Showing Your Models At BreyerFest

Collecting Breyer model horses is great – they are timeless, beautiful representations of horses that are perfect for horse lovers of any age.  But what the heck are you supposed to do with them, other than stick them on a shelf?

Great question!

BreyerFest is home to FOUR different model horse shows, so there is a show suitable all types of experience levels and model types!  From the huge and competitive Open Show to the rare pieces in Breakables, BreyerFest covers all the model horse showing bases all weekend long, starting on Thursday.  All the model horse shows are only open to guests with either VIP or All-Access tickets, so take that into consideration as you read on and make your plans for next summer.

So, what exactly is showing your models?  A more detailed explanation is available here, but in a nutshell, 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.  In “Performance” classes, models are fully tacked, often with riders, and set up in a diorama-like scene, complete with props and natural elements. 

For 2026, BreyerFest will be hosting the following model horse shows -

Breakables – Thursday at the Clarion

Breakables Live is a model horse show for fans and collectors of “clinkies”, hosted by Maggie Barkovitz on Thursday, July 9^th.    This show will take place in the expanded Lexington/Keeneland/Gainsway rooms in the Bluegrass Convention Center space at the back of the Clarion (1950 Newtown Pike) and is geared towards experienced model horse showers specifically with china and porcelain models.

Resin Renaissance – Thursday at the Clarion

Down the hall in the Paddock Room also on July 9th, co-hosts Jackie Rossi and Heather Malone from the Mares in Black podcast look forward to welcoming fans to Resin Renaissance.  This show is for collectors of artist resins and medallions and while it is geared towards experienced showers, it does have amateur artist classes.

BreyerFest Open Show – Thursday & Friday at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park

The BreyerFest Open Show is one of the most competitive model horse shows in the country.  It’s geared towards experienced showers over the age of 13 and takes place over two days.  Certain divisions are offered on different days, as noted below, so it’s not necessarily a two-day commitment – but even participating in one of the days is an incredible and exhilarating experience.  This show is full of stiff competition and entrants break out the best of the best in their collections – rare test pieces, immaculate special runs, elaborate customs, intricate performance setups, and beyond.  It’s an incredible experience!

On Thursday, July 9^th, the BreyerFest Open Show will only be hosting the following classes:

·         Open Original Finish and Customized Performance

·         Mini Performance

·         Original Finish Mini Halter with three divisions: Regular Run, Special Run, and Collectibility

·         Stablemates Collector’s Class

These classes will NOT be offered on Friday, July 10^th, so if you would like to show in these classes, please be sure to register for Thursday.  All other classes not listed above will be on Friday, July 10^th, so if you want to show in any of those classes as well, you will need to register for both days of the show.  This will include the following:

·         Variety, Commonality, and Novice Collectors Classes

·         Novice Performance

·         All Halter divisions, including Collectibility, Regular Run, Special Run, Customized, and Foal.

 The BreyerFest Open Show is a one-ok-a-kind experience, whether you’re showing in it or just observing – we recommend you check it out, even if it’s just to look!

BreyerFest Children’s & Youth Show – Saturday at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park

Affectionately referred to as “the Kids show”, the BreyerFest Children’s and Youth Model Horse Show is a great way to spend your Saturday at BreyerFest if you’re under 16 and want to get into the world of showing your models.  It’s a great way to take the next step with your model horses, learn about real horses, and make new friends.  Take your ponies from the carpet to the show ring!

Both the Children’s Show and Youth Show are slow-paced, educational, and are intended to give you the foundation to one day take your herd to the coveted BreyerFest Open Show!

If you’re over the age of 16 and new to the world of model horse showing, Breyer offers Breyer Boot Camp, which is an adult novice model horse photo show.  This show is not affiliated with BreyerFest, but is a great way for teens and adults to get started showing their models before moving on to the Open Show.