If you’re like most horse lovers, you have at least one—but more likely many—Breyer model horses.
These beloved models are collected by people around the world, from young children to seniors and all ages in between.
The first model made by the Breyer Molding Company was the No. 57 Western Horse. First sold in 1950, it was originally part of a clock display. So many customers wanted to buy the model horse by itself that the company launched the Breyer Animal Creations brand of model horses and accessories.
In 1985, the Breyer Animal Creations brand was purchased by Reeves International, a well-known toy distributor. Breyer continues to be the company’s signature brand.
Real and Fictional
Through the decades, thousands of horses, both real and fictional, have become Breyer models.
“There are very few breeds not represented by Breyer over the years,” says Stephanie Macejko, vice president of marketing and product development for Breyer. “As early as the 1950s, we were making models sculpted in the likeness of the country’s most popular breeds, such as Arabians and Quarter Horses. If there’s a breed you love, chances are Breyer has represented it.”
Popular books introduced hero horses who became Breyer models. One of the earliest models was Fury, released in 1962. Black Beauty became a model in 1979.
The longest-running model in the Breyer lineup is Misty of Chincoteague, who has been in continuous production since 1972. Misty and her foal Stormy gained popularity thanks to Marguerite Henry’s book, Misty of Chincoteague, published in 1947.
Misty has gone through many variations over the years, with slight differences in her coat pattern and color. Today, you can find her packaged with her foal Stormy in the No. 1157 Misty and Stormy Gift Set.
Numerous real equine athletes have been made into models. Favorites include Triple Crown champion racehorse Secretariat, show jumping legend Snowman, dressage great Valegro, and many more.
Breyer models represent over 190 different breeds, including rare ones like the Ayyis Amazigh, Akhal-Teke, Norwegian Fjord, and Mangalarga Marchador.
“The most popular playset of all time is our Stablemates scale Red Stable Set, a kids’ and parents’ favorite since its introduction in 1998,” Stephanie says. “By far, the most popular model each year is our Holiday Horse, now in its 28th year. The 2024 Holiday Horse, Après Ski, is not to be missed.”
Different Sizes of Breyer Model Horses
Breyer creates collectible model horses in different sizes:
â—† Traditional Horses at 1:9 scale                   Â
â—† Freedom Series/Classics at 1:12 scale                    Â
â—† Stablemates at 1:32 scale
The company’s largest, most popular size is the standard Traditional model, also known as “Portrait” when it honors a particular real horse.
If you have questions about the scale, mold number, and model of a particular historic Breyer horse, www.identifyyourbreyer.com is a helpful website.
How Horses Are Chosen as Breyer Models
Fan mail, news stories, breed associations and suggestions from owners all contribute to the decision to make a horse into a model.
“One of the most special things about Breyer is the community of collectors and fans that we interact with on social media and at events such as BreyerFest,” says Stephanie. “We love the connection to our fans and often collaborate with freelance artists.
“Our internal teams are always conducting independent research, along with working with our contacts at various breed and discipline associations to locate talented horses who may have what it takes to become a Breyer portrait horse,” she adds.
Decisions are also based on models already in the lineup. For example, if Breyer is currently producing a palomino reining horse, the company will prioritize other colors, breeds, and disciplines.
The goal is to represent all facets of the equine world.
Manufacturing Breyer Model Horses
From the time a horse is chosen, it takes about one year for that model to hit the market.
Breyer works with 15 to 20 different artists all over the world. The first step is to make a clay sculpture of the horse based on photos, videos, and personal visits.
Using the original sculpture, a tooling pattern is completed. Then a 2,000-pound steel-injection molding tool is created. Liquid cellulose acetate is injected into this to form each model.
Every Breyer model is then hand-painted by airbrush artists, layering color to bring out the conformation and personality of the horse.
New models are released throughout the year. Since 1990, special models have been released every summer at BreyerFest, the annual horse fair and model horse festival celebrating all things Breyer.
The number of models made of a particular horse varies. Once a model is retired, no more are produced. In-demand models can sell for significant amounts after they’re out of production. Collectors often shop for these models online.
Get Involved
Throughout the year, Breyer offers a variety of events across the country. You can compete in model horse shows, photography contests, art contests and much more.
This year’s BreyerFest will take place July 11-13, and marks a special milestone: Breyer’s 75th anniversary. The event is both live at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky., and online through the live broadcast booth.
The Breyer website is packed with information about the latest models and what’s happening in the world of Breyer. Visit breyerhorses.com and Instagram @breyermodelhorsesofficial for BreyerFest news and all the latest updates!
This article about Breyer model horses appeared in the May/June 2024 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!
