HISTORY OF BREYER HORSES AND MODEL COLLECTING

In 1950, a Chicago-based plastics manufacturing company called
the Breyer Molding
Company released its first model horse, the #57 Western Horse. The
western-dressed
model was designed for a mantelpiece clock, but their customer was unable to
cover the molding
expenses and Breyer retained the rights to the mold. The interest in the western
model horse was big
enough for production and next was born Breyer Animal Creations. They sold their
Breyer Model
Horses to individual Western Retail stores. In 1984, a New Jersey based company
called Reeves
International purchased Breyer Animal Creations...and now you know the rest of
the story!
Creating a model is very labor intensive. Initially, artists sculpt a clay
model, which is then used to produce steel molds.
The steel molds are expensive to produce, and are very fragile. Cellulose
acetate pellets are melted, and then injected
into the molds
under high pressure. Models are then cooled before they are assembled and
finished. Each model is painted
with airbrushes, with final touches
being done by hand. Finishing touches include "whites" of the eyes, pink
nostrils and
special markings. Approximately 20 different artisans handle each
individual Breyer® model from start to finish – a process,
which 54 years later, is still done by human hands, not machines. These finishing touches give each and every model horse its
own individual look and no two are exactly alike.
This model horse collecting has
been taken to many limits including model horse gathering.. The BreyerFest
which is held annually in
Kentucky and has grown tremendously in numbers each year. This is a gathering
of model horse enthusiasts learning more about horse
collecting, competing in model horse competitions and attending seminars about
how to make your own customized model horse. If you are
interested in attending the next BreyerFest, you may contact
BreyerFest@ReevesIntl.com or go
to
www.breyerhorses.com/breyerfest
Anyone who is a horse-lover
should consider a subscription to the one and only model horse magazine
available today.
"Just About Horses" is a publication by Reeves International which is published
bi-monthly. Once you subscribe to this publication,
you are automatically a member of the Breyer Collector Club. Along with the
arrival of the bi-monthly magazine, you will also
receive a membership card and a fun bumper sticker to show the world you are a
Breyer model horse enthusiast! Other special
membership benefits include exclusive model offers and special travel benefits.
Joining is very easy...all you have to do is go to
the Breyer site and download the membership card, fill out the information, and
mail to Reeves International.
http://www.breyerhorses.com/jah/jah_collectorclub.php
We found a website that was very
helpful and information towards the Model Horse Hobbiest. Visit
www.ModelHorseGuide.com to learn
how to
apply a mohair mane and tail on your Breyer Horse, how to repaint and customize
any of your model horses including Breyer, Grand Champion,
Stone Horses, and more! It features a glossary of abbreviations for the new
model horse hobbiests, where to buy model horses, Model Horses
for sale (new and used), Articles, Breyer Identification, and even a page on
where to buy Breyer Horses.
INTRODUCING THE
BREYER MODEL HORSE COLLECTION
Breyer® manufactures and ships approximately 5 million model horses each year,
not including Special Editions and tack and accessories. Breyer brings
approximately 300 unique horses, animals and model horse accessories to the
market every year. Created in five unique sizes and packaged into seven
distinct lines from the upper line Breyer® Gallery of porcelains and resins to
the cuddliest Plush ponies, Breyer® is best known for the realism and
authenticity of its model horses.
Breyer
TRADITIONAL™
The world’s ‘most asked for' horses since 1950! Hand-painted and accurately
detailed – no two are exactly alike - Breyer®’s Traditional line brings the
world of horses alive with the most authentic and realistic model horses
available today! Sculpted in 1:9 scale.
Breyer
CLASSICS™
Designed for authentic and imaginative play offering younger collectors
realistic horses and excellent collectibility, Classics™ are created with the
same care and devotion as Breyer®'s Traditional™ line! Sculpted in 1:12 scale.
Breyer
PADDOCK PALS™
Paddock Pals™ offer hours of imaginative play for the young horse enthusiast
with authentic breeds, removable saddles and bridles, play with riders in the latest
gear! You will be amazed and delighted by the accurate detail of every
accessory. Sculpted to 1:24 scale.
Breyer
PONIES™
Designed for the youngest horse enthusiast! Featuring more realistic horse
designs than other products for children aged 3-5 years, our Ponies have
authentic colors and highlights, brushable manes and tails, and very sweet
expressions! Best of all, they come with removable horse tack and equipment for
great play value! Approx. 1:12 scale.
Breyer
WIND DANCERS™
Wind Dancers™ . . . fun, spirited, and gossamer-winged, with brushable manes and
tails. Their wings flutter in the breeze as they float on the gentle
winds of the earth, bringing adventure and excitement to those who believe. Each
butterfly horse represents a different type of wind and comes in one of four
appealing pearl tones.
Breyer
STABLEMATES™
Stablemates™ are as beautifully detailed as our Traditional™ horses and offer
variety and lots of accessories. Fun to play with and collect for kids and
adults alike! Sculpted to 1:32 scale.
Breyer
MINI WHINNIES™
Mini Whinnies™ are totally fun micro-mini horses that come in easy-to-carry
packages and play sets so you can always have horsy fun wherever you go! With
three cool collections – Mares, Stallions, and Foals – and a stable full of
adventuresome play sets, you are bound to find your favorite breed and color.
Each Mini Whinnies collection comes packed in a cute heart-shaped vinyl bag.
Mares and stallions measure approximately 1 ½" tall and foals are approximately
1” tall.
Breyer
GALLERY™
Gallery creations are offered in resin, porcelain and bronze representing our
finest artists and the apex of the Breyer® creative process. Exquisitely
detailed sculptures in beautiful presentations for your fine art collection,
home or office décor and tack room display.
Breyer
SPECIAL RUNS
From the United States Equestrian Team Foundation to Tractor Supply Company, and
from Olympic equine athletes to equine film stars like Spirit, Breyer® has a
long history of providing a select group of retailers unique special run models
that are highly collectible. Usually limited in production, these models are
produced with the same high quality of those found in our other lines.
Breyer
BARNS
Crafted out of natural wood and equipped with many working parts, Breyer®'s
horse barns are authentically designed and easy to assemble. Scaled to fit Traditional-sized horses
but the smaller horses will fit into these barns for play value.
Breyer
TACK AND ACCESSORIES
Our high-quality accessories, from
grooming and cleaning tools to decorative items, are realistic in design and
detail and are based on similar items found in real horse barns. Fully
articulated rider dolls are 8” tall, beautifully crafted, and authentically
dressed. Scaled to fit Traditional-sized horses.
Breyer
PLUSH
Combining the quality of the most luxurious plush with the authenticity and
attention to detail that is Breyer®’s trademark, ours are the cutest, cuddliest
plush horses and ponies available today. With expressive faces, realistic horse
shapes and coats that feel wonderful to touch, you’ll want to fill your stable!
Breyer
PBR COLLECTION
One man. One bull. Eight seconds. 2000 lbs. of RAW FURY! Breyer®’s slamming PBR
Collection celebrates the heroes of the PBR with Collectibulls™, plush bulls and
more! Breyer® is an official licensee of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR).
Breyer
SEASONAL
Celebrate the seasons with all things equine from Breyer®. Holiday, Springtime
and Halloween horses are available on a seasonal basis! Keep watching! Who knows
what holiday we’ll decide to celebrate next!
Breyer
COMPANION ANIMALS™
Visit any barn, horse show or rodeo, and you'll find the animal companions that
keep horse people and their horses company! Breyer®'s Companion AnimalsTM are
adorable, accurately detailed, and scaled to accompany our Traditional™ line of
horses. Sculpted in 1:9 scale.
Breyer
NORTH AMERICAN WILDLIFE
True-to-life sculptures capture the untamed beauty of magnificent North American
wildlife found in many of our national parks and wildlife areas. Breyer®'s
wildlife collection is hand-finished and painted by Breyer®'s artisans.
Breyer
FARM & RANCH ANIMALS™
Pride, care and attention to detail goes into each farm animal produced by
Breyer®. Our farm animals are hand-painted and finished by Breyer®'s artisans.
Sculpted to 1:9 scale.
Breyer
ACTIVITY KITS
Develop a new skill! Paint, sculpt, or stitch with Breyer®'s craft kits that
stir the imagination, stimulate learning and awaken artistic expression.
Inspired by the artistic mediums (painting, sculpting and tack-making) practiced
by top artists in the model horse hobby, these kits are fun for collectors of
all ages. Easy-to-follow instructions and the finest artist quality materials
are included with each kit.
Breyer
GAMES
Puzzles and games to delight and challenge the young Breyer® collector!
Developed and manufactured by International Playthings, a company known for
their fine games and puzzles.