Model Horse Shows at BreyerFest!

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BreyerFest is home to some of the largest model horse shows in the country and we are so excited to bring these incredible learning experiences to fans! 

In conjunction with this summer’s BreyerFest, we will be hosting a record of SIX model horse shows between March and August, some in-person and some online, that fans can participate in.

What is model horse showing?  Participants show their Breyer model horses in the same way a person might show a real, living horse.  Models are entered in either “halter” or “performance” classes and experienced judges review and judge each entry based on specific criteria.

In “Halter” classes, an untacked, unaltered Breyer model horse is entered into a particular class based on the breed the competitor has assigned to their model.  If an Arabian model horse is entered into an Arabian class, the judge will choose the winning horses based on conformation, characteristics, and colors typical for that breed.  Competitors are welcome to show models in classes that are not necessarily obvious for the mold they are showing if they can provide documentation to support their entry. 

In “Performance” classes, models are fully tacked, often with riders, and set up in a diorama-like scene, complete with props and natural elements.  These scenes are viewed as if they are snapshots of a live horse event in action.  Tack is generally handmade, and all tack must be accurate to the activity being highlighted – a competitor couldn’t use a western-style bridle in a dressage competition scene, for example.

If you’re and adult or teen new to the world of model horse showing, Breyer Boot Camp, being hosted online this spring, is the perfect place to get started!  This online photo show is open to VIP, All-Access, or Online Traditional Access ticket holders and will be hosted on PonyBytes.  This show offers competitors a fun learning experience that prepares them for the in-person showing experience.  Top winners of this show will be offered the opportunity to participate in the BreyerFest Open Model Horse show, if they feel they are ready.  Teens who participate in this show can transition to the BreyerFest Youth Show, as well.

Also being hosted online is BreyerFest Breakables,BreyerFest's all-china show, which will be open to VIP, All-Access, and Online Traditional Access ticket holders. This show is restricted to equine models made of china.  While this show takes place online, the awards will be given out in person at the Clarion Hotel on the evening of Thursday, July 13^th during BreyerFest weekend.  Winners are not required to attend the awards ceremony if they are Online Traditional Access ticket holders.  Awards for these ticket holders (only) will be shipped after BreyerFest.

Also taking place on Thursday, July 13^th at the Clarion Hotel will be Resin Renaissance, hosted by Heather and Jackie from the Mares in Black.  This show is open to collectors of artist resin models and medallions and is open to guests with VIP or All-Access tickets who will be joining us in person.

The BreyerFest Open Show, which will take place on Friday July 14^th in the North Expo Hall of the Alltech Arena, is geared towards experienced showers over the age of 13 and is fast-paced and competitive.  All participants must be VIP or All-Access ticket holders and advanced registration is required.  Models can be shown in two divisions: Halter and Performance.

If you’re younger and/or newer to the world of model horse shows, we strongly recommend participating in the Youth or Children’s Model Horse Shows, which happen concurrently and use the same class list.  These shows are geared towards participants ages 4 to 16, are slower paced, and focus on teaching participants.  These shows take place on Saturday, July 15^th and will be hosted in the North Expo Hall of the Alltech Arena.  All participants must be VIP or All-Access ticket holders and models can be shown in Halter or Performance divisions.

Resin Futurity will be hosted online after BreyerFest – keep the BreyerFest vibe going all summer long!  Our second show open to collectors of artist resins and medallions, this photo show will be hosted on PonyBytes and is open to VIP, All-Access and Online Traditional Access ticket holders.

Show packets and registration information for the in-person shows will be available on BreyerHorses.com soon!  Show packets for the virtual shows are available on ponybytes.com, but registration for all six of these shows will not open until early March.