Breyerfest was Here!! Day 1-3 Recap & Haul!!

Sorry this is late, got super caught up in work and school after Breyerfest ended, but Breyerfest has now come and gone, I don't have the blues as much as I have in years past. This year felt slightly underwhelming, and I think that is for various reasons ranging from Breyer changing the way they do things and that being a yearly thing so far and also I didn't spend as much time and money at the Horse Park as I usually do and my days mostly being packed with workshops, family time, and doing other horse related things but non-model related things. Meant to post this sooner after Breyerfest, like right after, but after Breyerfest I got right back to the grind of going to work and doing my course work so I was on top of that.

The first day was mostly filled with workshops in which in between one of them my mom and I quick went to get out flower crowns so we could have them the rest of the day and the rest of the weekend. Also since we headed to our workshops right away as our first one was one of the first ones of the day, and since I was VIP I too advantage of going on to the online Breyerfest store early access to get the online exclusive models and a few other things I feared would sell out quick both online and in person. Cell reception and internet access was pretty decent this yer surprisingly. Any way, the first workshop I and my parents had was the Sleipnir Runestone one and that one was alright, not as much measuring with rulers, protractors, and compasses like I thought. Mostly freelance following a guide, only thing with a ruler was measuring out a box to help keep the image in versus just using the boundary of the paper itself, but that was ok I guess. Mines a little extravagant as I did too many interlocking squiggles and smooshed it in the box I drew despite making it fairly large (it was erased later anyways)m oh well I managed to get it colored in with gold sharpie and outlined in black sharpie and is now framed and on my wall. Second workshop was painting on canvas which was pretty good, it was Dala horses of course and got it mostly finished, ended up buying sharpies to finish the design so I don't have to wait for paint to dry as that's why I didn't fully finish it in the class. Then I can find a place for it on my wall as I reorganized a few things and got rid f my old big white calendar from my undergrad days as I didn't use it anymore and want my smaller guitar one up instead. The last workshop for the day was Pinots & Pintos which I made mine look like an emo pinto pony and it's now on my wall next to my Franz horse painting from Breyerfest Prost 2022. Fairly successful day for workshops if I do say so myself.

Saturday since we had time before the next workshop my mom and I quick ran through the Breyerfest store and got our celebration horses and special runs while my dad was the pack mule again to hold bags so we didn't have to put the in the bag check. We had a wagon for the VIP box, wasn't as heavy to carry as I thought but still wouldn't carry it the full way back to our Yukon as we parked way in the back despite it not being that packed but we always park by the trees to help keep her cool. First and only workshop of the day was the mosaic workshop which my dad decided to skip as it was the only time it stopped raining and he could quick change the oil and rotate tires on my car, so it was just me and my mom which was fine. The mosaic outline was a Dala horse which I figured not only given the theme, but also the promo pic for the workshop has a Dala horse which this pic has been used in the past to promote the workshop and mine it very colorful this time to fit the theme and Dala horses having many colors to decorate it. Somewhat did a pattern but was hard given certain shapes were certain colors I tried to incorporate. It's now on my wall with my other mosaic horse, believe that was also from Breyerfest Prost 2022. I also had my Glow workshop late in the evening at the clarion, that one wasn't as cool as I thought. You had to pay for teh mini alcohol bar which I swear I didn't see anywhere but also there wasn't much explaining as what was to go on aside form the must be present to win the raffle if drawn. As soon as we got in and sat down pretty much immediately everyone started coloring the models that were on the table which ranged between two kinds, the Nikolas/German Riding Pony or Malik the class Arabian. I ended up doing the Malik. They were all painted white and there were neon specific sharpies and everything was black light hence the Glow title. The people I sat next to were nice as we sat and worke don our models listening to the music, there were also games that we could part take in but most everyone was focused on teh models again not really explained what we could do and what was going on, there was only one person doing on of the smaller games you could do independently but I think that was someone friend they bought a seat for to tag along and they seemed special needs and my guess is the other person was a caretaker of sorts but thats fine at least someone got to utilize the games intead of absolutely no one touching any of that. I at my burger I ordered as it was lat eand my folks spent a little too much time at their plot of land before driving me back for the workshop, the burger was decent go ti to go from the restaurant at the Clarion. Don't know if I'd do that workshop again, I wanted to do it as I was intrigued and couldn't get into it last time as it filled up fast, oh well, did a tiny bit of Clarion shopping afterwards and got the last model form the blind bag snowflake stalemates I needed then I went home as I was a bit tired from being underwhelmed at the workshop.

Sunday we didn't g to the horse park at all as we decided to take our time with breakfast as we had a late morning early afternoon tour at Lane's End, which we did the shuttle tour. Saw a mare I used to work with, don't miss her as I didn't like working with her as she's not a horse I like (she almost killed me and another horse 2 winters ago), she's still the boss mare but good to see she's doing well there. Her foal this year is at least very sweet. Then it was back on the road to Louisville to go to Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum for our tour and to explore the museum. Wanted to go as I've only been to the track once and since I raised this year's Kentucky Derby winner, Golden Tempo (Bart Simpson), I wanted to see his exhibit and see the other exhibits and artifacts as well plus the Golden Tempo merch at the gift shop I needed for my collection and for memories.That was pretty much the rest of our day, also original plan was Spaghetti Factory or Cafe at museum but the cafe closed earlier than thought and then when we got to the Spaghetti Factory there was like a 3 hour wait sadly so we started heading back the way we came and decided to eat a pizza place right next door that was decent enough, had cool celeb and movie posters and memorabilia and fittingly learned next year's Breyerfest theme is Italia!! Next year have to go back to Louisville for other museums and especially the Spaghetti Factory, there used to be one back home in the Twin Cities but sadly closed a year after the pandemic ended so we can't go anymore and this is the only one we know we can go to and be close-ish too. Can't wait for next Breyerfest as I'm even more excited for that theme, hope to go to Italy one day!

That's all I have for this post, see y'all in the next one! Ciao (like aloha, ciao is both hello and goodbye)!!

(all pics belong to me)

Surprise Horse Guesses!! Breyerfest is Tomorrow!!

With Breyerfest being tomorrow, I am in need of posting my guesses for this year's surprise model. I haven't have much time to think about it but with the mid year and auction model reveals it does help narrow it down, and I do try to wait for those to help. 

So, without further ado, my top guesses are:

• Forever Saige/Mustang Mare
• Arabian Mare/S Justa Dream
• National Show Horse/Rejoice
• Cantering Warmblood
• Ruffian
• Rain
• Fell Pony
• Friesian Sport Horse
• Amazigh Stallion
• Smart Chic Olena
• Georg
• Henry
• Tigerlily
• Firefly
• Strapless
• Trotting Arabian Mare
• Welsh Pony Mare
• Wixom
• Marabella
• Lipizzaner Mare
• Lady Phase
• Brishen/Gypsy Vanner
• Valegro
• Adonis
• Keltic Salinero
• German Riding Pony
• Sport Pony Fjord (highly unlikely but gets listed as a different mold rather than the same as Astrid)
• Duende
• Geronimo
• Show Stance Arabian Mare
• Gem Twist
• Show Jumping Warmblood
• Shire Gelding
• Shagya Arabian
• Desatado
• Croi
• Bluegrass bandit
• Big Ben
• Paso Fino
• Boomerang
• Ashquar
• Troubadour
• American Saddlebred Stallion

So far  that is what I could come up with that would fit the theme, age of molds, and every other criteria the surprise models seem to follow. 

That is al I have for this post, see y'all in the next one, which will be tomorrow as I do a recap of day 1 of Breyerfest!!

Breyerfest Prize Models!! New Winter Set Revealed!!

Sorry for not posting been a bit busy, have some summer courses as I take online courses in an online program and its a bit of a fast track because of that and my first two courses were simultaneous due to being half a credit each and both required research papers, one of which was at least 10 pages with at least 10 sources needed. Those are done and so far it doesn't look like there will be anymore for the summer until the fall semester starts, but with that being said Breyerfest is pretty much right around the corner now. Still trying to finish stuff before hand as well, but with that means last bit of reveals have come which are mostly prize models and auction models plus mid-year releases have been reveled now as well along with the pdf/online version of the Breyerfest program which also revealed the raffle models!! So without further ado, let's take a look!!

Meet Lingonberry!!

Lingonberry is this year's Breyerfest Best Customs Grand Prize model! He is a coppery chestnut splash pinto on the Trotting Morgan/Troubadour mold. He is named after the berry, which has strong ties in Scandinavian culture, even here in the US through Scandinavian immigrants and roots. Lingonberries have strong ties to Sweden, and I find they are most associated with Sweden than any other Scandinavian country. Sweden refers to the berry as "red gold" due to strong cultural ties. I do like the coppery-ness but he is pretty much a recolor of the first introduction of this model, the Premier Club model Troubadour. So I don't think he's one I'll have to worry too much about getting in the future.

Meet Gravlax!!

Gravlax is also a shiny coppery chestnut but this one is an appaloosa on the stablemate version of the popular Alborozo mold. He is the Breyerfest Best Customs Runner-up Prize. His coat appears to be a chestnut recolor of the Stablemate Club gambler's choice release, Valerio. I guess I'm more ok with this recolor than the Troubadour one, though I don't know still if he's one I'll have to get in the future. Gravlax is named after the Scandinavian dish that contains raw salmon cured with salt, sugar, and dill served thinly sliced with a mustard dill sauce and can be placed on top of bread. Similar to lox but has a different process for different flavors.

Meet Svalbard!!

Svalbard is this year's Open Model Horse Show Overall Champion prize. He is on the Gaming Stock Horse/Wyatt mold, he also sports a varnish chestnut appaloosa coat. Svalbard is named for the group of islands between Norway and the North Pole in the Atlantic Ocean. I like this one and wish Breyer would do more appaloosas like this to add more variation and representation to appaloosas. I wish I could get this one but he'll have to go on the wishlist. 

Meet Lapland!!

Lapland is the Open Show Reserve Champion prize!! He is on the Peruvian Paso mold in a gorgeous dappled buttermilk buckskin coat!! He is named for the politically undefined region in northern Scandinavia in the areas of Norway, Sweden, and Finland above the Arctic Circle. I really love him and this is one of the coat colors I am a sucker for, he will also have to go onto my wishlist.

The Open Model Horse Horse Show Grand prize and Reserve prize are a glossy version of Cody's Wish and the Buckskin Ideal Series Geronimo, somewhat repeats of models that already exist before Breyerfest. Already have a Cody's Wish and and I think I'll be fine with original matte release of the Geronimo for now so not much to talk about there.

Meet the Arctic Princess Adventure with Snowdrop!!

A little while back this set made an appearance after having no introduction earlier this year but did appear before the mid-year releases were revealed. Snowdrop appears to be the name of the princess's horse, which is a pearly buckskin on the Fell Pony mold. Snowdrop would also be cute for the little seal too. Snowdrop appears to have a sparkly teal bareback pad and matching teal and gold neck rope for bareback riding. I do like this set and again bucksins are what I am a sucker for so I think I'll get this one whenever it is officially released.

That's all I have for this post so it's not too long, will try to post tomorrow. See y'all in the next one!

(images and information come form and belong to Breyer)

More Breyerfest Variation Reveals!! May Newsletter!!

Breyer has decided to reveal even more variations! let's looks to see what they are!!

Thigvellir!!

Thigvellir will have a coat color variation, that is a realistic one and not deco. This one is a sooty palomino overo pinto, this is a 50/50 split. I do like this one as well as the other one. I guess I will be happy with whatever I pull and get the other one later. 

Hygge!!

Hygge will have a deco variation. This one is a striking metallic rose pink/mauve dun tobiano pinto! I think I may like this one better than the regular coat, really hoping I finally get lucky and pull a deco stablemate this year. Wish me luck!!

May Newsletter is here!! Let's take a look!!

First order is deadline to purchase Breyerfest tickets with the ability to do the preference list is June 4th, so get those ordered if you haven't already if you want to fill out the form!! Second is about the newest variations which I just covered above. Next is talking about the plushy Boom, which I talked about in a previous post. Featured article is about Breyerfest over the past three decades, that should be a fun read. The giveaway is for Athenian Lady aka Athena, already have one so I'm safe again from entering. Lastly the sneak peak!!

Looks like a neck as it kinda looks like where the mane attaches at the top left there. I want to assume vintage based off texture, the Roy the Belgian mold came to mind. I think this may be a web special. Have to wait and see!!

That's all I have for this post. See y'all in the next one!!
(information and pics come from and belong to Breyer)

Newest Destination Series Release!! 4th of July Plushy!!

 The newest Destination Series release has been revealed!! 

Meet Buonos Aires!!

Buonos Aires is named after the capital city of Argentina, which is considered the polo capitol of the world. Buonos Aires also hosts several of the world's top polo tournaments. This Buonos Aires is on the new polo pony mare version of the Smarty Jones mold and sports an eye catching manchado pinto coat. This is a coat pattern unique to Argentinian horses, this release is limited to 600 pieces. 

She is really pretty and since the time of writing this post and it's release she has already been drawn for and my dad ended up winning her. He also ended up winning San Juan too, but I am happy I get to continue this series. Still missing a few pieces but hoping to get them and other pieces from other series over the years. 

Meet Boom!!

Boom is this year's 4th of July plushy. He is named for the fireworks that go off all night, with this year being the 250th anniversary of the U.S. declaration of independence from England and thus becoming it's own country, Boom is sure to light up the sky as well. Boom has a blue coat, a broad blaze on his face, red hooves, a tri-colored red white and blue mane and tail along with embroidered firework marks on his body. He also has a big bright smile on his face. This little guy is so cute I will get hi to go with my other plushies and he will pair with the previous 4th of July plushies I have along with the 4th of July deco models I have.

Decided to make this post shorter as my last one was a bit longer, so that's all I have for this post. See y'all in the next one!!

(Pictures and information come from and belong to Breyer)

Breyerfest Workshops!! Breyerfest Special Run Variation Reveals!!

 Breyerfest workshops have been posted, signups are still technically going but slots fill quickly and at the time of posting this there may be very few or no available seats left. 

Breyer is again having some festivities on Thursday, but that does not mean all of Breyerfest is open meaning the Horse Park will not have the special run line, Breyerfest store (both in person and online), hobby tents, most vendors, demonstrations in the arena, nor any other main Breyerfest activities be available until Friday when Breyerfest officially opens and starts. Thursday workshops are only during one time slot, 10:30-12:30, the offerings are Coffee & Canvas (making a comeback and is friendly for those not old enough to drink for the Pintos & Pinots), Carousel Fjord Horses, Yule Goats, Draft Horse Show Halter, & Etching Dala Horses. These do sound interesting, especially the etching dala horses and fjord carousel horses but I have to work that day and my folks are coming in that evening. So I will be missing Thursday workshops this year.

Friday has offerings spanning the whole day. From 10:00-12:00, there will be workshops on Sleipnir Runestones, Bone to Bust, First part of the Fleabitten Series (VIP ticket holder only), Intro to Collecting & Model Horse Shows, & Mini Dala Horse Cookie Earrings. While I liked the Cookie Dala Horse earring workshop, I signed up for the Sleipnir one as I was interested in that one too and my folks liked that one better for us to do together. From 12:30-2:30 is Painting on Canvas, Rainbow Holo Happy Hour (under 21 only), Sculpting North Swedish Horses (VIP ticket holders only), Model Horse Photography, Dala Horse Vases. My family and I decided to do the Painting on Canvas workshop together. From 3:00-5:00 the workshops are Pinots & Pintos Painting (21+ only), Rainbow Holo Happy Hour (21+ Only), Pasteling Fjords, Midsummer Flower Bridles, & Classic Dala Horses (VIP ticket holders only). My family and I are doing the Pinots & Pintos workshop together. 

Saturdays offerings are from 10:00-12:00 has Model Horse Landvaettir, How to Paint Your Dragon, Part 2 of painting series Face the Paint (VIP ticket holder only), Icelandic Black Sand Beach Bases, Tradtional Scale Julbocks. None of these interested me nor my folks so we aren't doing any workshops from this time slot. From 12:30-2:30 the workshops are Watermelon Painting: Gullfaxi, Flower Crowns & Maypoles (VIP ticket holders only), Mosaic Horses, Nordic Bridles, & Making Mari Lwyds. My folks and I are doing the mosaics workshop. Then there's Glow After Dark which is later in the evening, I signed up to do that one and it's just me. 

Sundays offerings are only from 10:30-12:30, the workshops are Express Yourself, Every Day We Scuttling, Making the Cut, Showing Performance, & Non-traditional Dala Horses. Neither me nor my folks wanted to do any of them that day so we won't have workshops. Instead we'll more than likely not be at the horse park at all, we have an afternoon tour at Lane's End then we'll try to see if we can go to the Kentucky Derby Museum for a tour and I can see Golden Tempo (aka Bart Simpson) as they make a small exhibit for the current derby winner.

Breyer has decided to reveal the special run variations early, no this does not include the surprise model, just the ones that have color, finish, and even mane/tail variations. Let's look at who gets a variation!!

Oseburg is one of the ones that gets a variation, I am not all that surprised by this one as this one was accidentally leaked via text in the reveal post for this one, but good to know it's been officially confirmed this is the matte/glossy split. Kind of hoping I get the glossy variation but may be fine if I get the matte finish.

Aquavit is the next to get a variation, this one is the mane/tail, well I guess just tail in this case. This variation introduces the bell cut to the mule tail, this may mean we could see this variation in the future. I'm not a fan of this cut both in real life and on models, I'm happy if others do and want the representation but it's just not for me. If I pull this variation I'd prefer to trade for the regular version. 

Litha is the color variation, but a deco variation. It's not an anniversary year and usually color variations are just another coat color like Marzipan from 2022 was palomino with a seal bay color variation. I do like this one though and I guess it fits the theme better than a regular coat color variation (I was originally guessing chestnut or something like that), though I also like the original one too. Think I'll try to trade Hirtir for whichever one I don't get.

That's all I have for this post, see y'all in the next one!!

(pictures and information come from and belong to Breyer)

March & April Newsletters!! Stablemates Club Release, Maya, Black Beauty OOAK Never Before Seenl!!

I am catching up on newsletters as I am a little behind, so two will be featured in this post, those being March & April. 

The march newsletter contains a final warning for getting VIP Breyerfest tickets. Breyerfest model horse shows finally on sale, spring sale with up to 50% off, there's an article featuring the history of model horse shows, and the featured giveaway is the new black bear mom and cub set which I don't really need as it's something I don't fully like. Lastly is the sneak peak!!

I believe this was for the Collector Club gambler's choice classic/freedom scale model Maya which I'll go over a little further down.

The April newsletter goes over national help a horse day where 10% of the regular line to The Cloud Foundation, reminder to use the Breyerfest blog for the latest info, Breyer is hiring and has more info on their career page if anyone is interested, Black Beauty is the featured story, the giveaway for this month is a special addition glossy classic scale Black Beauty which is cool but I have the matte version and there's only one so I'm not entering, and finally the sneak peak!! I think it is something to come later this month, maybe even next month.

Meet Maya!!

Maya is this year's Collector Club classic/freedom scale gambler's choice model. She comes in 3 variations, black leopard appaloosa, red roan, and chestnut pinto. I like them all but was drawn to the appaloosa a bit more and thankfully that was the one I received in my order.

In the Black Beauty article, in one of the pictures is a never before seen test version of a proposed Black Beauty model that was never released.

Black Beauty was once proposed on the Ethereal mold but never made it past the planning stage. Shame, sure he's usually depicted more calm or only a little spritely, but I still like the Ethereal one as in his youth he was more playful including in the 1994 film where he tried to get Ginger's attention and befriend her and have her notice him.

That's all I have for this post, see y'all in the next one!!