Farewell to a BreyerFest icon

As some of you might have already seen online, we have lost a Breyer and a BreyerFest icon - Lil' Ricky Rocker passed away over the weekend.

Ricky and his owners, the Georgyi family, have been staples at BreyerFest for nearly two decades - 2020's Celtic Fling would have been this amazing horse's 18th BreyerFest!  An appaloosa champion who had a rocky start early in his life, he rebounded to become the Reserve World Champion in Junior Reining and one of the most recognized horses at BreyerFest.  He was honored with his own Breyer portrait model in 2012.

Breyer's own Stephanie Macejko has had the pleasure of kicking off BreyerFest weekend (and recent 5K races) with Ricky and had this to say - 

"Ron, Donna and Missy Georgyi have always been so kind to allow me to ride their beloved Ricky to kick off BreyerFest during opening ceremonies every year.  It was a true highlight of my weekend!  Ricky was a real character, loaded with personality, who loved the spotlight but most of all, loved the hundreds of kids who surrounded us when the gates opened.  He'd drop his head to be petted and was so recognizable by his colorful leopard coat.  Kids would have their Ricky models in hand and be in awe of meeting this amazing Appaloosa in person.  I felt privileged to be on his back to witness these wonderful moments of joy.  What a perfect ambassador for the horse world and for BreyerFest!  Thank you, Ricky, for so many great memories.  You had such a big heart and we will miss you tremendously!"

We are heartbroken to have to say farewell to such an amazing horse and we invite you to share your photos of you with Ricky at BreyerFest on Breyer Social media.