? How do I get there? Yes, MECAA will host an exciting national exhibition at the annual MECAA Convention. It will feature Merit awards as well as Champions and Reserve Champions in each class. You can qualify individual pieces in your collection to attend the National Show by scoring 90% or better on a scorecard at a local MECAA qualifier.

This sounds like NAMHSA. Are you trying to replace NAMHSA? No. We do not seek to replace NAMHSA or any other model horse organization. We only seek to provide a new and interesting means of competing that may feel more fun or appropriate for a wider range of equine miniature collectors and artists.

How do the Divisions work? At every MECAA qualifier show, and at the National Show, you have the option to enter each piece in your collection in the Division that you feel is most appropriate for the piece. The divisions are Novice, Amateur, and Open. Novice is for relatively new artists (have been producing this form of artwork for less than two years). Novices must own the piece they are showing, and they must have created or finished the piece themselves. Amateur is for artists who have been producing this form of artwork for two years or more, and who do not do so on a "professional" basis. The exhibit must be owned and finished by the exhibitor. Amateurs may sell their artwork, but usually use the proceeds to continue participating in the equine miniatures world and do not support themselves from the profits of their sales. Amateurs may choose to enter their exhibits in the Amateur Division OR the Open Division. Open is for entries that were purchased from another party, or for artists who own and finished the entry and produce this form of artwork on a professional basis (as a means of supporting themselves), or for Amateurs who wish to try competing with their own work in the Open division.

As you can tell, the Division structure is quite flexible. This is by design - we want you to have the maximum amount of fun at a MECAA show, while still getting valuable feedback on your collection or artwork.


What are the "Arenas" of competition? MECAA uses the term "Arena" to refer to the groups of artwork on exhibit. The MECAA Arenas are as follows:

How are MECAA shows judged? MECAA shows use a scorecard system to give each individual entry a numeric score. Each Arena has its own set of criteria, specially selected to provide a broad range of feedback on various aspects of an exhibit. A judge must look carefully at every entry in the competition and score each one individually against the criteria. Placings are determined by score. In the event of a tie, the judge may use her own discretion to place the class. To see the criteria for each Arena, visit the For Exhibitors page. The link is in the menu at the top of this page.

Tell me about the qualification process. In order to get to the MECAA National Show (held annually at the MECAA National Convention), an entry must receive a 90% or better on its scorecard.

When does a qualification expire? At the moment, there is no expiration on qualifying scores. That means you may use your 90% scorecard to enter any future MECAA National Show. However, as MECAA grows and develops, this rule may be subject to change.

What/when is the MECAA National Convention and what's it like? The MECAA National Convention is an annual event that will be held around the same time every year. Current plans are for the Convention to be held annually in Portland, Oregon although this is subject to change. As MECAA grows and develops, we may or may not decide to adopt a "traveling" format for the Convention, or it may remain based in the Pacific Northwest. At this moment, there is no date set for the first Convention, but we will announce the date as soon as it's been decided.

The Convention's main highlight will be the National Show, where National Champion awards will be given as well as Reserves and Merits. However, that's not all there is to do! We will also host educational seminars on various topics relating to equine miniatures; demonstrations by some of your favorite artists; a vendors' hall where you can buy miniatures, supplies, and other goodies; and various social mixers so you can get to know your fellow miniaturists. If you've ever been to a comic book convention, an anime convention, a sci-fi convention, or a similar event, this is the kind of experience we aim to supply you with at the MECAA National Con. We are about more than just the National Show - we're also about entertaining you and giving you a whole equine-miniatures experience.
What else does MECAA do? MECAA's only focus is hosting the Convention, the National Show, and approving qualifiers on a local/regional basis. We may have a need to alter the scorecard system as the organization grows and more shows become qualifiers, but in the meantime this is all we do. We do not certify or educate judges, although we may add that to our functions as time goes on.

How do I host a MECAA qualifier, or make my existing model horse show a MECAA qualifier? Keep in mind that MECAA shows are judged differently from most existing model horse shows, and plan accordingly. For detailed information on how to instruct your judges, how to give out awards, and how to apply for MECAA qualification, please see the For Showholders page (link at the top of this page, in the MECAA banner).

I can't travel to the Northwest for the Con! Do you allow proxy showing at the Nationals? Yes. We do allow you to have your minitures shown on your behalf by a second party, providing you pay an entry fee and your entries are all qualified under your own name. Coordinating shipping and showing with your proxy shower is your responsibility.

How can I help MECAA? As we are a new organization with big aspirations, we are always in need of financial assistance. If you would like to donate an item to be auctioned or raffled on MECAA's behalf, please see the Fundraising page of this web site.

We are not presently looking for any more Board members to assist with the running of MECAA, but will make announcements if and when that time comes.

The best and most important way you can help MECAA to grow and flourish is by hosting and entering MECAA qualifying shows, and entering the National Show, either in person or by proxy. If you don't have a MECAA qualifying show in your area, talk to your fellow local equine miniaturists about organizing one. MECAA shows can be small or large and we will do everything we can to help you hold a successful qualifier. Check out the For Showholders page of this site for more information on hosting a MECAA qualifier!

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