Shaking Things Up!

BreyerFest: Prost! would not be complete without celebrating one of the most iconic (and handsome) breeds from Germany – the Black Forest Horse! 

The Black Forest Horse originated in the densely forested and mountainous southwest region of Germany known as the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) many centuries ago. The lightweight draft breed is hardy and bred to live, work, and thrive in this rugged region. Fewer than 3,500 purebreds exist, mostly living within Germany with a handful around the globe. The oldest German state stud, Marbach, manages the breed’s preservation program and has the largest breeding program housing 20 Black Forest stallions. Today the Black Forest Horse is mainly used for riding, driving, and therapeutic programs, while some are still used for farm work in the Black Forest region of Germany. 

At BreyerFest this summer, we are so excited for fans to meet Montanara, one of only two Black Forest stallions (Schwarzwaelder Kaltblut) found in North America, and who has been immortalized as one of BreyerFest’s Limited Edition Traditional models, available to ALL BreyerFest: Prost! ticket holders, whether you’re joining us in person or online. Done on Jeanne Mellin Herrick’s handsome Friesian mold, #485, Montanara is a rich, dark chestnut with flaxen mane and tail and four white socks. 

Born at Ursula Seidel’s stables in Washington State, Montanara is currently owned by Elizabeth Keck of Once Upon a Dream Acres in Idaho. Montanara was brought in utero from the Black Forest in Germany and was the first Black Forest Horse to be born on North American soil. He exhibits the breed’s naturally calm and willing demeanor and has done everything asked of him from riding to driving and even snow plowing. He passes on his incredible temperament, strength and beauty to his foals so future generations can enjoy this wonderful breed. 

You, too, can enjoy this wonderful breed when you bring home this Limited Edition Model from BreyerFest: Prost! Keep your eyes on the BreyerFest Blog for more – we are just getting started!