Authorized Breyer® Model Horse Dealer
The Model Trading Post has been an Authorized Breyer® Model Horse Dealer since 1991. We have great prices on all of our items, and most items are at least 25% off of suggested retail. We have a large inventory of new in the box models at all times, including Porcelain horses, Traditional sized, Classic sized, Paddock Pals, Stablemates, Companion Animals, Wildlife, dolls, Western and English tack, blankets, trucks, trailers, barns, fences, and jumps.
March 2, 2010: NOW TAKING ORDERS ON CHRISTMAS AND WORLD GAMES 2010 BREYERS.
We just added the 2010 Christmas items and the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games items to our website. We will not have pictures for awhile, sorry, but feel free to email with questions. Christmas merchandise will not be in stock until September or October, and the World Games items will not be in stock until late August (except for items #9101 which is due in March, #9103 which is currently in stock, and 9104 Stablemates, which are due in May), but you may order at any time.
January 14, 2008:
We are following the new guidelines from Reeves, and these are Minimum Allowable Advertised Prices per Reeves.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
Consignment Breyer® Model Horses
The Model Trading Post also has a fast growing inventory of consignment Breyer® model horses, as well as the occasional Peter Stone model horse or Hagen-Renaker figurines. Collectors send their models to us and we evaluate their condition, take pictures, and list them on our website for a nominal fee. These items can also be put on our printed sales list that is sent out in each box we ship. We get new items in each month, so be sure to keep checking back with us! If you are interested in selling your models on a consignment basis, we are happy to send you information on how it all works.
Package Deals and Gifts
If you are a die-hard Breyer® collector, be sure to check out our package deals! The Model Trading Post offers great savings every year for those of you who like to buy all, or almost all, of the new model horses for the year. If you are a newcomer to our hobby, we will be happy to share our expertise in helping you find what you are looking for.
Breyer® model horses and accessories make great gifts for birthdays and Christmas. We are happy to ship your order to that special someone! Please note that we only ship to the United States and Canada.
About Breyer Animal Creations®
Breyer Animal Creations® began as the Breyer Molding Company, a Chicago, Illinois-based plastics manufacturing company, and the first model horse ever made was the Western Horse in palomino in 1950. Reeves International acquired the Breyer Animal Creations® brand in 1984. Breyer® model horses are now made by Reeves International, Inc. out of New Jersey. The also publish the bi-monthly magazine Just About Horses.
Breyer®'s horse barns are crafted out of wood, authentically designed, and easy to assemble. Model horse tack and accessories are realistic in design and detail, and are modeled after real horse items. Most accessories are scaled to fit traditional sized models, although some are also appropriate for Classic sized models.
Breyer® model horses come in several sizes. Traditional sized models are sculpted in 1:9 scale. Classic sized models are sculpted in 1:12 scale. Paddock Pal sized models are sculpted to 1:24 scale. Stablemate size models are sculpted to 1:32 scale. Companion animals are sculpted to accompany Traditional sized models. Most of the wildlife series are sculpted in Traditional Scale. There are also some really nice craft kits that make great gift ideas. Breyer®'s Dually Pick-Up Truck and Horse Trailer are sized to fit Traditional sized model horses.
Many Breyer® model horses are actually scuplted and painted to depict real life horses. Some examples would include Man O War, Seabiscuit, Secretariet, War Admiral, Smarty Jones, Phar Lap, Flash, Kennebec Count, Ideal, Smart Chic Olena, and many more!
Each year, Breyerfest is held in Lexington, Kentucky. This is a wonderful event for collectors of all ages, both new to the hobby or long-time collectors. There is usually a live model horse show, seminars on both real horse and model horse topics, and thousands of new and used model horses to choose from.
Collecting Breyer® Models
There are thousands of collectors of Breyer model horses worldwide. Some collectors try to collect all the Breyer models that have been made, literally thousands of models. Other collectors collect certain molds, perhaps wanting all of the Marabella mold. Some collectors collect only Breyer models that appeal to them, regardless of what mold they are. Some collectors collect only traditional Breyer models, or perhaps only horses and no animals.
There are regular run Breyer models, and what are called “special run” Breyer models. Regular run Breyer models are those models which are available for sale through any and all retail or online sellers of Breyer models. These are the models that are pictured in the Breyer catalogs that come in each box. Special run Breyer models are those that are made for an individual company or seller. Some special run Breyer models may be numbered and produced in very limited quantity. For example, JC Penney and Sears usually have a few special run Breyer models in their Christmas catalogs each year, and these can only be purchased through them. Tractor Supply Company and Rural King also carry special run Breyer models. There are also Breyer sponsored shows throughout the year which may offer a special run Breyer model horse for sale exclusively to those attending the event. Breyerfest, which is held annually at the Lexington Horse Park in Kentucky, also features special run Breyer model horses.
Breyer® Model Horses
There are several different sizes of Breyer model horses. Traditional sized Breyer model horses are 1:9 scale. Classic sized Breyer model horses are 1:12 scale. Paddock Pal or Little Bits sized model horses 1:24 scale. Stablemate sized Breyer model horses are 1:32 scale. Most Breyer model horses are made of tenite plastic, but some are made in fine porcelain or resin.
Some Breyer molds have been altered over the years. For example, a different mane and tail was added to the Hala mold to make the Boyla mold. The Hanoverian and Trakehner molds have come with or without a brand cut into the mold. The Running Stallion and Lying Foal have had horns added to make them unicorns. The classic Lippizan stallion has had wings added to make it Pegasus, and a horn added to make it a Unicorn.
There are many variations that can be found on each Breyer model horse. For example, variations in white markings, such as a blaze, star, or bald face, or variations in the number of socks on a particular model are quite common. Sometimes, eyewhites are added. This is often seen in very old Breyer model horses and animals. Recently, something called “tri-eyes” was available on some models, where the eye is brown with a black pupil and sometimes eyewhites.
Some Breyer model horses are available for a limited period of time. Limited Edition models are usually available for the entire year. Some models may only be available January through June, and then a color change for July through December. What are known as Commemorative Breyer models are models that are made in a limited number, perhaps only 10,000. Hall of Fame Breyer model horses are similar to Commemorative Breyer horses in that they are also made in limited quantity. Special Breyer models are often made for Breyer Tour Events or Live Shows. Breyer Breyer tour models are available at a limited number of special events. These are usually sponsored by Breyer and are typically attended by Breyer representatives. Breyer show special models, also known as signing party models, are available to retailers who hold a Breyer special event, such as a live show or open house. These are not sponsored by Breyer, although Breyer representatives may attend.
There are several types of finishes for Breyer model horses. There are models with matte finishes, models with glossy finishes, and models with semi-glossy finishes. Most of the models come in matte finish. Another type of finish is called “chalkie”. Some models were flocked with a fuzzy coating, and these are referred to as Flocked Breyer model horses.
Some models came with blue ribbon stickers. These are often sought after by collectors. Most models with blue ribbon stickers are quite old. Some models may have been signed by Peter Stone, or perhaps the horse owner.
There are some Breyer model horses painted in what are referred to as decorator or woodgrain colors. The woodgrain finish is made to appear as if the horse were carved out of wood. Sometimes the color was light, sometimes it was dark. The decorator colors include Copenhagen, Florentine, Gold Charm, and Wedgewood. Copenhagen is a dappled blue with a glossy finish. Florentine is a dappled gold with a glossy finish. Gold Charm is a glossy metallic gold. Wedgewood is a matte blue. Typically, the manes and tails are white for all decorator Breyer model horses. White markings such as socks or a bald face are also common. Decorator and Woodgrain models are highly sought after by collectors. There is a variation of dapple grey known as Black Dappled. These models are listed as dapple grey, but have dappling that appears almost black in color. While not a decorator color, it is also highly sought after.
Breyer® Companion Animals
Breyer introduced the Companion Animals in 1999. These models are designed to compliment traditional sized and classic sized models. All of the Companion animals were discontinued in 2006, and it is unclear if they will be produced again. Companion animals included dogs, cats, goats, a Sicilian donkey, a fox, a cougar, and a wolf.
Breyer® Catalogs
There are two types of Breyer catalogs. What is referred to as the Dealer Manual is 8 ½ by 11 inches. These are given to Breyer dealers each year, and are also available through dealers for sale to consumers. What is called the Consumer Catalog or Collector Manual is the small manual that is usually found inside the Breyer box with the model horse. Size on these manuals have varied over the years. Older consumer catalogs and dealer manuals are often sought after by collectors.
Finding Vintage Breyer® Models
Collectors hunt year-round for those old, vintage Breyer models. They can be found at garage sales, estate sales, auctions, flea markets, and even arts and craft shows. Some people put classified ads in their local newspapers.
The popularity of the internet and ebay auctions has made finding those old models much easier. There used to be several model hobby magazines, some of which were printed monthly, and others were printed bi-monthly. These magazines would contain advertisements for older models for sale. Most of these magazines are no longer being printed. There are literally thousands of Breyer model horses for sale on the internet.
What is Breyerfest?
Breyerfest is an annual gathering of thousands of Breyer collectors. If you get the chance, you should plan to attend. The first Breyerfest was held at the Lexington Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, in July of 1990. Tickets are sold for the event and each attendee receives a special run horse, which is typically referred to as the Breyerfest Dinner Model. Anyone who purchases the ticket can get the model. Models have to be picked up at Breyerfest, they are not shipped. There are also raffle models for every Breyerfest. Attendees purchase tickets and names are drawn randomly. The raffle items are limited in number, usually 21 to 26 are made. All but one are raffled off, the remaining one becomes part of the benefit auction held on Saturday night. There are also Tent Special Models, which are available for purchase at specific times. You must have a ticket to purchase two special items in the Breyer Store at Breyerfest. Special Breyer models are also made to be given as awards at the Breyerfest Live Show, and other models are given to the Breyerfest Live Show judges.
The first Breyerfest was held in 1990, and the dinner model was the Phar Lap mold painted to depict Dr. Peaches. There was also a raffle model, Misty in glossy Florentine. In 1991, Breyerfest was actually held in four states: Kentucky, Pennsylvania, California, and Oregon. The Breyerfest Dinner model was Mustang Lady, and there were four raffle models: a glossy Florentine Legionario III, a glossy Gold Charm Man O\’ War, a glossy Copenhagen San Domingo, and a matte Wedgewood Sham. This was the only year there were multiple Breyerfests. Breyerfest has been held every year in Kentucky since that time. In 1992, the Breyerfest Dinner model was Turbo the Wonder Horse (mustang mold in palomino), and the raffle model was the Quarter Horse Yearling in Buckskin. In 1993, the Breyerfest Dinner model was Grayingham Lucky Lad (Clydesdale Stallion mold in black), and the raffle model was Nevada Star, the Hobo mold in grey. In 1994, the Breyerfest Dinner model was Bright Zip (San Domingo in a chestnut Appaloosa), and the raffle model was Winchester, the Buckshot mold in glossy charcoal. In 1995, the Breyerfest Dinner model was Mego (Adios in palomino pinto), and the raffle model was Mystique, the Jumping Horse in glossy grey appaloosa. In 1996, the Breyerfest Dinner model was Tseminole Wind (Sham in light bay pinto), and the raffle model was Malibu, the Aristocrat Hackney mold in Wedgewood. In 1997, the Breyerfest Dinner model was Bold (Stud Spider mold in palomino), and the raffle model was Cactus, the Balking Mule in red roan). Four small poodle molds were raffled off as well in gray, white, apricot, and black. In 1998, the Breyerfest Dinner model was Rejoice(National Show Horse in chestnut), and the raffle model was Serengeti, the Big Ben mold in glossy Copenhagen. In 1999, the Breyerfest Dinner model was Molokai (Big Ben in bay), and the raffle model was Ransom, San Domingo in a glossy Gold Charm pinto. In 2000, the Breyerfest Dinner model was Leah\’s Fancy Chick(Lady Phase in buckskin pinto). In 2000, Breyer began having two raffle models, one for Saturday and one for Sunday. In 2000, the raffle models were Dun Smokin\’ (Cigar in dun pinto) and Show Boat (Morgan in glossy dapple grey). In 2001, the Breyerfest Dinner model was Atlantis Bey V(Huckleberry Bey mold in semigloss reddish chestnut), and the raffle models were Silver Fox (Five Gaiter in silver dapple) and Siren (Cedarfarm Wixom in glossy red bay). In 2002, the Breyerfest Dinner model was Inolvidable (Peruvian Paso in glossy mahogany bay), and the raffle models were Gold Rush (Huckleberry Bey in palomino) and St. Louis Blues (Iron Metal Chief in blue roan pinto). In 2003, the Breyerfest Dinner model was Gladwin\’s Lucky Grey Lady (Clydesdale Mare in glossy white/grey shadings), and the raffle models were Gunsmoke (American Saddlebred in shaded dark bay pinto), Saturday Night Fever (Proud Arabia Stallion in glossy silver filigree) and Born to Run (Proud Arabian Foal in glossy silver filigree). In 2004, the Breyerfest Dinner model was Nobel II (Andalusian Mold in light dapple grey), and the raffle models were Fiero (Fighting Stallion in shaded red dun) and El Corazon (Spirit in blue roan pinto). In 2005, the Breyerfest Dinner model was Fire Magic (Fresian mold in bay), and the raffle models were Labyrinth (Goffert Fresian mold in black Leopard Appaloosa) and Merlin (the American Saddlebred with wings). In 2006, the Breyerfest Dinner model was Tommie Turvey\’s Joker (Smart Chic Olena mold in mahogany bay paint), and the raffle models were Windswept (Ruffian in palomino appaloosa) and Tempestuous (Silver in grey paint).
Showing Breyer® Models
Believe it or not, there are horse shows just for model horses. There are live shows and photo shows.
Live Model Horse Shows
Live model horse shows are actual events with judges and showers. Typically, showers pay a fee which allows them to show so many model horses, say 30 to 40. The model horse shower brings his/her models to the show and sets them up on a reserved table, which is usually included in the cost of the show. There are “show rings” or tables set up for the actual model horse class. When a class is called, the showers bring up their models and place them on the table. The models are then judged by the model horse judge. Most shows have ribbons, just like a horse show with live horses, and contestants are awarded ribbons in each class. There are usually championship classes at the end of the show as well. The model horses are judged as if they were real horses, looking at color and conformation, as well as tack and accessories.
Often, classes will be divided into halter and performance. For halter classes, the shower places the model on the table, but halters are not necessarily required. For performance classes, the shower must have the model in appropriate tack. Trail classes are particularly interesting as additional props are required.
Model showers may show original finish models or customized models. Original finish models are model horses that have not been touched up with paint, repainted, or re-sculpted. They are presented as they come from the factory. Customized model horses are those that have been repainted, and possibly even re-sculpted by changing head or leg positions, adding muscling to the body, etc. They are also repainted by the artist.
The North American Nationals (NAN) is a national championship live show that is held every year and is hosted by the North American Model Horse Shows Association (NAMHSA). This is the world's largest model horse show, usually with more than 200 entrants from around the world. The NAN show is held Lexington, Kentucky (usually the same week as Breyerfest, just prior to Breyerfest) in odd-numbered years and in a variable alternate location, in even-numbered years. A model horse must receive a first or second place in a NAMHSA aprpoved open class at a NAMHSA membre show in order to qualify for NAN. This qualification allows a horse to enter one of the next two NAN shows.
Photo Model Horse Shows
Photo shows have classes like live shows, but instead of an actual event, the entrants send their photos to a “show holder” who judges or has someone else judge them. They are judged as if they were real horses.
Customizing Breyer® Models
There are many artists who repaint Breyer model horses. Sometimes, the model is sanded and painted as it is, with no changes in the mold itself. Other times, customizers will “reshape” a mold, perhaps bending a leg or head, or they may completely change the model into a different gait. Sometimes the manes and tails may be taken off by the customizer and replaced with mohair.
Breyer® Model Horse Tack and Accessories
Breyer makes saddles and bridles for their models. Recently, they also introduced a Horse Trailer and Dually Pick Up Truck appropriate for traditional sized models. Many artists and collectors make saddles, halters, harnesses, bridles, and props for Breyer model horses.
Breyer® Traditional Model Horses
I will be adding descriptions and information about each of the Breyer molds beginning in 2007. I am not sure how long this will take, so be patient, but I will keep at it until it is finished.
Breyer® Traditional Horse Model Action Stock Horse Foal
The Action Stock Horse mold was originally released in 1984. Initially, there were three regular run release models available in 1984. The first was #236 Chestnut Action Stock Horse Foal, which was discontinued in 1986. This model is a red sorrel or red chestnut. The second was #237 Action American Paint Horse Foal, which is a red bay paint. This model was discontinued in 1988. The third regular run model was #238 Action American Appaloosa Stock Horse Foal, which was a grey blanket appaloosa with black, mane, and tail, and black legs. This model was discontinued in 1988. This mold was released in a buckskin color #225 Action American Buckskin Stock Horse Foal in 1987, and was discontinued in 1988. The Action Appaloosa Foal, #810, was released in 1989 and discontinued in 1993. This model was a red leopard appaloosa, with reddish chestnut mane and tail. Sunny, #891 Sunny was prduced from 1994 to 1995. This model was a dun color with grey points, a dorsal stripe, and socks that are more a creamy color rather than white. Cricket, #934, was made from 1995 to 1996. This model came in a chestnut color with socks on both right legs. In 1998, the action stock horse mold was used as a Collectors Edition and two colors were made: #724 Monka Tonga,which means Big Medicine, a palomino blanket appaloosa, and #725 Wakanda O Kie, which means Talks to the Gods, a buckskin blanket appaloosa. Both models had painted symbol markings and were produced only in 1988. From 1999 to 2001, #763 Appaloosa Foal was made. This model was a chestnut blanket appaloosa. A black leopard Appaloosa action stock horse foal, item #1169 Appaloosa Foal was produced from 2002 to 2004.
There have been several special run models released on the Action Stock Horse Foal mold. In 1984, a special run set called Collectible Stock Horse Family was sold through Sears catalog, which included a buckskin stock horse stallion, stock horse mare, and action stock horse foal. These models were very similar, if not indistinguisable, from the original regular run buckskin models. Also in 1984, JC Penney sold a Pinto Mare and Foal set which included the action stock horse foal in black pinto with a black pinto stock horse mare. This set was sold through the 1984 and 1985 JC Penney Christmas catalogs.
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