

Model Horse Shows
Model Horse Shows - BreyerFest 2025
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! Model horse showing is a fun and educational hobby for Breyer fans of all ages! Model horse shows emulate the real equestrian showing world in miniature. Learn about horse breeds, conformation, and equestrian events and put your knowledge to the test with your fellow competitors – assign your horse a breed and show them in a halter class, or saddle up with tack, dolls, and/or accessories for performance classes. All it takes is one Breyer model to get started!
If you want to learn more about model horse showing stop at the Hobby Center on-site at the KHP to talk with one of our experienced hobbyists during BreyerFest weekend.
Registration for all model horses will open in March. Stay tuned!

Breakables
Thursday, July 10th
Clarion Hotel Lexington/Keeneland rooms, doors open at 7 am, judging begins at 8 am
Maggie Barkovitz hosts BreyerFest's all-china show, which is open to VIP and All-Access ticket holders. This show is restricted to equine models made of china and is geared towards experienced showers.
You can review the Breakables Show Packet here
You can review the Breakables Class List here

Resin Renaissance Show
Thursday, July 10th
Clarion Hotel Paddock Room, doors open at 7 am, judging begins at 8 am
Hosted by Heather Malone and Jackie Rossi from the fun Mares in Black podcast, The Resin Renaissance Show is open to collectors of artist resins models and medallions.
You must be a VIP or All-Access ticket holder to participate in this show and it is intended for experienced showers.
You can learn more and review the Resin Renaissance Show Packet and information here.

Open Model Horse Show
Thursday July 10th and Friday, July 11th
North Expo Hall (Alltech Arena) opens at 6:30 am, Judging begins at 7:30 am both days
Hosted by Michelle Masters, the BreyerFest Open Show has been expanded to TWO days. This show 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.
Thursday will be hosting the following classes only:
• Open Original Finish and Customized Performance
• Mini Performance (new for 2025!)
• Original Finish Mini Halter
• Stablemates Collector’s Class
These classes will NOT be offered on Friday, July 11th, 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 11th, so if you want to show in any of those classes as well, you will need to register for both days of the show.
All participants in Thursday Open Show divisions will be automatically upgraded to a full table at no additional charge (for Thursday only). If you would also like to participate in classes taking place on Friday, full table upgrades will be limited on this day as they have in previous years, so there is no guarantee you will also have a full table on Friday if you are also showing on Thursday. However, if you are registered for Thursday classes and Friday classes, you will be able to retain your table location in the show hall.
You can review the Open Show packet here
If you are new to the Open Show, you can review the Guide to Showing from the Show Manager
You can review the Open Show Breed Classification list here
You can review the Open Show Run Classification list here
The Open Show is a beloved BreyerFest tradition. With over 300 classes, there is a class for every model in your collection! If you’re interested in participating, you can review the show’s packet here. Feel free to stop by and check out all the fun during BreyerFest weekend, too!

Children’s and Youth Show
Saturday, July 12th
North Expo Hall (Alltech Arena) opens at 7:00 am, Judging begins at 8:00 am
The Children's and Youth Model Horse show is a wonderful introduction for a young shower, hosted by Eleanor Harvey and Kim Bjorgo! A fun and educational environment open to all budding model horse showers. These shows are geared towards participants ages 4 to 16, are slower paced, and focus on teaching participants. Just getting started? Don't worry! Stewards ensure all participants have their show strings ready for the rings! The Youth Show offers an excellent class list to get your herd ready for upper-level competition. You must be a VIP or All-Access ticket holder to participate. However, anyone can stop by to learn how to participate next year and watch what happens at the show!
You can review the packet for both the Children’s and Youth Shows here
You can review the Classlist for the Children’s Show here
You can review the Classlist for the Youth Show here
You can review the Code of Conduct for both shows here
What is model horse showing?
New to the world of model horse showing and wondering what it’s about? No problem!
Participants in model horse shows 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 and how well each model in the class embodies them. 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. For example, the 2018 BreyerFest Celebration Horse Brass Hat, which was created on Breyer’s Walking Thoroughbred mold, could also be shown as an Australian Stock Horse, provided the entrant can find documentation to support that Australian Stock Horses can look like that model.
In Performance classes, models are fully tacked, often with rider dolls, 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 hand-made, but can also be Breyer-made tack, 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.