Horses have been a popular toy through the ages. Among these toys are sure to be Breyer Model Horses, the most popular horse toy in the world. Breyer is known for to-scale, authentic collectible horses. They also make special editions, and routinely retire several models every year.
While many people are first introduced to collecting model horses as children, it is a popular hobby among adults as well. Most will collect the special editions or those models that are produced to honor a particular horse… one of the recent honorees was Barbaro, the Thoroughbred who injured himself during the second leg of the Triple Crown and later had to be put down due to complications. Still other collectors only want certain colors, such as palomino, dapple gray, or chestnut. Some prefer to stick to a single breed. Luckily, Breyer horses come in many breeds, from Quarter Horses and Arabians to Thoroughbreds, draft horses and Shetland ponies. It is getting more common to see the rarer breeds represented as well, such as the Trakehner, the Friesian or the Hanoverian.
Breyer model horses come in several sizes. The Breyer Traditional Collection is the largest size, and is sculpted in a 1:9 scale. The Classic is done in a 1:12 scale, while the Paddock Pals are a bit smaller, being sculpted in a 1:24 scale. Stablemates used to be the smallest Breyer horses at 1:32 scale, but now the Mini Whinnies are even smaller. All sizes are fully detailed and come in a variety of colors and breeds. Some also are available with accessories.
There are some collectors who actually show their model horses. Photo shows allow the owner to take as realistic photo as possible of their models and submit them for various classes in the show, like halter, Western Pleasure, or English Equitation. Performance classes require the appropriate tack be on the model, and sometimes a rider is also included. Some areas host live shows as well. Exhibitors bring their models to the show to be judged right there and then. Winners receive ribbons and sometimes trophies for their models. Show models are sometimes repainted or even repositioned to make them more unique. Breyer is a favorite to use since they are already so realistic and come in so many different positions.
Whether you decide to show your Breyer model horse or not, collecting them can be great fun. Every year new models are released, and others are retired. Some go up in value quite a bit, especially if they are in good condition.
Of course, children like to play with Breyer horses, too. They can spend hours playing with them, designing pastures, or utilizing the many accessories that are available, such as stables, fences, barn tools and realistic Western and English tack to put on the horses.
No matter what your age, if you love horses, you’ll enjoy Breyer model horses. Whether you collect a hundred or only a few, they are a fun way to enjoy the beauty of horses.