Paddyngton's Mark of Distinction

All of this year’s portrait horses, which include BreyerFest Limited Edition models and new models for the 2025 Breyer Traditional line, have been announced. Now we are ready to reveal the returning guest horses that will be at BreyerFest 2025 and are excited to see their existing fans and make some new ones!

We are traveling back 11 years to BreyerFest 2014: Silver Jubilee where this guest horse first appeared. His breed has made many iconic appearances throughout Breyer history, and is one that is known for their presence, style, and smooth gaits! Paddyngton’s Mark of Distinction and his owner Holly Amstrong are true ambassadors of the American Saddlebred and are proud to continue the rich history of the Old West. This show-stopping duo have traveled the country to defend their champion titles in Open Parade Horse and are Saddle Type Western Equipment Division World Champions!

Paddyngton’s Mark of Distinction, or “Marcus” to his friends, is a 2007 pinto Saddlebred gelding (CH El Cortez x Hope's True Colors). Marcus’ impressive pedigree reveals that he is a grandson of Scripps Miramar Ranch’s famed Chubasco, who was honored as a Breyer model in 2006. You can certainly see the family resemblance! At a striking 17.0 hands, Marcus exemplifies true, correct American Saddlebred conformation. 

Holly Armstrong specializes in quality spotted American Saddlebreds and has won over 50 world and national titles in Parade divisions and on the Pinto show circuit.  A true show horse, Marcus loves competing in Parade - the louder the crowd, the more animated he gets! Even at 18 years old, Marcus is still racking up champions and wowing crowds.

Holly Armstrong owns and shows in vintage Ted Flower Parade sets and spends countless hours designing her own parade outfits, flowers and ribbons for each performance. Marcus even sports a particularly unique illuminated set for evening parades and performances! This year they will be traveling with a small group of American Saddlebred barnmates to help put on a demonstration guests won’t forget. This sparkling pair is excited to be back at BreyerFest 2025!