Breyer went to new lengths to put together the best BreyerFest program we can offer for all of our loyal customers this summer. From the entertainers to the new and exciting Breyer products that will be for sale, Breyer went above and beyond for this special 20^th Anniversary celebration. Every year we try to top the year before to ensure smiles on everyone’s faces and we are certain that we accomplished that this year. We have a number of interesting products for sale that range from top of the line picture frames to travel mugs. We hope you will enjoy them!

Products for Sale:

            Stainless Steel Picture Frame

            Metal Display Easel with Three Mini-Frames

            Carbineer Water Bottle

            Mini Personal Fan

            Coffee Mug

If this is something you want to learn more about or are interested in purchasing your very own memory pot visit her website at www.horsehairmemorypots.com. We hope to see you at BreyerFest!

Kuchi

There is a fairy tale quality to Gypsy Vanner horses that people find enchanting. Their long manes and feathered legs, the light and bouncing quality of their gaits and their soulful eyes speak volumes of a time when these horses lived side-by-side with the gypsies that roamed the British Isles in colorful caravans. Bill and Wendy Ricci’s Kuchi, a spectacular 10-year-old Gypsy Vanner mare, is a stunning example of this rare breed. She is the first Gypsy Vanner horse ever born in the United States and she will be joining us at BreyerFest in July.

When the Riccis first saw Kuchi as a three-year-old in 2002, they immediately recognized her quality. “I knew we had something special in Kuchi the minute we saw her,” said Bill Ricci, who now owns the striking Gypsy Vanner mare with his wife.  “All I could say was ‘wow’.  It was her look, conformation, personality and presence.”

But Kuchi was owned at the time by U.S. Gypsy Vanner Society founders Dennis and Cindy Thompson who discovered the breed in the UK and were the first to import 16 Vanners to the US in 1996. Kuchi’s dam Bat was among that first group. “For the first two years we called her Baby Bat, because it took Cindy that long to come up with the perfect name,” recalled Thompson. “She found out there was a Gypsy tribe from Afghanistan that loved color and structural correctness and was also famous for a dance they did, the Hoochi Kuchi. It was a perfect fit because Kuchi has brilliant color, is structurally correct and dances when she walks.” 

Thompson agreed to sell Kuchi to the Riccis after his wife passed away, but he reserved two of Kuchi’s embryos to continue the bloodline. Because she is showing and in training, Kuchi has only given birth to one of her eight foals. The others were born via embryo transfer, a technology that is becoming more common with show horses.

So far, Kuchi has proven she can do it all. She’s been ridden Western in the Extreme Cowboy Challenge. She then went on to win the Wind Spirit Challenge at the first Horse Capital Expo in Ocala, Florida, a timed event that had her competing against horses of a variety of breeds. She is currently in dressage training and is doing quite well. And that doesn’t count her career as the super-model of Gypsy Vanners! Her image graces numerous calendars and books and now she is a Breyer portrait model!

BreyerFest guests will have the rare opportunity to meet Kuchi and her owner. Kuchi would love to see you!  

Darlene Geiser and Heart's Uncle

Ever wonder how police horses remain calm under gun fire or while controlling a raucous crowd? Guests at BreyerFest will have the rare opportunity to learn first hand when they meet police Sergeant Darlene Geiser and Bold’s Obsession. Geiser and Bold’s Obsession will demonstrate the many skills police horses learn to behave effectively and safely in the often tumultuous work day of an equine law enforcement officer.

Geiser, who first performed at BreyerFest in 1997, is making a return appearance this summer. She will be performing with Bold’s Obsession, better known as “Heart,” but her first appearance was with Heart’s uncle Bold Reflection. Heart’s stellar demonstrations and training clinics have made him a popular performer, following in the footsteps of his famous uncle. Heart has set the example for police horse training. He is able to show the officers where they should be with their mounts as well as lead the horses through their training. Heart isn’t only a performer, he is kind enough to tolerate children pulling his tail and wheelchairs moving under his nose.  Police mounts must also stand still when being hit with unexpected objects and Heart is calm when firecrackers explode and balls fly through the air.  

Heart’s uncle, Bold’s Reflection, nicknamed Bold, passed on his sweet temperament and enthusiasm to work to his nephew. Heart and Bold spent a few months together before Bold passed away, but these months proved to be very valuable to Heart. How better to learn the ropes of police training than from Heart’s mentor, Uncle Bold. Together, Bold and Geiser taught Heart how to be a leader to other police horses.

Geiser and her husband, Terry, have retired from the Florida police department but still teach mounted police officers at the local, state and federal levels. The Geisers have also taught the U.S. Marine Color Guard.

At BreyerFest, Heart and Geiser will demonstrate some of the desensitizing exercises that made him famous and that are invaluable training exercises that are beneficial to all horses no matter what their “work” might be.  Don’t miss them!

By combining her passion for horses with her love of writing, author Annie Wedekind has written two wonderful books that seem destined to earn her a place next to such revered authors as Marguerite Henry and Anna Sewell. Wild Blue and Little Prince, her introductory novels from Feiwel and Friends’ new Breyer Horse Collection series, tell heartfelt horse stories from the horse’s perspective.  And this July, the Louisville native returns to Bluegrass Country to introduce her novels at BreyerFest!

Wild Blue is the story of a mustang Appaloosa named Blue whose quest to remain free in the wild takes her closer than she ever wanted to mankind and modernity. ‘Phin,’ the hero of Little Prince, has a different journey. When the pampered show pony is ‘retired’ to a farm far from the posh city life he’s grown accustomed to, he learns the true meaning of home and friendship. Both books are available now so get your copy today!

Wedekind grew up riding horses in Louisville, Ky.  Since then, she’s been in the saddle in every place she’s lived, from Providence to New Orleans, and from South Africa to Brooklyn. She still loves horses and rides at every opportunity.  “I can’t wait to attend BreyerFest,” said Wedekind. “I named my first Breyer model Sunshine and he has been with me everywhere I’ve ever lived!  To be able to introduce my books to people who love horses and Breyer models as much as I do, will be a truly memorable experience.”

At BreyerFest, Annie will be reading from her novels and will sign copies of her books in the Craft Activity Center every day. 

Templeton Thompson and Jane

Her Texas charm and stunning smile are infectious and within minutes of meeting Templeton Thompson, you’ll be lifelong friends.  She is quick to say that she is working her dream job, combining her passion for music with her love of horses to become an accomplished singer/songwriter.

Templeton has written songs for country superstars like Reba McEntire, Jo Dee Messina and Little Texas.  Her song, “Settle Down Cinderella” is even featured in the movie Dr. Doolittle 3.  She has recorded three CDs of her own and has performed for audiences across the US, in Europe and in Japan - often from the back of a horse!

Speaking of horses, Templeton has two horses of her very own - Jane (registered as Elle Bar Conclusion) and Jane’s half-brother Beau.  She affectionately refers to both horses as her “guardian angels.”  Templeton’s passion for horses is most obvious in her music and you will be hard-pressed to find a Templeton Thompson song that does not mention horses and riding! 

When Sam Gay, Templeton’s husband and business partner, approached Breyer for a special model for Templeton’s latest music video, we were eager to help.  Her latest single “girls and horses” is a song that every horse-crazy girl can understand.  As the lyrics proclaim, what is it about girls and horses? 

Breyer created a portrait model of Templeton’s horse Jane to be featured in the music video along with other Breyer horses and accessories.  Templeton and team are working hard to finish their new music video for the world premiere at BreyerFest! 

The special Jane portrait model will be autographed by Templeton and available for bid in our BreyerFest silent auction.  Templeton will be donating the other Breyer props from the music video to the EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association), an organization to which she is worldwide ambassador. 

As Templeton always says, “dream big, work hard and have faith.”

The Saddle Club^TM heroines - Stevie, Lisa and Carole - are getting back in the saddle this summer to launch their new cd, “Best Friends,” in North America at BreyerFest®.  The girls - Victoria Campbell (Carole), Ariel Kaplan (Lisa) and Lauren Dixon (Stevie) - are the stars of the popular live-action TV series about three 12-year-old girls and their horses, based on the best-selling books by Bonnie Bryant. The Saddle Club^TM has captured the hearts and imaginations of kids around the world. A book, television, licensing and merchandising success story, The Saddle Club^TM is a global brand with a loyal following.  Breyer Animal Creations® holds the master toy license for The Saddle Club^TM in North America and BreyerFest® is its annual collector festival and horse fair.

 ”We are thrilled to be able to bring the stars of The Saddle Club^TM to BreyerFest® to launch “Best Friends,” said David Williams, President of Shock Australia, which has produced the album. “The enthusiastic reception to “Best Friends” from “The Saddle Club” fans has been phenomenal. It reached #8 on the Pop Singles charts in France and it’s been wildly popular in Australia.”

On “Best Friends,” the girls sing about the things that matter most to a young girl - fun, friendship and of course, horses. The 12-song cd of hit songs also features 12 karaoke tracks, including a new version of their famous theme song, “Hello World.”

Meet Lauren, Ariel and Victoria at BreyerFest this summer!   They will entertain in the Covered Arena each day and will be available for autograph signing and photo opportunities in the Craft Activity Center!  Don’t miss your chance to see the cast in action at BreyerFest!

We’ve combined some old favorites with a PARTY of new classes, so be sure to get your application in soon to be a part of the action!  We still have a few openings in many of our classes.  Go HERE for a list of available workshops and application.

Workshops provide you with the tools to learn more about the artistic activities associated with the model horse hobby.  All workshops are $30 and include everything you need to complete the class.  All supplies are yours to keep!

Available Classes:

Paddock Pals Painting - use one of our most popular kits to learn how to paint a model.  Kit comes with two models - one to learn on and one to try at home!

Painting Basics and Beyond - this BreyerFest favorite is a must for anyone interested in learning the ins and outs of model horse painting!

Drawing Horses - Leah Patton will guide you through the steps of drawing horses, even if you have never drawn before!

Dream Horse Kit - Learn to paint a model and apply realistic mohair.

Horse Jewelry Making - Join Darleen Bellan, an aclaimed HGTV featured artist as she shows you how to create wearable horse art!

Sculpting Manes & Tails - it’s all in the details!  This class will guide you through creating realistic manes and tails to customize your models.

Model Horse Photography - This class will teach you tips and tricks for model horse photography.

Advanced Detailing for Arabian Costumes - Jennifer Wilson will show you her secrets for creating gorgeous Arabian costumes.  It’s all in the details!

Multi-Media Detailing - Dry pigments, watercolor pencils and charcoal are just a few of the items Karen Zorn will teach you how to use.

Western Bridle - Tackmaker Carrie Sloan Meyer will help you create a show worthy bridle.

Trot Poles - Great for beginners!  Learn how to make custom trot poles for your next performance scene.

Celebration Horse Jewelry Making - Sheryl Leisure will teach you to paint details like eyes on these special Roxy pins, all while creating a fabulous BreyerFest souvenir!

Western Halter - Lisa Bickford guides you through the steps of creating a simple halter for your horse. 

Advanced Customizing - Ready for the big leagues?  Join JAH featured artist Tiffany Purdy and learn how to morph your models into unique creations.

Repairing Models - a must for everyone!  Broken legs and chipped ears won’t stand a chance once you’ve completed this class!

Prepping - Learn how to prep your model like a pro for customization.

Just for Kids! Painting - A great class for children to learn the basics of painting.

Medallion Sculpting - Sommer Prosser will teach you about this fun form of sculpting on a low-relief “plaque” - great to frame or display on a shelf!

Mini-Scale Performance: Arena Events - Kim Haymond-Baker and Kathi Haymond of Tabletop Studios will guide you through creating a performance scene for arena events.

Sculpting 101 - Always a fan favorite!  This class sells out quick so be sure to sign up to today to learn from a pro.  Sue Sifton has sculpted some of Breyer’s most popular models including Smart Chic Olena, Smarty Jones and more.

Flockies - Remember those fuzzy vintage flockies? Join Sommer Prosser and learn how to turn your Breyer model into a soft, velvety flockie of your very own!

Speaking of flockies, Sommer just sent us a sneak peak of her AWESOME flockies!  Sign up for her workshop to learn how to make a whimsical blue or pink flockie or a realistic palomino.

Blue and Pink Flockies by Sommer Prosser

Palomino Flockie by Sommer Prosser

Breyer is all about giving - to horses, dog, cats, kids - we love to make a difference.   Through the amazing and generous efforts of our collectors, we have been able to donate more than $650,000 to various worthwhile causes in the last nineteen years. 

BreyerFest hold three unique events solely to raise money for our beneficiaries: Silent Auction, Live Auction and Raffles.  Want to know a little more about each one?

Raffles:  There are two raffles for a 25-piece run of an extra special model, one on Saturday and one on Sunday.  Tickets are available at the Breyer Booth located on the covered arena concourse (about halfway up on the concession stand side).  The Saturday raffle features Red Velvet - a breathtaking red roan Andalusian.  This horse has subtle shading and great mapping!  The Sunday Raffle has a special twist - a factory custom Strapless model! That’s right; this is NOT a new tail but a custom altered swish tail, just for BreyerFest!  Tiramisu is a creamy coffee color with dapples.  Remember, it only takes one ticket to win! 

Red Velvet - Saturday Raffle

Tiramisu - Sunday Raffle

Live Auction: The BreyerFest Live Benefit Auction is the place to go for test run Breyer models.  Full of variations and unique models, the Live Auction is the not to be missed.  Last year, a record-breaking Alborozo was sold for $13,500! That is a lot of money for our beneficiaries!!  There are nearly 30 amazing models to bid on.  This could be your year to take home a truly priceless model for you collection, all while helping a good cause. 

Silent Auction: The Silent Auction features memorabilia from our Breyer portrait models, custom painted models, and other equine items you won’t find anywhere else.  Attendees are allowed to bid throughout the weekend until noon on Sunday.  At that time, the winner of each item will be announced.  Bidding takes places at the Breyer Booth, right next to raffle ticket sales.

Speaking of the Silent Auction, we’ve already got some AMAZING items to tell you about.  First and foremost, a big THANK YOU to our generous friends who have donated custom models, items from their personal collections and more. 

Night at the Rox by Billie Campbell

We’ve got a gem of custom by Billie Campbell on the new Roxy mold!  If you know Billie, you know her appaloosas are beyond beautiful.  There is so much detail on this mare, named “Night at the Rox,” from the teeny tiny hairs to the muzzle that is begging to be kissed.  Her mane features highlights and her hooves have vertical striping that makes you second guess if this horse really is plastic. For more info on Billie’s work, please visit: www.spotteddesigns.com 

Newtown Dawn by Karen Gerhardt

China lovers beware!  Karen Gerhardt generously glazed our Giselle model for the Silent Auction.  Named “Newtown Dawn” after the early morning sunrises in Lexington during BreyerFest, this porcelain model has lovely soft dapples with two socks and just a touch of cream in her tail.  It is marked “BreyerFest 2009, Custom Glazed by Karen Gerhardt” on the belly.  For more information on Karen’s work, please visit www.westerlydesign.com 

Tommie Turvey and Pokerjoe

Looking for memorabilia from the newest Breyer portrait models?  We’ve got that too!  Tommie Turvey has generously donated a bridle worn by Pokerjoe during his famous comedy routine.  The reins of the bridle are taped together to make it safer for Pokerjoe to wear when he’s chasing Tommie during the routine!  Tommie said he customized the bridle so it would easily come apart if Pokerjoe stepped on the reins.  You can add this awesome item to your collection at the Silent Auction.

Stay tuned as we reveal more Silent Auction items donated from Kuchi, Big Chex to Cash, Roxy and more!