This shows the Shire Horse on the purpose made prop stand. This particular horse has been biscuit fired and so the feet are now well clear of the table top, but when in the raw state, the feet just touch the kiln shelf. I dust a little batt wash onto the top cradle of the prop, but the raw clay should not stick to the prop because the firing temperature does not go over 1140 deg. C. This is the maturing temperature for this particular mix of semi-porcelain slip, necessary so that all the shrinkage has taken place before colouring and glazing. Provided no other model with glaze is fired in the same kiln, it is still possible to spray water-based glaze and colour onto the surface and the water will be absorbed sufficiently for the glaze to stick. It is not easy to spray water-based colours or glazes onto previously glaze-fired models. It can be done if the model is heated and the spray-booth is also warmed with a hot-air fan heater but it takes patience - otherwise runs occur.

The hole through the mouth can be seen (also under the forelock). These holes are for harnessing, but are also useful for placing the horse in the kiln when coloured and when a fingermark would show.