Hands-On Hobby Workshops!

In addition to the BreyerFest workshops being hosted all weekend long up at the Alltech Arena (some of which still have seats left, if you would like to register), we also have a selection of FREE hobby workshops that take place all weekend long in our Hands-On Hobby Tent! These drop-in sessions are open to all in-person ticket holders.

Friday, July 10th, 9 am

How to Make a Blanket with Eva Mathews

Learn how to make and tailor fit a blanket to your model horse of any size – including Stablemates! Stop by during Eva's demo and she will help you make your own blanket. The demonstration and tutorial will go over the basics of making a pattern, cutting, lining, binding, different types of hardware and even include a no sew option!

Making Transportation Boxes for Stablemates with Beth McCarley

Are you looking for a safe way to transport your mini models?  In this session hosted by Beth McCarley, you’ll learn how to create fleece-lined "stalls" for your stablemates in a photo box or shoebox. Use them to store your models or take them to live shows. It will save space on your show table and models will be ready for the ring with no time spent unpacking!

Saturday, July 11^th, 9 am

Painting Murals on Breyer Horses with Jane Tilton    

Master Breyer customizers create wonderful original model designs! While it takes many years of practice to learn this form of “model art," this demonstration will give beginners the encouragement to paint a scene or design on a Breyer horse that they can treasure as their own.  If you would like to participate in this session, please bring your own model to practice on, preferably not with a glossy finish. Paint and brushes will be supplied. Come join the fun and give your model a brand-new look!

Saturday July 11^th, 12 pm

Model Horse ER with Betsy Groff

Hobbyist Betsy Groff will be demonstrating "model horse ER:" basic repairs including cleaning, removal of black marks, touch-ups for rubs, straightening bent legs, resculpting ears, removing broken pegs from hooves, and repairing breaks. Feel free to bring your own slightly-damaged model horse to begin getting your own ponies back in shape!

Sunday, July 12, 9 am

Painting a Portrait Model with Lorna Crockett

Every collector dreams of having their horse turned into a Breyer model! Dive into the fun and creative world of customizing to learn how you can make your very own one-of-a-kind creation. Topics to cover include selecting your model, what paints to use, and sealing your hard work to make sure it stays protected. Whether you want to base your model on your own horse, make a gift for a friend, or create a memorial portrait, discover techniques that will help bring your portrait model to life.

Sunday, July 12, 12 pm

Making Western Tack with Shelby Noyce

In this demonstration, Shelby will teach participants how to make and properly fit Western tack to a model horse. Fitting is the most important step of making tack - it can make or break any project, especially Western tack. Topics include how to measure your model for various Western tack pieces: saddle pads, saddle trees, skirts, cinches, bridles, and more. Participants will also learn how to translate those measurements into patterns. There are no required supplies for this session, but if you have any specific models or tack projects you'd like assistance with, please bring them!

You can view the complete weekend schedule here!