Astrid | 2021 Premier Collection

The Second Release in the 2021 Premier Collection

Breyer’s Premier Collection is known for bringing new breeds to life in exquisite form! A pairing of top talent in finishwork and sculpting, Premier Collection models feature incredible detailing on stunning new sculptures.

With their distinctive upright manes and primitive coloring, the Norwegian Fjord is perhaps one of the most recognizable horse breeds. The first Fjords are thought to have migrated to Norway over 4,000 years ago. Even after 2,000 years of domestication, the Fjord’s bloodlines have remained among the purest of the old breeds.

Over the centuries, the Fjord has been the war horse of the Vikings, was essential to working Nordic farms, and became a beloved family riding horse. Today the breed is heralded for their gentle temperament, strength, and versatility. It’s not uncommon to see Fjords being used for therapeutic riding, performing in the dressage arena, or competing in eventing!

Astrid was sculpted by Maggie Bennett. In her first work for the Premier Collection, Maggie captured Astrid in a lively canter.  From her sweet expression, to the way the wave in her mane matches her motion, she is a fine example of what makes a Fjord special. Maggie shares, “Fjords have a really interesting type with both pony and draft aspects, and capturing both was one of my big goals with this sculpture.”

Astrid’s coat was created by artist Nikki Button, who also created the lovely color for the Premier Collection’s Australian Stock Horse, Dundee. Her artistic focus is detailed realism, and she crafted a stunning grulla coat for Astrid! From her dramatic dark face to her frosty tail, Nikki brought Astrid to life with many layers of pastels & pigments, with details added in acrylic and pencil. This is the matte version of this lovely model.