Breyer posted a hint about a new, upcoming club available to Collector Club members called the "Fairytale Friends" club. They didn't give any details at first, saying that they would update later with more information, and today they finally opened up the club. In order to hold your spot, you have to pay a deposit of $30 by June 30th, same as we did with the Stablemates Club. The Fairytale Friends club, however, will run mid year to mid year instead of December to December. That means that you will have to pay the Collector Club annual fee of $25 twice to stay in the club. Honestly, I wasn't sure where Breyer would be going with this club. I thought it might be possible that they'd offer horses of different sizes and that the club would be kind of expensive. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised how low cost this club is going to be. They are going to be offering twelve models a year, six times a year. This means that every other month you will get a stablemates sized unicorn and a matching Mini Whinnies unicorn (yes, Mini Whinnies lovers... Breyer finally made a club for your size!) every other month for $20 plus shipping. What's even better is that drawstring bags are back. Yes, you read that right! I can't tell you how happy that makes me because ever since Breyer has started putting the Stablemates Club models in little window boxes, I've been having a hard time selling horses that aren't in their little window boxes. Which makes no sense because most people take their horses out of their original boxes (I once read someone say they collect horses, not boxes) and all the SM CC boxes look the same. The background never changes. So to have the drawstring bags back where you don't have to worry about this makes it so much easier. Dazzle and Sparkle are going to be the first releases, in pearly pink and gold. It appears as though the unicorns are all going to have glittery manes and tails. A lot of people in the CC were ranting about this, but I think that Breyer had to add something extra to separate the club models from regular run unicorns, and personally I don't think it's all that bad. My only issue is that the unicorns, from what I've seen, don't appear to be in much different of coloring than the regular runs. They are also going to be on molds Breyer commonly uses for unicorns... the Alborozo and the Clydesdale, as well as the new Walking Thoroughbred and Warmblood Stallion mold that they've already released as paintable unicorns this year. Breyer is keeping the last two sets a secret. Maybe a gambler's choice? Maybe a new mold? Who knows? What is known is that those new Mini Whinnies unicorns are adorable and it's about time that they started adding new molds to their Mini Whinnies line!
So this just happened... Congratulations - You've been Selected for Teton! The America the Beautiful Series! Honestly though Breyer probably has been waiting for me to enter a lottery because in the years I've been a Collector Club member I've never entered a single lottery draw. Usually these models are far too expensive for me, but Teton was "only" $155 and, given her flashy coloring, I thought it worth the gamble. I will definitely do a post on this horse once I receive her! Teton is a part of the America the Beautiful series which, in my opinion, is probably the best series they've done yet. Teton is #11 and it really makes me wonder if they're going to end up making a horse for every state? All were made in quantities of 350 pieces but price tags were different for each model. I will go over the horses that they've released so far and add some later as they release them. #1 RainierThe highest mountain in the Cascades, Mount Rainier sits high above the booming city of Seattle, Washington. This ice-topped mountain is an actual active volcano area! Rainier's patchwork coat invokes the image of a snowy glacial mountaintop contrasted with dark volcanic rock. His sturdy draft build, ice blue eyes and silver horseshoes add to his beautiful detailing. He is marked Rainier 2017 on his belly in gold. Price: $175 My opinion: This horse is one of my favorites, and was definitely a good kickstart to the series! His $175 price tag though was a bit greedy, considering that he looks very similar to BF Bozeman in coloring. The Othello mold though is what sold this guy. #2 WailuaBeautiful Wailua captures the soft grey splash of the twin falls known as Wailua Falls on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. Wailua is also home to NouNou Mountains (also known as the Sleeping Giant) that divides the island, and the 20-mile long Wailua River. This striking Andalusian with soft dapples and dark points was inspired by the mists of this lush tropical paradise. His high gloss finish is a rare feature on the Legionario mold! Pad printed on the belly with Wailua 2017. Price: $165 My opinion: Not a fan of this mold. Way too small for the price. The dapple grey coloring is neat, as I'm a sucker for dapples, but his coloring looks similar to Crystal from the holiday mare and foal set. High gloss is probably what sold this guy the most. #3 AcadiaFar north in Maine, in Acadia Park, 45 miles of carriage roads wind through pristine forest. Many visit during the lush summer months, and thousands more arrive when the nights turn crisp, to witness the spectacular autumn colors that appear like magic in this classic New England park. As fall fades into deepest winter, on rare nights, you can gaze upon the Northern Lights. This bright, snappy Warmblood features a red chestnut coat with high white stockings, blaze, and a blue eye, that evokes the brilliant vibrance of this amazing national treasure! He is marked Acadia 2017 on his belly in gold. Price: $165 My opinion: I'm astounded at the fact that people will pay this much for a horse just because it's glossy and has blue eyes. The coloring isn't really that much prettier than a regular run. As with Rainier, I think the mold was the selling point for this one. #4 Zion and MoabIn southern Utah, there is a fantasy land of strange and wonderful places, winding slot canyons, towers of rocks that stand like sentinels of the desert. High sandstone cliffs ripple with color. Hot desert sun reflects off rocks, while cool canyons offer relief. These magnificent parks are a delight to hikers and adventurers from around the globe. This rich western landscape inspired Zion and Moab, a striking bay dun overo mare and foal. The gentle nuzzling mare and her newborn have distinctive dun striping, wild pinto patterns, and the baby sports blue eyes. The mare is marked with Zion and Moab on her belly in gold. Price: $195 My opinion: If I had the money, I would have bought these two, even though they look very similar to #1446, who were only $40 when they were released by the way. But... but... it's Susecion and Le Fire! #5 KaibabThe Kaibab National Forest is located in northern Arizona. Stretching 1.6 million acres, it borders both the north and south rims of the Grand Canyon. It features dramatic scenery such as evergreen forests, jagged and sparse plateaus, and places like the Sycamore Canyon Falls, where the cliffs plunge towards the river – changing color from an earthy brown-red to a silver grey. Kaibab’s silver dapple tobiano coat evokes the colors of the richly-hued rocks, and the rugged natural texture of the wind- and river-carved plateaus. He features detailed eyes, and has a high gloss finish that really highlights his gorgeous shading! His belly is marked with “Kaibab 2018.” Price: $185 My opinion: This one was rather unique. The coloring is very similar to this year's Vintage Club special run, Rockford. I'm not a fan of vintage molds though, despite how flashy it is. #6 GettysburgGettysburg National Military Park is located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In 1863, the park was the site of the Civil War's Battle of Gettysburg and President Abraham Lincoln's famed Gettysburg Address. The park today is home to approximately 1,328 monuments, markers and memorials, and the Gettysburg National Cemetery. The park's near 4,000 acres encompass everything from woodlands to open battlefields and farmland. Gettysburg's dark dapple grey coat pays homage to the many hues of grey present in Gettysburg National Military Park: from the stone monuments and memorials, to the iron artillery. His belly is marked with "Gettysburg 2018," and he comes with a clear base. Price: $175 My opinion: Another one I loved that I didn't have the money for at the time. Loved the mold and loved the steel dapple grey color. He looks like BF Indu, whom I also have. #7 RialtoThe third release in the 2018 series draws its inspiration from Washington's Olympic National Park. The park covers almost a million acres, and includes coastline, mountains, and rain forests. The ocean meets the coastal forest at Rialto Beach. Views are punctuated by the incredible sea stacks, which are large rocky formations that jut out of the water near the shore. Worn down by the waves and wind, they stand silent watch over the coast. Rialto's unique glossy leopard Appaloosa coat is a tribute to Rialto Beach. The beach is covered with round black basalt rocks, similar to Rialto's leopard spotting! Rialto comes with a clear base, and his belly is marked with "Rialto 2018." Price: $175 My opinion: I admit that Breyer doesn't make leopard appaloosas very often so this guy is unique in color. For his price though, just too much blank plastic and not enough color for my liking. A main reason why I don't collect leopard appaloosas. #8 SanibelThe J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located on Florida’s Sanibel Island. This barrier island is home to many migratory birds and mangrove trees. Encompassing over 6,000 acres, visitors to the refuge can see Roseate spoonbills year-round. These wading birds have a stunning pink coloring that intensifies as they age. Sanibel Island is also known for its incredible shell-covered beaches. Breyer’s Sanibel is a pearly dapple rose grey - a nod to the natural beauty found on the island. With his mane and tail blowing in the breeze, you can just imagine him prancing along the surf at sunset! Sanibel comes with a clear removable base, and his belly is marked “Sanibel 2018.” Price: $135 My opinion: I was very tempted to enter for this horse. I loved the pearly color, his price was right, the mold is an ok mold and I have fond memories of Florida beaches. Really regret now not trying my luck because I'll probably never see him at that price again. #9 Muir WoodsCalifornia’s Muir Woods National Monument was named after the esteemed naturalist John Muir, and is home to old growth redwood trees that range from 400-800 years old. Towering up to 250 feet high, they are a spectacular sight to behold as one meanders through the trails looping through the coastal forest, complete with views of the Pacific Ocean. Muir Woods’ dapple chestnut coat mimics the robust hues of the redwoods. With detailed eyes, rich shading and a high gloss finish, this stallion’s appeal is as mighty as the trees that inspired him! His belly features "Muir Woods" printed in gold. Price: $165 My opinion: This horse is just a big Fiero. That beautiful reddish brown color that looked great on Fiero looks kind of plain on this guy. #10 BandelierThe Bandelier National Monument encompasses over 33,000 acres of gorgeous New Mexico mesas, canyons, and remnants of the ancestral Pueblo people who once called this area home. A mix of breathtaking views and history, this area was named for the archaeologist and historian whose work helped to preserve this area. In a palette of colors inspired by this national monument’s landscape, Bandelier is a shaded dapple buckskin tobiano pinto. A Paso Fino, his breed’s roots trace back to the mounts of the Spanish conquistadors who once explored this area. He has detailed eyes and a high gloss finish, and features “Bandelier” printed in black on his belly. Price: $155 My opinion: Another that I was tempted to enter for. His price was decent, his color is absolutely beautiful (I'm a sucker for buckskins - especially buckskin pintos) but I didn't like the mold. If he was on a more modern mold, I probably would've tried for him. #11 TetonWyoming’s Grand Teton National Park is home to stunning alpine terrain and diverse wildlife than can be viewed from over 200 miles of trails. The park’s landscape is a striking composition of the Teton Mountains towering over the Wyoming grasslands. Grey in the summer and snowcapped in the winter, these granite mountains inspire feelings of awe and tranquility. Our warmblood mare Teton features detailed blue eyes, a high gloss finish, and has “Teton” printed on her belly in black. Her shaded grullo overo pinto coat mimics the incredible grey and white of the mountains found in Teton National Park. Price: $155 My opinion: Loved the mold, the color and the price. One thing I'd like to note about Teton is that her coloring is unlike that of any horse I've ever seen made by Breyer, which was the clincher for me entering for her. #12 LaFitteJean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve encompasses six different sites in southern Louisiana. With a mission of preserving the culture, history, and wildlife of the lower Mississippi River delta region, Lafitte is a destination for nature and history lovers alike. The park’s headquarters are located in New Orleans, where they also operate the French Quarter Visitors Center.
We could think of no better model to evoke the laid-back, old world feel of the Big Easy than the Old Timer! LaFitte is a shaded dapple flaxen chestnut sabino pinto with a high gloss finish, and has “LaFitte” printed on his belly in black. Price: $150 My opinion: This mold is admittedly one of the cuter vintage molds, but the coloring has been used so many times before - minus the slight roaning around the spots - that it made it an easy pass for me. I already have a Classics sized blonde chestnut in the form of Calvin. So today I put my name in to possibly get Teton, the latest lottery model through the Collector Club. Since I haven't wrote a post about Collector Club lottery models, nor have I explained to those who are not yet members of the CC (that's short for Collector Club) I decided to go ahead and clear it up. I know, I know. Long time coming, but since I entered for Teton I decided to go ahead and finally make a post about them. As I've already mentioned, lottery models are expensive. They typically run $165 up to $195 depending upon how much detail was put into the model. I've even seen some very limited models run in the $200s. The reason is simple... these models are limited, unlike most in the CC, and their value goes up the less that are made. They are also, at least in my opinion, more detailed. The more time an artist spends on a model, the higher its price will be. These logics make sense, and thus these models are highly collectible. These prices don't include shipping, by the way. Since they are limited, often to 350 pieces or less, demand definitely exceeds supply, so they have to choose random names from those who enter. Yes, you have a choice. Let me repeat that - you do NOT have to enter lottery draws if you're a member of the CC - they are optional. Breyer notes in the fine print before you enter that any extras of that model that aren't sold will be offered for sale to CC members. I, however, have only seen this happen a handful of times, and usually they're offered around the holidays. Hint, hint to those who are interested in purchasing these rare models. Don't spend all your Christmas money because Breyer often offers their best surplus special runs around that time of the year. There is no guarantee, however, of which ones they will have extras of. For those in the back who didn't hear, you do not have to purchase lottery models. There will be other models available for purchase throughout the year usually running $25 for stablemates, $35 for classics and $75 for traditional sizes (I'm sure the prices will increase after the posting of this article but as of right now that's where they stand) but the lottery models are most expensive. If you think the previous models are too high, I'd recommend not joining the CC, unless you want to join the Stablemate Club. There were a few pieces in the past that I would have loved to have but didn't have the money at the time. I would have loved to buy any of the Berries Ponies series, of which I will show below, because of their roan coloring. All of the Berries were limited to 350 pieces at $150 each. I was not a part of the CC at the time when the first few series came out: the Greek God, and the Celestial series (I was still collecting Breyers but not buying online yet - I was still stuck back in the JAH day) though I admit that there were a few I would have liked to own. My favorite Greek God was, of course, Poseidon because y'all know how much I love roans... and those blue eyes are to die for! To think that his price was only $150 for a limited run of only 230... can you imagine how much he'd be worth today? I also wouldn't mind owning Zeus with his metallic grullo coloring and lightning bolt pattern. Really how cool is that? The Goddesses: The Celestial series: The Big Cat series was around when I joined the club and, although a neat idea, they weren't really for me because I'm not big on decorators so I passed on them. They were only released once a year and all were released in quantities of only 275 pieces, unless stated otherwise. I believe that Breyer is done with the Big Cat series and it is going to be replaced by their new Wildlife Series. This one should be interesting, so if you like decos, you will probably like this one! The first release was of an okapi. It was $175 and limited to 300 pieces. This is what it looked like: Teton was from the "America the Beautiful" series, of which I will be doing a post on all by itself. I was tempted to buy Sanibel pictured above because of his $135 price tag, but I decided against it because of his somewhat plain coloring. I also considered Bandelier, also a part of the series, but I wasn't fond of the mold so I passed on him. It really did ache me though when I saw how much better these models both were in real life than in the stock photos. I can't afford the second hand market prices even in my wildest dreams, nor can I afford more than one lottery model a year, so I was upset with myself that I let them slip.
That is until they released Teton. I love everything about her... her mold, the grullo overo coloring with the medicine hat markings, the leg barring, the blue eyes, the bi-colored mane and the fact that she's only $155 for all that! I even love her prudish name, which translates to "nipple" in French... lol. Silly Breyer :P I'm rather picky on my horses. I have to be, or else I'd be buying every Breyer on the market. I'm on a modest budget now that I'm an adult and can't make a 20 horse list for Christmas every year (I must have driven my parents batty!) so I've come to collect certain colors that I look for in my horses. Again, this is all opinion. I'm not here to start fights with anyone, and certainly can appreciate a "plain bay" in real life. I have one myself and I am honestly American Pharoah's number one fan. Honestly. I'm just more picky about models because they make a ton of bays in Breyer horses. Just an FYI these colors are in no particular order. Sometimes there have been horses on the colors below and I have still bypassed them either due to being out of my price range or on a mold I didn't like but these are the colors I tend to collect the most of. Dapple GreyThe "dapple" part is what I emphasis. I don't buy grey horses unless they're dappled. Shaded greys are too plain for me. Not all dappled greys make the cut either. The darker the better. BuckskinUnlike dapple greys, I will collect a buckskin whether it is dappled or not. I haven't come across a buckskin I didn't like unless it's on a mold I didn't like. DunI'm a sucker for red duns, although I will collect brown duns if they have the typical dorsal stripe and/or leg barring common in duns. My mustang Koda is a dun. He has the dorsal stripe but lacks the leg barring so as long as they have one or the other, I'm fine with it. Some of Breyer's previous duns look more like bays though because they lack the dorsal stripe and leg barring. A good example is Andante. RoanThis color, in my opinion, is not used enough in Breyers. I prefer the shaded roans over the ones with the freckles, as they look much more realistic, although I do collect both. It doesn't matter what color of roan, except fleabitten grey. The freckles aren't enough to make me pay that much for what is pretty much plain plastic. GrulloAs with all previous colors, there are limitations to grullos too. For example, I didn't like Glorioso. That shade of grullo looked more bay or brown than grullo. I prefer the greyish grullos over the browns. I will collect the brown grullo only if they have a nice pinto or appaloosa pattern. A couple good examples are Quill and Gideon. Silver Bay or ChestnutThe contrast of the dark coat with the starking light mane/tail was always eye candy for me. I was happy to add Celeste to my herd, and although Abdul and Treasured Moves weren't considered silver chestnuts, they still had a shocking light blonde mane/tail with a chocolate chestnut body. Both are permanent members of my collection. PalominoI'm probably the most picky on this color, of any of my favorites. As with grey horses, I only collect dappled palominos. I only like either golden yellow palominos or darker "sooty" palominos. I would love to add a cremello or perlino to my collection, although Breyer doesn't make many of those. Pintos/PaintsBreyer makes dozens of pinto patterns, there's no denying that, and there's also no denying that I'd be broke if I tried to collect them all. So, like with my favorite colors, there has to be some limitations. I prefer jagged or sketchy pintos over ones with clean, straight markings. I also don't like a ton of white on my horses. Good examples of pintos with too much white are Jake and Isadore Cruce. I will collect colors that aren't my favorite provided they are on a nice loud pinto pattern and a mold I like. Blue EyesAlthough not a body color, one thing that sells me on a horse no matter the body coloring is if it has blue eyes. It's a bonus if that horse is on a color I like, which is how I ended up winning Teton earlier in the year.
I wondered when Breyer was going to release their Classics sized gambler's choice, and they finally did today! His name is Lancelot and he was done on the Man o'War mold. Since I used to collect racehorses (my primary collection consisted of every racehorse Breyer ever produced) I ordered one. He was limited to one per collector club member. He came in either glossy golden palomino, semi leopard appaloosa or a blue decorator inspired by coastal waters with a conch shell star on his forehead. I'll update with which one I did end up getting. "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue! An old favorite gets three new exciting looks in this Collector Club exclusive gambler’s choice offering. You will randomly receive one of the following colorways on the beloved Classics Man O’ War model:
Update: Lancelot arrived today, and this is the one I ended up with: I can't tell you how thrilled I am to finally get the deco! In all four Classics sized gambler's choices, I've never received the deco until now. He's in perfect condition too... I couldn't find any blemishes anywhere. If I ever got the deco I'm glad it was this one because he reminds me a lot of Big Lex. It's very fitting for the mold that he's in.
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