Collect Breyer Horses for a Galloping Good Time
Horse Models Provide the Whole Family with Enjoyable Fun
Oct 21, 2008
Breyer horses hearken back to a simpler time, when young girls played rodeo, ranch and riding school with their plastic toy horses. Model horses, those made by Breyer and other manufacturers, have delighted children since the 1950s, when Breyer, saddled with an abundance of eight-inch tall acetate plastic horse statues intended for a clock company that went bust, decided to market the plastic statues to Woolworth as a Christmas toy for children.
When Woolworth’s called and told the Breyer company executives that the toys were flying off the shelves, Breyer sensed something good, and produced several more horse models. Today, Breyer is owned by Reeves International, an international toy manufacturer, and produces hundreds of horse models in many scales for collectors and children alike.
Breyer Horses
Breyer horses range in height from about eight inches tall to the diminutive Mini Whinnies line of plastic ponies less than an inch tall. Today’s Breyers continue the company’s tradition of lovingly realistic horses, but also include toys, like plush stuffed horses and plastic horse play sets for children to enjoy.
Model horse collectors like to college original finish, abbreviated OF, Breyer horses, as well as customized Breyers. Artisans repaint, add hair, and even resculpt or reposition Breyer horses into new gaits or poses. The resulting works of art often fetch double, triple or more than the original $30 price tag of a Breyer horse.
Model Horse Collecting
Collectors worldwide enjoy collecting model horses. Some collect only Breyer horses, or similar manufacturers such as Peter Stone Model Horses, Hartland models or others. Other collect only one horse breed and focus on Arabian horses, Quarter Horses, Tennessee Walking Horses, or other popular breeds.
A new group of collectors acquires artist resin model horses. These works of art are original sculptures that are cast by the artist or a small manufacturing company such as Mountain View Studios. Companies like EquinArt Creations sell these highly limited collectibles. Once painted, they can fetch hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Model Horse Showing
For those who love horses but can’t afford to own or care for a horse, model horse shows provide collectors with an enjoyable way to meet others and demonstrate their knowledge of horses. Collectors gather at events called Live Shows and bring their treasures with them. Classes are held, and entrants are judged by how well their models reflect real horse show standards. Halter classes judge the beauty of the work, while performance classes focus on intricate dioramas including saddles, bridles, riders and accessories such as jumps, cattle and more. The astonishing variety of model horses and the imagination and skill represented by the hobby intrigues many a newcomer.
Photo shows provide enthusiasts with the ability to photograph their models and submit them online or through the mail for judging. Entries are again judged by real horse show criteria, including suitability of breed and performance classes.
Get Started in Model Horse Collecting
Getting started in model horse collecting is easy. Dust off the Breyers on the shelves and peruse the many hobby websites. Hobbyists communicate via bulletin boards, Yahoo message groups, and special clubs focused on shared interests, such as collecting vintage Breyer models, showing model horses, or painting model horses.
Breyer horses are extremely affordable, so getting started in collecting them is not only easy but affordable. Small, Breyer Stablemate models cost about $5, with used ones on eBay going for less than $5. The large Breyer Traditional size model horses usually sell for $30 and up. Used models may sell for less, but watch for condition issues. Horse show judges are sticklers for perfect condition in model horses, and chips, scratches or broken ears aren’t accepted in shows.
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