Breyerfest Stuff

I've been going through my Breyerfest stuff, and I decided to make a post about it.

The Map

I'm the map, I'm the map, I'm the map, I'm the map, I'm the MAP! Sorry, just had to get that out of my system.

The KYHP (Kentucky Horse Park) looks really big, and pretty confusing. Not to mention, I'm horrible at reading maps. Ah well, I'm sure I'll be able to deal.

Roxy

I can't wait to get my Roxy model! :D I've got two tickets, but I'm not sure if my dad wants the other one. If he doesn't, I may sell her, or just keep her. I think I'm gonna tell him to keep her...it'd be wonderful if he started his own collection!

I'm going to get her later in the weekend, probably on Saturday. I may go around lunch time to avoid the crowds.

Workshops

I'm going to two workshops this year! I'm not sure if I got in, but I sent my forms in several months ago, before the website said they were sold out.

I'm going to Sculpting 101 on Friday from 10:00-12:00, and Sculpting Manes and Tails on Friday from 12:30-2:30. I was going to sign up for pastelling, but it was already full. :(

Special Run Tickets

I've got two special run tickets. One for Friday 12:30-1:30pm, and the other for Saturday 9:30-10:30 pm.

I just found out that one of my workshops is at the same time! But, I think that if I hand my dad the money, show him pictures of the ones I want, and send him on his way, he may be able to get them for me. He can follow basic instructions. Well, I hope. (just kidding! Love you, dad!) I may swap tickets with someone, but that could be a little risky when it's over the internet.

My SR tickets are number 087 and 106. I sure hope that I'm near the front!

I really like having a Friday ticket, so that I'm one of the first groups to go in the store.

Here's how the SR ticket numbering system works:

Let's say that today is Friday, the 17th. I have ticket number 106 for 12:30pm-1:30pm. I (or my dad, rather) go to the store at 12:15, when a number will be drawn. Let's say that number is 289. Number 289 goes in first, followed by 290, all the way up to 350. Then, when they get to #350, ticket holder #1 goes in, and all the way up to #288.

Special Run Models

Not sure if you all have seen these or not. Anyway, here they are! I got these pictures from Breyer's website.

Cupcake, a honey bay pony on Newsworthy. I love this guy and hope to get him.

Buttercream, a Buckskin Sport Horse on Idocus. I love this guy as well, and hope to get him.

Party Time, Porcelain Shire, on the Fine Porcelain Shire sculpted by Kathleen Moody. If this guy is reasonably priced, he's coming home with me.

Cotton Candy, Pink Poodle. I honestly don't like this girl. However, I may get her as a memento since she's so, I don't know, unusual. I bet that she'll be worth a LOT after Breyerfest.

Sprinkles, the Appaloosa on Lady Phase, with a Swish Tail. I like her, but she might be too purply for my taste. I think I need to see her in person.

Gala, the transparent Tortuga 5-Gaiter. I love his coloring, and don't have any Tortugas yet!

Make a Wish, Arabian-Cross. I love her, but her mane looks a little funky. So far we haven't seen a real version of her, just pictures. Someone (I forgot who) said that the mane may just look that way on the prototype. I'm really not sure, though. On the website it used to say "Arabian," but palomino is NOT a verified color for Arabians, so Breyer probably changed that due to criticism. If I end up liking her mane, she shall be mine!

Surprise Quarter Horse Geldings. Here's the description in my JAH, 'What's a birthday without a few surprises? You won't know which of these three beautiful decos await until you unwrap your very own Breyerfest birthday present! And of course, there may be some extra special surprises thrown in!'

^^^Notice how decos is bolded. It really did say decos in my JAH. Sorry, but those are regular horse colors! Maybe Breyer got confused with the Funfetti models? Or maybe the "special surprise thrown in" is a deco. We'll have to wait and see! I don't think I'm going to get any of these guys, because I only want the chestnut tobiano (he looks EXACTLY like my dream horse). I may like the others' colors, but the QH mold looks chubby to me. I love bloaties and I love Chris Hess, but the mold just looks kind of cartoonish, in my opinion. I want to know what the surprises are!

Funfetti, Gambler's Choice Single Day Model. I'm a sucker for decos! I want to go to the SR store on Sunday and pick a couple of these cuties up, if there are any left.

Carrot Cake, Piece of Cake Contest Prize. I LOVE this guy, and would do anything for him! He's just too cute! However, you can't buy him, you have to win him. The piece of cake contest involves designing a cake topper using a stablemate or wind dancer model. Must fit in a 10 inch cube, and must be accompanied by a 3"x5" index card with the description on one side, and your name, age, city, and state on the other. One entry per person. Carrot Cake will be presented to the winner of each category--ages under 10, 10-14, 15-19, and 20 and older. I surely hope that no one will lie about their age. Submissions will be accepted Friday, July 17 from 9:30am-5:00pm and Saturday, July 18 from 9:00am- noon at the display across from the Breyer Booth. The winners will be on display until 5:00 on Saturday at the Grand Pavilion prior to the auction. Winners must be at the Auction Preview Birthday Party to win.

Red Velvet is the Breyerfest 2009 Saturday Raffle model. He's a beautiful apricot dun pinto on the Andalusian Stallion mold. I'll definitely be buying lots of tickets for this guy! What eye candy!

Tiramisu is the Breyerfest 2009 Sunday Raffle. She's got a gorgeous metallic coat that looks like a sooty palomino's. She's got lovely dapples and a factory custom tail. I'm gonna buy lots of raffle tickets for her, too!

You're probably wondering how I plan on getting so many plastic ponies, when I can only buy four with my two special run tickets. On Sunday (I forgot what time) you can go back to the store and buy left overs without needing tickets.

The Silent Auction

The Silent Auction looks incredibly fun, and somewhat intimidating to a first time goer like me. It features custom models and other equine items that are one of a kind. Here are some pictures that were featured on Breyer's website:

A custom by Billie Campbell called Night at the Rox on Roxy. I love this girl, and will definitely be bidding on her!

Newton Dawn by Karen Gerhardt. I love her! However, I'm really not a big fan of the Giselle mold, so will probably not be bidding on her.

Tommie Turvey donated a bridle worn by Poker Joe during his comedy routine. Boy oh boy, do I want to bid on this item! I'm sure it will go for a very high price. Talk about a souvenir!

Guest Horses and Entertainers

Looks like this year we are in for a treat! Here are some pictures of the entertainers/horses and the models that are based off of them.

Pictures from breyerhorses.com

Stacy Westfall and Roxy, of course!

Tommie Turvey and Poker Joe! (Poker Joe is a regular run Breyer)

Lizzy Traband and Toby!

Of course, Kuchi!

Sheik af Hallundbaek!

Yep, Bluegrass Bandit is coming Back!

Bold's Obsession, aka Heart!

http://identifyyourbreyer.com/images/700497.jpg

^^The model of Heart's uncle, Bold Reflection

Templeton Thompson, a famous singer and songwriter, is premiering her new music video at Breyerfest! The song, Girls and Horses, is sure to be a hit at this horse loving festival! There will also be a portrait model of Templeton's horse, Jane, available in the silent auction. In the picture below, Templeton is on Jane.

The Saddle Club Cast

The Saddle Club cast will launch their first ever CD, Best Friends, at Breyerfest! You will be able to meet them and get their autographs at the Craft Activity Center, and will entertain every day at the covered arena.

Hannah Montana's horse, Blue Jean, is going to be at Breyerfest! You won't want to miss him!

Not to mention, many people on Breyer's staff will be teaching workshops!

Stuff You Might Want to Bring

~Comfortable Shoes...you'll be doing a lot of walking!

~Several notepads for taking notes at workshops and seminars, and for writing down room numbers, prices, etc., at the HIN

~A Camera

~Of course, your Roxy, SR, etc. tickets!

~Your Breyerfest buttons

~Previous JAHs with information

~Your KYHP map

~Another suitcase, or be prepared to buy another one (for transporting ponies home!)

~Packing material, or be prepared to buy a lot

~A Water Bottle

~A schedule of what to do and when

~A map of the HIN (I hear that if you ask the front desk nicely, they'll give you a map of the confusing layout)

~A list of the models you are looking for, and the prices and condition you want

~A windshield cover to keep horses in your car from getting too hot

~Of course, money!

Ethereal Series Complete!

Yep, it's complete! Now there is Earth, Wind, Fire, AND Water.

Here's a little about each...

Earth

The first in the Ethereal Series, Earth was designed to represent the wild and natural Earth. He's a lovely dappled bay tobiano pinto on the Conquistador mold. At Breyerwest 2009, 4 were made glossy as Live Show prizes.

Earth is still available on Breyer's website for $75.

Here is a matte version of Earth, found on Breyer's website.

Wind

Many were disappointed in Wind--myself included. In the promo picture, Wind has a lovely little snip and loads of shading and dapples. In person, however, most of the Winds were quite bland, and missing that cute little snip I love so much. Also on the Conquistador mold, Wind is the second horse in this series. Several were made glossy for Breyerwest 2009, as well.

Wind is also available on Breyer's website for $75.

In Breyer's picture, Wind looks fabulous.

Fire

Ethereal Fire is my favorite of the series. The paint job is amazing, and in my opinion, he very well represents Fire. He's a lovely apricot dun leopard Appaloosa with a large blaze and hind stockings. Fire has got GORGEOUS haloing, and there is so much detail. The one critique I have is that his hooves look like they were painted by three year olds.

I'm guessing that Breyer is going to make a glossy version as a show prize at Breyerfest.

Wind is also available on Breyer's website for $75

Wind is my favorite Ethereal horse. Kudos, Breyer!

Water

Many of you have not seen Water. Water was previewed at Breyerwest 2009, and is a dark dappled grey. To me, the dapples are cheesy and make him look polka-dotted. Pictures to come later.

I'm assuming that Breyer will at some point make a glossy version.

Even Plastic Ponies Need to Breathe!

Yep! It's true. As absurd as it sounds, Breyer horses and other similar brands of plastic horses need air holes to keep them from bloating.

What Causes them to Bloat?

If models don't have an air hole and are in a place with a high temperature, the air inside gets hot and is trapped, causing the model to expand.

How can you tell if Your Model has an Air Hole?

It's actually quite simple, once you know where to look. Air holes are most commonly found on the corner of the lip, in a nostril, or under the tail. Many Old Timers have the air hole by one of their blinders (eye forgot which eye! Sorry!).

In this picture you can see the air hole in Cloud's nostril

The air hole at the corner of my Sierra Blanco's mouth

The air hole at the corner of my Red Rum's mouth

What should You do if a Model of Yours doesn't have an Air Hole?

Unless you want a bloated horse, I recommend you poke a hole on him somewhere with a small tool.

The Twisted Hobby

Many people, myself included, love what we affectionately know as "bloaties." I know a lot of collectors that will buy any bloaty they see, or that will even make their own!

How can you make a bloaty?

It's quite simple. Plug up his air hole with non-drying clay or other similar substance, and put him in the trunk of a car during hot weather, in a really warm room, outside in direct sunlight, etc.

Lesson Learned!

A good friend of mine, Jenn (see below pics), tried to make a bloaty by putting him in the oven! She couldn't find an air hole (she later found one under his tail), so just decided to put him in the oven and see what would happened. Well, what a mistake! Instead of bloating, the horse started boiling, and looked anorexic!

Here are pictures of what he now looks like, for your amusement.

Air hole pics by me, anorexic boiling horse pics by Jenn (aka lonesomeglorylover from Model Horse Blab)

Tortuga Coloring

What is Tortuga Coloring?

Tortuga coloring is a transparent, colored plastic, with different shades throughout. They look almost like blown glass!

Where does the name come from?

The November/December 2004 JAH Connoisseur model was named Tortuga. Tortuga was on the Andalusian stallion mold, and was a red tortoise shell color.

What horses have been made like Tortuga?

Well, of course, Tortuga has been made in this coloring. Also Tortuga Del Mar and Gala.

Tortuga, the November/December 2004 JAH Connoisseur.

Tortuga Del Mar, a 2005 Breyerfest Auction Piece on the Andalusian Stallion mold. He is a green Tortuga. The winning bid was $1,800. Pictures to come later.

Gala is blue Tortuga on the 5-Gaiter mold. He is a Breyerfest 2009 Special Run. I hope to buy him at Breyerfest. If I do, I'll be sure to post pics! :D

pictures by Breyer

Mid-Year Releases!

Breyer has 4 new mid-year releases! On the website I have listed below each, it says that they will be in stock in early July. Probably around the time of Breyerfest.

#1364 Sergeant, Fall Collector's Choice

Sergeant is a beautiful dappled grey on the Brown Sunshine mold. He won the 2009 Fall Collector's Choice voting. Here's a picture and some more information on him:

http://www.geddiestoys.com/1sefa20coch.html

#1362 Fun with Model Horses Set

A lovely dappled grey on the Flash mold, this set is the perfect introduction to the model horse hobby! The set includes a red halter, a soft travel bag, and a guide about the hobby.

http://www.geddiestoys.com/1funwimohose.html

#1345 Secretariat

Another Secretariat model! This time on the Smarty Jone's mold. Secretariat was the first horse to run the Kentucky Derby in under 2:00 minutes, won the Preakness with ease, and won the Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths!

I think that Breyer made another version of Secretariat because there hasn't been a Triple Crown Winner since 1978, but I'm not sure.

http://www.geddiestoys.com/1secoso.html

#1157 Misty and Stormy Set with Book

Yet again, there is a new Misty and Stormy set. I'm not exactly sure what the difference is. Probably just slightly different shading. I feel bad for people that conga Misty and/or Stormy! http://www.geddiestoys.com/1mistsetwibo.html

pictures by Geddie's Toys

Other Cool Colors

Besides decorator colors, there are also many other unusual colors found on Breyers.

Old Style Red Roan

Old Style red roan is a light reddish orange color with a dark mane and tail, and darker spots. Pictures to come later. Several examples are Strawberry Fields on Silver, red roan running stallion, and the 1977-1980 Test Run on the Fighting Stallion Mold. Pictures to come later.

Scenery/Fantasy

Fairly recently, Breyer has been producing quite a lot of models with pictures on them. Pictures to come later. Some of these models include Romance on Huckleberry Bey, and Stardust on the Running Stallion.

Hidden Pictures

Model horses with hidden pictures are among my favorites. Pictures to come later. Some models with hidden pictures include Phantasma on Smarty Jones, Masquerade on the Missouri Fox Trotter, and Nosferatu on Cigar.

This guy is a test on the Pacer mold, hand painted by Kathleen Moody. His name is Picasso I

Other Unrealistic Colors

Some models are just made other colors, such as pink, purple, blue or something else. Here are some examples:

A Huck Test:

A Legionario Test:

Mirror Image:

Photos by Breyer. Mirror Image photo by me.