All the hype with Stablemate collectors (and even Mini Whinnies if you're into that line) are over these so-called "chase" models that Breyer offers in blind bags. In all honesty these blind bags are a thorn in my side because if there is a certain model I like in the series, I have to either purchase it on the second hand market or go through every bag feeling the contents and hope I'm right in my selection. These "chase" models are even more hard-to-find since they only put one in each box. You could buy a whole box and end up with several duplicates but only one chase. Even tougher is that the Horse Crazy blind bags were released as Walmart exclusives, meaning you couldn't purchase them on Breyer's website. So when I found out that the Horse Crazy series 2 horses had been released, I went to three local Walmarts searching for them. Someone bought the entire box at one of the three. Most of the box was gone at the second one and the four that were left were not the chase model (yes I cheat... I feel the bags) but thankfully the third store had just received a new box. It didn't even look like anyone had the chance to rummage through it yet. I felt... and found the chase! I was happier walking out of checkout than my son with his new firetruck he talked me into. So I now have the chase models from both Horse Crazy series 1 and 2. I'm always happy to try to find limited edition models for my customers, as these have been asked about these "chasers" a lot, but I have to admit that they are incredibly elusive to find. I guess that's why they are called "chase" models. Anyways I currently have them both for sale on my eBay page for those that were interested but I have a feeling that they will go quickly. The stablemates blind bags started being produced by Breyer last year and seemed like they were testing the waters to see if they'd sell good. They originally released them as Mystery Horse Surprise blind bags with re-releases of horses past in addition to one new decorator model which collectors referred to as the "chase". The chaser from this series, a blue Arabian with black points, is pictured below. The Horse Crazy series 1 models contained five of the eight of the same horses as in the Mystery Horse Surprise, except they made an entire new chase model. This time the chase model was a greenish-gold Friesian with black points that I have pictured above. Horse Crazy series 2 included a completely new assortment of horses never made before, along with the Icelandic chaser (also pictured above) that was metallic pink with blue sheen and black points. They remade the Mystery Horse Surprise series for 2018 and, like the Horse Crazy series, they made completely new horses just for the blind bags. The horses included two Django models and the new cob model, both which were very much wanted by enthusiasts. One of the Djangos were the chaser model and came in gold florentine coloring, the other was a bay appaloosa. I ended up purchasing the Django appaloosa from eBay, as I didn't want to take a gamble buying from Breyer. If you're interested in the collecting all the stablemates blind bags, there is also the Spirit Riding Free collection. They made a series 1 and series 2 for those as well. The major difference between series 1 and series 2 is that there was a gold chaser model in every set with series 1. With series 2 on the other hand, they only put one chaser in every 4 boxes so your chances of finding the chase was even harder. Finally there is the newest Unicorn Surprise, due to be a mid year release later this year. This set was very much anticipated, as it included not one but TWO NEW MOLDS! One was the Magnolia mold and the other was the Alborozo mold. If you remember the Alborozo mold from the traditional series that was only made once for Breyerfest, then never again, you will be happy to learn that he will be remade in stablemates size! Not only that but, as with Django, Alborozo will be both a regular in the series as well as the chaser. So will there be more blind bags to come in 2019? Many collectors are hopeful.
You know when a horse wins the Triple Crown, that automatically sets him up to become a Breyer horse, and so it is with Justify. To be honest, I'm not thrilled with this mold. I'll probably get him just because I do try to collect the "big horses" of horse racing, but I was hoping he'd be on more of an action mold. He is also being released on stablemates size and as ornaments. The fourth in the Stablemates Club has been released today. Here is Raleigh, a glossy buckskin pinto American Saddlebred mare. Personally she isn't my cup of tea (she is pretty, no doubt, just not a breed I collect) so I won't be keeping her. She will be available on my eBay page. Dundee is the upcoming Premier Club model... and look at his adorable stablemate namesake! The stablemate in all honesty reminds me of a Lipizzan horse although the traditional version looks more like a stock horse. Either way, they are gorgeous. Around Breyerfest, Collector Club members were asked to vote on their favorite horse from the above models. His name is My Strongest Suit and he will most likely be a limited edition for 2019, or possibly even the Collector Club SR for fall 2018. I chose the buckskin but the grey seems to be most popular on the CC forums so I won't be surprised if that one is the winner next year. Verdades will be released around the World Equestrian Games so be on the look out for him if you collect dressage horses and/or the Salinero mold.
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