Ok, y'all! Here's the news from the front. Breyerfest tickets are going to be available on February 1st at 1 PM EST. General admission (aka single day), online admission (aka if you're not going to be able to attend in person), online stablemates access, all access (aka 3 day in person) and VIP (aka if you want to choose your models) will all be availble on that day. VIP might sell out but the others usually don't sell out for a couple months, so if you're not able to purchase either GA, AA or online right away, I'm sure that you'll have plenty of time. VIP will be limited though. Since ticket information is a bit hard to find on Breyer's website, here is a breakdown of the ticket types and what you can purchase with each: *Online stablemates access - $25: -1 randomly selected stablemate (aka you can't choose your model) -limited access to virtual content all 3 days of Breyerfest -access to the store to purchase limited edition models *Online traditional access - $65: -1 celebration horse -ability to purchase 1 special run from a preference list -access to virtual content all 3 days of Breyerfest -access to the store to purchase limited edition models -ability to enter contests and shows *VIP (only available to in person attendees and limited to 2 per transaction) - $240: -1 celebration horse -1 complete set of the event stablemates -ability to choose your 2 special runs & 2 limited editions (yes you have to choose 2 of each... they will not let you purchase just 1 and you must be able to pay for the models when you buy your ticket) -complimentary exclusive swag box (usually has stickers, a water bottle, sunglasses, etc) -entry to Breyerfest all 3 days -access to Breyerfest store to purchase limited editions -ability to enter contests and shows -free parking to the KHP -access to online virtual content as well *All Access (only available to in person attendees) - $90: -1 celebration horse -can purchase up to 2 models per ticket -entry to Breyerfest all 3 days -access to Breyerfest store to purchase limited editions -ability to enter contests, workshops and shows -access to online virtual content as well *General admittion (only available to in person attendees) - $30: -1 event stablemate (they say randomly selected but they usually do let you pick at the park) -entry to Breyerfest all 3 days -access to Breyerfest store to purchase limited editions If you're planning on attending in person, I do have a page designed just for you... please see my Breyerfest Guide page if this is going to be your first year to help plan your getaway (I know, I sound like a travel sales person now but I really put this information out there to help everyone have the best time) so you know what there is to do at Breyerfest, as well as locally, to get the most out of Breyerfest weekend, although admittedly Breyerfest itself will take up a good majority of your time. There has been another change someone has noticed. Bravour 54 the celebration horse now has a ribbon, apparently that will be included with his model. I think it's a cute touch. I always love it when they added the wreath of flowers to racehorse models, or blankets such as the one with Jazzman in the regular run line. Just thought I'd give everyone a heads up to this small bit of information.
I will list all the upcoming Breyerfest special runs and limited editions here for those of you who want to keep updated. As far as what will be available for online ticket holders and what will not has yet to be announced, but it may possibly be like last year where online ticket holders will have the chance to purchase a random special run model selected by Breyer, or there was talk that they may do a preference list for the leftovers. It's all just rumors right now but it will be posted here once that information is verified. Special RunsFirst up is Speos. Who doesn't love a fiery red chestnut? This color looks superb on this mold, and it wouldn't surprise me if he's the matte/glossy split. Can you imagine how rich gloss would make him look? Drool! It sounds like this horse will only be available to in person ticket holders only, as they mention VIP and All Access ticket holders will get a chance to purchase, but not online ticket holders. I'm guessing they think that this guy is going to be the Stein of last year, the super popular model that will sell out. Named after the Turkish word for a specific type of covered wagon, Araba is the second special run revealed. It looks like Breyer is using all three Premier Club molds from last year as runs and not any unobtainables, unlike the Altynai mold, Fields of Heather, that was a raffle model the year after his Premier Club release. Araba is a gorgeous black sabino, and I may actually consider adding this mold to my herd after all on a colorway such as this even though I didn't favor the mold on its original color. This gal will be available to both in person attendees and online. The sneak peek Breyer revealed was a bit telling, as many guessed that it was Brighty's fur, and they were correct. Meet Peanutine the animal mold of Breyerfest 2023. While I don't personally collect Breyer's non-horse molds, including donkeys and mules, this little guy is probably the flashiest Breyer has made on this mold so far, and I'm looking forward to seeing him in person even I don't keep him for myself. He is only available to in person attendees. Say whaaaa? Tell me it isn't true! Breyer broke the tradition of never using a mare and foal set in back-to-back years, but here it is... Surrey and Axle on the Lady Phase mold! If they need to come home with you, they will be listed on my Breyerfest Pickups page. Here is the much anticipated decorator model, and it's a good one! This is Nemea who portrays a mural of a chariot racer with a Greek design in black and gold. Seeing Dejavu? If so, you're not alone! A similar model was made as a OOAK for Breyerfest some years back on the Marwari mold. Putting him on Altynai was a good choice since he has plenty of room being such a long boi for a mural. This guy will be priced slightly higher since Breyer doesn't make as many of the decos as the other special runs. Many folks online were shouting "where are the drafts?" at this point because, well, with having a driving theme it seems only fitting that they would throw a few gentle giants in there. In my opinion, the last two themes were so draft heavy that I was kind of expecting them to not use so many this year, but I couldn't see them using this theme without doing at least one. It finally came, in the form of Wells on the Shannondell mold in a lightly used silver dapple black color. Breyer seems to really be using the popular molds this year, as they've added another special run to the lineup on the fan favorite mold, Bristol, in the form of Jump & Drive (yes, that's the name of the model) who is a glossy sooty buckskin with blue eyes. I don't know about you, but I'm loving all these molds being used so far. We were assured by Breyer that this is the final special run, and again they chose yet another highly popular mold, and one of my personal favorites... Emma! I couldn't see them not use this gal for a driving theme, however I was slightly hoping she was the surprise. Oh, well. I have a few other guesses up my sleeve, of which I'll post about once Breyer completes their reveals. We'll be seeing her instead as Scurry who is a red bay tobiano. Will she "scurry" into your collection? Limited EditionsThe limited editions offered in the store at Breyerfest are almost always portrayed after real horses. First up for the limited runs is Via Lattea, an Italian trotting mare that was once a racehorse herself but is now a broodmare, passing on her unique genes that cause her foals to be born snowy white in color. Not surprisingly she is done on the Constantia mold. I cannot tell if she is pearly or just chalky matte but I'm sure we'll find out at Breyerfest! She will be available to all ticket holders, even online holders. I've been waiting for Breyer to do a blood bay on the Morgan Stallion - aka Troubadour - mold since, after all, bay is the most common color in Morgan horses. Well, HD Harkness will be that bay, and he is a limited edition for Breyerfest this year. He will be available to all ticket holders, including online, however as always if you'd prefer your model to be hand picked, feel free to order one from me. For some reason, I figured Othello would be used for this theme. Even though a heavy draft and not a light weight carriage horse, which is what you think of when you think of driving horses, this year had to have a draft included. 'Tis FVA Grand Design "Tilly" to fulfill that need as far as the limited editions go. She (yes, she bits for the first time on Othello) is a gorgeous bay sabino Drum Horse with a silvery mane and tail. The online exclusive limited edition is Studebaker. She is a beautiful palomino pinto on the Shagya Arabian mold. I will not be offering this one for sale since anyone can purchase her with an online ticket, even stablemate access, but she is $75 if you want her. We're going to see the return of the Fairfax mold with the limited edition Classics, Delft, who is designed to look like a vintage porcelain plate. The crystal for this year is Phaeton and is a miniature of Calliope. Unfortunately if you're a crystal collector, I do not sell these guys due to their fragility. However, if you want one, I highly suggest buying an online stablemate access ticket, as she will be available in the online store. The Best of Breyerfest series 4 has miniatures of one of my all time favorite Breyerfest events, Denim and Diamonds. They include mini mes of models Honky Tonk, Music Row, Opry, Minnie Pearl and Walk of Fame. I think all of these turned out amazing and I'm looking forward to adding them to my stablemate collection! Breyer went out with a bang, revealing this drop dead gorgeous bay varnish roan appaloosa Django named Buggy. Another need for my conga, I'll be looking to get this guy for my personal collection, but note that he is only available online therefore I won't be preselling this dude. Plushie collectors will be happy to see adorable little Sulky with his racing silks. These guys keep getting cuter and cuter. I was half tempted to purchase Strudel last year with his lederhosen, but I refrained. This year, I might cave. I love everything horse racing. If this year follows suit to all the other years, we should still have one more reveal before Breyerfest tickets go on sale on February 1st... the collectible single stablemate. Let's hope we see the reveal soon!
Attention Breyerfest pickup people: Those who inquired about Breyerfest pickups in the past few days (only those who have bought from me before and missed out on the original round of models) should have received an invoice for their chosen models. If you have not, please message me again, and I'll resend it. There was a slight delay, as I was waiting to see what everyone wanted and had to make sure nobody wanted too many of a certain model, however it seems like the models were so good this year that they were all well liked. Invoices are due by February 1st. If you change your mind, please contact me before paying that way I can cancel the invoice. Thank you!
Likewise, limited editions and event stablemates will only be available until February 1st. These are also available to online attendees, which is why I won't offer them any longer than that, however if you'd like them hand picked, be sure you don't miss out. My second round of special runs is still set to be posted on February 4th at 6 PM EST until sell out. Once this second round is gone, I won't be posting any more models until I see how many extras I end up with in July, and there will be no guarantees I'll have extras of all the models available. Last year I only had extras of Marzipan and Rapunzel. Attention previous Breyerfest customers: If you have purchased special runs from me in the past and did not get a chance to put in an order this year but would still like to purchase a special run from me, please email me with your top 2 choices (top 3 if Speos is on your top 2 since he's the one who seems to be most desired) and let me know if you'd wish to pay either with Paypal or credit card. I can send you an invoice to your email to pay a deposit for your top models. The prices on my store page will apply with the deposit due first followed by the rest later in late June/early July. The deposit that I send to you for your model(s) must be paid for within a week. If you only have one you wish to purchase, you can also do that, but you must purchase two in order to get the celebration model for free. You have until February 1st to send me your top choices before I open extras up to everyone on February 4th (previously announced as February 3rd but I had several people tell me they'd be at work then so I'll do it that Saturday instead).
All other possible Breyerfest customers: I plan on opening up a few more models on my Breyerfest pickup page on February 4th at 6 PM EST. Again, these will be available first come, first serve, and once they sell out, I will not have any more available until possibly July when I receive my ticket books to see how many extras I ended up with, but I will note that I only had less a few left over models last year, so your best bet is to hang around on February 4th to get the best choice of the models. Please only purchase one of each of the special runs, even if it gives you the option to purchase multiple quantity, however you can purchase as many of each special run as you can grab. I truly wish I could help everyone who can't go to Breyerfest, for whatever reason, get their models but in reality, I can only go into the horse park so many times myself due to the heat/humidity and about a mile walk to/from my car (usually I'm a mile out since I drive in the morning of Breyerfest so I don't get the best spots) so I'm doing the best I can. Surprise models won't be available until after the start of Breyerfest so you can select your color, and only if I end up with tickets for them. I don't put them too high on my preference list since I'm more interested in getting the models I need first, however I did get lucky and got four surprise tickets last year, so we'll see. Since we're winding down to the end of the month and there still hasn't been a bay horse shown in the sneak peek from last month's newsletter, I'm assuming that the bay was, in fact, a regular run, most likely the Arabian mare. It definitely wasn't the lottery model for the Collector Club, who turned out to be Flamingo, and whom was shown today: I can't tell y'all how much I need this gal in my life. She is a beautiful (possibly pearly?) rose grey on the Weathergirl mold, my second favorite Arabian mold next to Ashquar. She is, quite literally, his girlfriend in my personal opinion, just as Forever Saige is the girlfriend to Fireheart. I entered for her, however I haven't been picked for anything in two years now, so I'm not holding my breath. Not to help matters, they lowered the number of her to 500 pieces... I'm not sure if they made too many of the last lottery model, who was limited to 1,000 pieces, but I'm hoping more that this is a reflection of the current number of CC members for the new year. I know not everyone renewed their membership this year after so many flaws showed up on the specialty club models so it's possible the number of CC members went down a bit from people who feel like they don't need to rejoin the Collector Club if they don't join the specialty clubs.
Honestly though the Stablemate Club and Premier Club both had huge dips in resale value from the influx of Collector Club members the past couple years due to Breyer now offering the Deluxe membership, so sad to say but there needs to be less competition. I'm assuming that the Premier Club was probably reaching well into the thousands the past few years since it is unlimited and since the Vintage Club, which is usually less popular, is already up to 1,000 memberships. This year, I'm planning on possibly keeping all three of my Premier Club models. Due to still fixing up the new farm we bought last year, I didn't get the chance to purchase a second membership, however we'll see how things sit financially next year so that I can - hopefully - start offering Premier Club models on my website. The Vintage Club models could quite possibly show up on my website, however, since we have no idea what Breyer will have in store for us until they're released. Anyone seen the newest sneak peek on the Breyerfest blog? Surely looks like the deco this time, in a possibly Wedgewood blue filigree color. I'm not even going to try to guess the mold on this one so I'll just add whoever it is on Monday to my special runs post when the full reveal comes out. In the meantime, Breyer gave us some food for thought to keep us preoccupied until Monday with the name of the surprise horse. It is officially *dun dun dun dun* *round of applause* the... The most popular vote as to who it might be across the model horse hobby is Hamilton, and he was also originally my top three on my guess post from a few days ago. If you read that, I decided to take it down for now, as shortly after I posted it, Breyer showed the limited edition HD Harkness on the Morgan Stallion mold, a mold I toyed with on the post. I'll put it back up later with a more accurate speculation once all the molds for the special runs and limited editions have been shown.
Anyways, a little stagecoach history. Being more of a rider than a driver of horses myself, I'm learning a lot from this theme because I've never really known the types of vehicles that horses pulled. The stagecoach apparently, to put it in modern terms, was a bit like the Greyhound bus of today. Fancy, pricey, often hauling elite customers from place to place, sometimes really long distances. It was pulled by more than a team of horses, usually four or six horses at a time. They were also used to carry mail so you can even compare them to the UPS of today. Those of you who play Red Dead Redemption 2 have seen them being pulled by draft horses, and a quick Google search says the same... they were pulled by either Percherons or Shires. However, hobbyists and real horse people that are into driving disciplines disagree. They claim that stagecoaches needed fast, lighter framed horses that could cover distances in a shorter amount of time. Stock horses were the most popular, but apparently mustangs and racehorses could also fit the bill. I'll go more into this when I repost my surprise speculation, but guesses range from Wyatt to Ruffian to as far fetched as Old Timer (even though a vintage mold has never been used before... will we see that tradition broken this year as they did with back-to-back mare and foal releases?) but I have a pretty good idea of who we may see. Again, that'll be posted as soon as we see all of the Breyerfest releases before I spill the beans. Well, this is different. There were not only one, but TWO sneak peeks on the Breyerfest blog yesterday. I'm really surprised that they've broken the tradition of using a mare and foal every other year, because this year Lady Phase and the vintage Standing Stock Horse Foal will be making an appearance. Whether Breyer considers them to be the annual vintage mold, or whether they're just the mare and foal set has yet to be found out, but I'm excited for them nonetheless since Lady Phase is the only vintage mold I collect. Their picture is below the sneak peeks: Ok, while we're on the subject of Breyerfest, I've been getting flooded with questions after finding out that a big name dealer isn't doing pickups this year, so if you're new here I just want to say welcome! Hope you're here to stay! I also wanted to post an answer to a very popular question that I will NOT be doing a waitlist this year. I had one last year and people were upset that they didn't get pulled from it because they thought the waitlist was guaranteed, so to avoid confusion, I won't be doing a waitlist at all. Instead, any extras I get will be posted most likely in late June/early July once I receive my ticket books (provided they're doing things the same way this year) when I know how many extras of each model I was selected for, at an announced date/time. I will post exactly when I'll be posting extra models both on my blog and in an email to my subscribers, so keep a watch if you're looking for something specific.
I also wanted to mention that I'm doing the celebration horse a bit differently this year. If you don't want to purchase a special run from me, but do want the celebration model, you can purchase him in my store for only $35 plus shipping. However, if you purchase two or more special runs from me (NOT including limited editions or event stablemates) I will add a celebration model to your order for FREE provided you pay shipping cost. If you don't want the celebration horse, let me know and I won't add him to your total shipping calculated out in July, but if you do, then I'll just add the weight to your total before I ship your package. Usually it'll only up the price a few bucks, depending upon how far away you live from Kentucky. I thought this would be a nice gesture since you would get the celebration model with the purchase of two special run tickets anyways if you bought them from Breyer. We've had yet more reveals already this week - and it's only the beginning of the week - that I'm starting to become a bit overwhelmed with the blog posts. Ugh! Breyer! Anyways, before I get to the really good stuff, we have three regular run limited edition reveals. First up is the holiday 2023 horse Highlander who has a cute reindeer costume in a stunning silver buckskin color on the Cantering Warmblood mold. Next up is Spectre who is the 2023 Halloween horse. Done in an orange and purple with glow in the dark ghosts and bubbly spots (like coming out of a cauldron brew) this guy looks promising, and he's on Ashquar to boot! The spring flagship release is one that I think all of us are going to want. Mariposa and Flor are a mare and foal set done on two all time favorite molds. Considering the fact that I was not collecting yet during the original Susecion and Le Fire craze, these molds have been elusive to my collection except for the unicorn pair, Diadem and Alcor. It seems like most of the flagship stores are already holding them for customers so my chances of finding this set appear to be slim as well. Since they are in plain bay, I guess I won't be too upset if I can't track them down, as personally I would've preferred a flashier colorway. Could you imagine if they ever made Susecion into the surprise model for Breyerfest like they did with Giselle when they separated her from Gilen? Yikes! Now, for the reveal we've all been waiting for and who is the title of this post, is Speos the first Breyerfest special run of 2023 to be revealed. He is meant to portray an Egyptian chariot horse on the new Amazigh mold in a fiery chestnut color with a white blaze. I don't know what it is about solid chestnuts that I like so much, but I like him! That was quick. I wasn't expecting Breyer to reveal the special runs so quickly but since they did, I've posted the event stablemates to my Breyerfest Pickup page for pre-order as promised. Shipping for the stablemates this year is FREE whether you order just one or all four. I will post a limited number of the special runs the day they are revealed. If Breyer is still doing Breyerfest the same way they did last year, I may post more later, but definitely visit my blog daily if you're interested in purchasing Breyerfest models for pickup. I will be adding a post soon listing all of this year's special runs, as I do every year, and will update as more are released.
I got a call from most local dealer to let me know she got in eight Kendalls. Due to delays still happening with Breyer, she said she wasn't expecting them until after the first of the year. By the time I drove the 2 hours to get there, she had literally just sold out. It was my fault though, I didn't know for certain if I was going to be able to go so I told her don't bother holding her, not realizing how many people were on the waitlist. The dealer told me she'd hold one for me if she got any more in and also put me on the waitlist for Mariposa & Flor (whom I never in my wildest dream expect to get because... Susecion and Le Fire... enough said) but I think it's safe to say that Kendall might be one I have to let go of too, just like Flamingo. This year ain't starting out well for me in the model horse world, y'all. Before today, I haven't purchased a single model since the start of the year. I did receive a DAH from Peter Stone but it was technically paid for last year. Stone hasn't been releasing too much lately, probably in preparation for their pet themed Stone Bowl this year, so I went ahead and purchased a couple regular runs from the flagship dealer I went to in search for Kendall: Battlefield Angel and a couple Unicorn Crazy blind bags. While Battlefield Angel is simply beautiful, and a heavy mold at that, I was super excited for what I unwrapped in the blind bags... I can't even... the rainbow Croi! I have been searching high and low for her for a couple years now, so to finally have her to add to my chase collection was a huge accomplishment. While this added a little sunshine to my otherwise disappointing day, I still have yet one more chase model to track down for my chase collection to be complete - the blue filigree Prince Charming - and I may have to give in to buying him second hand, or going without. I mean... I'm about done with chases, y'all. I'm glad Breyer took that nonsense to the Mini Whinnies series for 2023 because the stablemates have me drove nuts.
In other news, I will start customizing again soon. I've been making a room in our new house just for painting and my personal collection so I'm looking forward to using it. Well, guys, I'm surprised Breyer has decided to reveal the event stablemates first this year, but here they are. They are an exciting lineup and Breyer did the unique thing of making their names out of traditional driving terms. First up is Navigator. The Navigator is the person who stands behind the driver in a four horse hitch and "nagivates" the course. Breyer portrayed their Navigator on the American Saddlebred mold in a glossy chestnut tobiano. The next model is Wheeler. He is the horse that is in the pulling position closest to the wheels of the wagon. Breyer's version of a wheeler is a glossy dapple bay Dartmoor Pony on the new Haflinger mold. The Teamster is the name of the driver of a wagon being pulled by a team of drafters. Breyer has portrayed the teamster as a pearly golden champagne on the lightly used Irish Draught mold. Last, but not least since we still have the traditionals yet to be revealed, is Whip, or the driver of a coach or carriage. Breyer chose the sassy Gypsy Vanner mold for this, in a stunning bay roan sabino. This is by far my favorite of all the stablemates!
If you're interested in adding one (or more) of these little guys to your collection but won't be able to attend Breyerfest in person, they will be posted on my Breyerfest Pickups page once the traditional models have been revealed. Stay tuned! |
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