Premier Club Artists: Behind the Sculpture

2025 was Breyer's 75th anniversary, and my, what a year it has been! In celebration of this monumental occasion, we knew the 2025 Premier Collection needed to be extra-special. We reached out to some of the most talented equestrian artists in the world to create our sculptures and design our coat colors, and we couldn't be more proud of the final result!

The full 2025 Premier Collection!

To round out this very special year, we caught up with the three sculpting artists that brought this year's new sculptures to life: Sarah Minkiewicz-Breunig, Kelly Sealey, and Laura Skillern-Sailer. These models were only available to members of the 2025 Premier Collection, but if you'd like to get in on the fun, you can sign up for the 2026 Premier Club and its own lineup of gorgeous new models by December 31st, 2025!

Sarah Minkiewicz-Breunig - Sculptor of Cosimo the Murgese

While sculpting, who did you imagine this horse to be? What's his personality?

Cosimo is an honest, noble soul full of pride, fire, and spirit, but yet so gentle and gracious, he'll always deliver a lovely ride. He's smart, too, so be sure to really secure his stall door!

Who is his BFF in the Breyer stable?

His BFF would definitely be Troubadour. Morgans are such a lovely breed with big hearts and generous souls, and Cosimo would instantly find kinship with that for a solid friendship!

What did you enjoy most about bringing this sculpture to life?

My favorite part about sculpting Cosimo was capturing his noble Murgese head full of expression, intelligence, and pride.

Who or what played a key role in inspiring you to become a sculptor?

I originally started with flatwork but moved onto sculpture because I loved the tactile, literal reality of sculpting, and it was the horse who inspired me so much. I've long loved horses since I can remember, and I'm fascinated about the story from the horse's point of view, about their internal landscapes, and seek to convey their generous, intriguing souls in my clay.

What's a little-known fun fact about you?

I love rats - I'm a huge rat-nik! And I love to play Dungeons & Dragons!

Cosimo's sculpture in progress

Kelly Sealey - Sculptor of Rowan the Pony

While sculpting, who did you imagine this horse to be? What's his personality?

I imagine my Highland Pony to be the ultimate teammate, always there for his human, whatever the weather. Sure-footed, intelligent, strong yet gentle, he loves your company and is ready and willing to take on any task with you.

Who is his BFF in the Breyer stable?

With his royal heritage, Rowan’s BFF would have to be Carltonlima Emma the Fell Pony, as she would be able to keep up with him galloping across the moors and would enjoy the Scottish climate, too!

What did you enjoy most about bringing this sculpture to life?

The best part of bringing this sculpture to life was getting to know him as he emerged from my imagination. So much of sculpting is allowing the model to guide you as you go, and I’m so pleased with how he turned out. I imagine him to be such a willing, sweet boy, who is cute even when he’s being sassy!

Who or what played a key role in inspiring you to become a sculptor?

Karen Gerhardt and specifically her sculpture Boreas was the catalyst for me entering the model horse hobby as a sculptor way back in 2004. This horse has captivated me ever since his release and inspired me so much over the years - I still aspire to create sculptures that evoke the reaction in collectors that her beautiful model brought to me all those years ago.

What's a little-known fun fact about you?

I’m quite badly allergic to horses; I can be around them, but I can’t touch them. I did ride as a child but eventually had to stop due to this, so now I find my connection with these beautiful creatures through my artwork.

Laura Skillern-Sailer - Sculptor of Winnifred the Mule

While sculpting, who did you imagine this mule to be? What's her personality?

For this piece, I wanted to create a sculpture that felt like someone's favorite mule: a friendly, easy-going molly that was always a joy to ride. She's a mule you can take on adventurous trail rides and trust to take care of beginner rider, too. Winnifred is the opposite of the "stubborn mule" stereotype - she meets you at the gate every time, and loves pets on her long ears.

Who is her BFF in the Breyer stable?

Winnifred will get along best with San Domingo. They are both laid-back and love going for quiet rides.

What did you enjoy most about bringing this sculpture to life?

Definitely going out and meeting real mules! I met some wonderful mule breeders who were so helpful posing their mules for me to get good sculpting references.

Who or what played a key role in inspiring you to become a sculptor?

Kathleen Moody and Sue Sifton were huge influences on me as a young collector. I remember how thrilled I was to get my first copy of Huckleberry Bey and Cigar. Their sculptures are so dynamic and exciting. They brought so much detail to the new Breyer molds that inspired me to want to make my own unique new horses.

What's a little-known fun fact about you?

My undergrad degree is in Film and Television. I made a number of independent films while I was in school, including some live action and animated short films.