More Than A Toy Horse
Many young equestrians grow up playing with model horses. After all, they inspire their imagination while encouraging big dreams. However, some model horses are more than a toy for young horse lovers; many are highly collectible works of art.
In this blog, we take a look at some of the most sought-after Breyer Horses and look a bit more in depth to the Collectibility division at model horse shows. For an overview of the model horse hobby, we encourage you to read our blog post, Pint Sized Competition: Discover the World of Model Horse Showing. You can also shop for the latest Breyer models on our website and in our stores.
The History of Breyer Horses
When talking about collecting Breyer model horses, it’s important to look back at the origins of the company. In 1950, the first model horse was created by Breyer Molding Company, a plastics manufacturer in Chicago, for a special order for F.W. Woolworth Company. Originally the Western Horse was created to be an adornment on a mantle clock, but the company was quickly flooded with requests to purchase the model separately.
The success of the Western Horse eventually inspired the company to shift their focus to producing models of horses and other animals, and hence Breyer Animal Creations was formed. They soon began experimenting with a variety of molds and paint jobs, and the models became popular as both toys for children and collectible sculptures for adults.
In 1985, Reeves International, a quality toy producer, purchased Breyer Animal Creations. This allowed the company to drastically increase production and manufacture a larger number of model horses. In 1990, the first annual Breyerfest event was held, welcoming model horse enthusiasts from all over the country. This exciting multi-day event has quickly grown into a popular destination that many collectors continue to attend year after year.
2020 marks Breyer’s 70th anniversary of producing high quality model horses! Over the course of the 70 years, thousands of models have been released into production, giving collectors an amazing amount of variety.
Model Madness
Collecting Breyer horses is all about what appeals to the individual, which means that the most collectible model horses will vary from person to person. Jini Groen, a passionate model horse enthusiast from Prattsburgh, NY, explains, “What makes a model collectible is a person’s desire to own it. It might be one that brings back fond memories or a favorite breed. It might be the rarity of the model or its value. There are many reasons that an individual collector will find a model interesting.”
Kathy Hartmann has been involved with model horse showing and collecting for over 40 years, and in fact, she was selected by Breyer to be a guest speaker at the inaugural Breyerfest at the Kentucky Horse Park. Kathy explains that the collectibility of a model can be somewhat fickle and is mainly driven by the trends of the model horse community. “Ultimately, a collectible model is one that many hobbyists have a desire to own,” she says. “The attraction to a certain model may rise and fall. For example, Breyer once made flocked rocking horse models. When they were released they were a flop, but now, 30 years later, they are highly sought after because very few exist.”
There are several main groups of horses that are highly collectible: Vintage models, Limited Run Models, and Variations. For many collectors, the most collectible models (and the collector’s “grail model”) might be the ones that are the hardest to find. They may be very limited in number, extremely old, have an unusual paint job, or are a combination of these factors.
Vintage Models
Antique Breyer horses and vintage models are often considered some of the most collectible. These models often showcase unique paint jobs such as woodgrain and wedgewood blue horses.
Other models are base coated with a white, making their paint jobs crisp and their white markings pop. These are known by the collecting community as “Chalkies.” Many of the chalkies date to the 1970s when Breyer was forced to use odd color plastics due to the oil crisis. The white basecoat allowed them to utilize these affordable plastics without changing the quality of their models. “Pearlie” models were produced in the same era, and showcase a glass-like (yet not glossy) finish due to the quality of plastic used.
Valerie Parker, a model horse collector from Buffalo, NY, says “As a Breyer collector, I would say the “In-between Mare is the most collectible Breyer model. Some vintage models that I would consider highly collectible would be the Presentation Series models, Showcase Collection models, Chalkies, Pearlies, and woodgrain models such as the Proud Arabian Mare (PAM), Proud Arabian Foal (PAF), and the Belgian.”
Many collectors concur that the In-Between Mare is one of the most sought after vintage models. This Arabian mold was produced between the introduction of the PAM and the Family Arabian Mare (FAM), hence its name. The mold has many flaws, including a prominent stomach and a distinct left lean, however because the mold was never officially put into production, the models are highly coveted. There are only a handful of original In-Between Mares that are known to exist (Due to the popularity of the mold, Breyer’s Vintage Collectors Club has announced that they have slated new In Between Mares for 2020 production).
Limited Run Models
Breyer Horses do not need to be old to be collectible! Throughout the history of the company, many One of a Kind (OOAK) or limited run models have been created on a number of their molds. Due to the scarcity of the models, these modern models tend to be highly collectible as well.
According to Valerie, “I would also consider rare models, such as Raffle models, [low number] event models, and Breyerfest auction models among the most collectible for models that are currently being produced.”
Variations
Some of the most collectible Breyer models were never intended to be highly collectible. There are some variations that make it off the production floor completely unintentionally. Sometimes these models are missing a sock or a blaze or they may be painted completely differently from the rest of the run. Normally, these variations are caught by quality control, but if they manage to leave the factory, they are sought after by collectors.
“I encourage new collectors to look for more common models that are not in the four digit price range!” says Kathy. “There are some color variations and marking variations, as well as overlooked models that were only issues for a very short time, that can all win in collectibility classes.”
Join the Hunt
Finding highly collectible models can be an exciting challenge for many collectors. Many web specials and limited run models can be purchased directly from Breyer through online lotteries or at Breyerfest. Every year, Breyer runs a live auction Breyerfest full of OOAK models that have been specifically painted for this event. The money raised is donated to equine charities, and it raises significant sums. In 2019, a Glossy Sooty Dappled Buckskin Sabino Pinto hand painted on the coveted Alborozo mold sold for a whopping $22,000!
Your local brick and mortar tack shop, like The Cheshire Horse, also carries collectible models, such as special run (SR) and limited run models that are sure to be popular in the upcoming years. Many of these models are not able to be sold through online venues, so you will need to stop by and look for new horses on the shelf (you can also keep an eye on our Facebook page!).
When it comes to shopping for vintage models, collectors have found them in a number of locations. Jini says, “The fun in the collecting is to find a gem in an unexpected place such as an estate sale, flea market, antique shop, or on the internet. You just never know when or where a vintage piece will pop up.”
Because of the number of models that are available, it is important to know what appeals to you and what you are interested in collecting… however, you may find that a certain model simply speaks to you and you need to bring it home to join your herd. “When shopping for new-to-me models, I take the rarity and desirability into account while considering if it’s something I collect,” says Valerie.
Competing in Collectibility
If you have highly collectible Breyer horses, you may decide to bring them to model horse shows to compete in the collectibility division. In these classes, models are judged on their rarity, age, desirability, number produced, and condition.
At the show, the judge uses their experience as well as current markets to rank the entries. According to Valerie, “As a judge, documentation from the exhibitors is extremely helpful, as there have been so many models produced that it may be difficult to keep up with it all.” Make sure that you bring documentation listing the years the model was produced, number of the run (if known), and anything unusual about the model (such as if the model is chalky or pearly, has a blue ribbon or tenite sticker, or showcases any variations or mistakes). If the model has a Certificate of Authenticity (COA), it is important to display it as well. There are many books and websites that can assist hobbyists in researching their models. Identify Your Breyer is one very popular website that consistently updates when new models are produced.
Collecting Breyer Horses is a hobby that appeals to horse lovers of all ages. By shopping for models that you love and appreciate, you can create a model horse collection that will bring a smile to your face for years to come. Jini summarizes the most important aspects of the search for highly collectible Breyers, “Most of all, you need to enjoy your models and have fun!”
Great information to have. I went to my first Breyerfest in 2001 because I had purchased a Breyer horse at a flea market. Since I have real horses, i was immediately interested in learning more about the Breyer horses so i went to my first Breyerfest in 2001 and now have over 200 horses and love each one. My favorite models are the Wixom and the Arabian stallion. I have been fortunate to win 2 raffle horses both of which are Arabians, I actually have a grandson of Huckleberry Bey which is the logo horse for Breyer. Breyerfest is fun and exciting for all ages. Keep up the great work.
Yes. If. Stared. a. Couple. Of. Years. because. I. Love. Horse’s. and. The. Many. Important. Breeds. I. Love. I. Don’t. Have. a. Stable. But. I. Enjoy. My. HOBBY. Thanks.
Recieved my first beyer horse when I was 10. Have been into them ever since! I also look for horses that look like my own.
As a little girl I collected Breyer horses and the Stablemates. Had one of their first wooden stables and as I got older they were sold or given away. Recently I ran across some old Breyer’s one being a wooden Tennessee Walker. Now I’m collecting them once again. My favorites being the Indian ponies and Wild Mustang’s. Have a collection of the retired Breyer Animals.
Been a Breyer lover since the late 60,’s,when I bought my first at Woolworth.At that time they cost around $5-6.My how times have changed.I still have those models and still collect.
deena
Hello my name is Robert. Was wondering if you would be interested in some early Beyer horses made from the molding. Co.
I have 14 in all
Robert I would be interested! 🙂
I have a collection I am looking to sell. I have been collecting since the 70’s. Old molds no stamp special run and high gloss models . Let me know if you are interested
I have some breyers from the 80-90s and some from the 2000s if anyone is looking for a specific one send me a pic of which one and I’ll let you know if I have it
hello I have over 700 big and probably smaller ones also I’m wanting to sell if anyone is interested text me 8067510218
I’m very interested if you still have them
If you still have any of your collections I’d like to see pictures of them, please
About 20 years ago I came across a Breyer Horse Lamp. I was not familiar with Breyer horses at the time, but a fllow collector was with me. The lamp was $10.00. I exclaimed about it’s beauty and authenticity. The owner said, “If you can wait about 10 minutes, I have another one.” I waited, needless tosay, I bought them both for $10.00 each. They are the woodgrain mare and foal and the woodgrain stallion. I have always treasured them and from what I understand, they are worth a whole lot more now!
What a wonderful find!
FYI, Reeves purchased Breyer Molding Company in 1984, not 1985. I have some special 1984 Little Bits that were produced and given as promotional pieces from 1984.
Oh wow! The Breyer website does currently indicate, “in 1985, Reeves acquired the Breyer Animal Creations® brand of model horses and accessories.” (breyerhorses.com/pages/about-reeves)
I recently won the drawing for the 1st piece Vermeer. Is it valuable?
Hi Diana, what luck! The original pieces of the Premier Collection models are highly prized by Breyer enthusiasts. The value will fluctuate depending on the condition and the paint job, but you have a true collectible piece on your hands.
Too bad they are now made in China! I miss the stamp that used to be there…Made in the USA, bring the manufacturing back here, your an American company and it was America that made you what you are today!
I agree
I totally agree! Look at the Beanie Babie’s .
soooooo true!
Hi,
I am an animal sculptor from Australia and love breyer horses too.
I started making my own horses from porcelain/clay 30 years ago.
I am interested in finding out who is really behind the original pieces breyer horses are moulded from.
Any ideas who these artists are ?
Or were?. Thanks, Chanel.
Hi Chanel, that’s great, what a fun hobby. We would recommend reaching out to Breyer directly for more information: https://www.breyerhorses.com/pages/contact-us.
I have collected Breyer horses for many years but my most recent purchases have been race horses such as Secretariat and dressage horses such as Valegro, jumpers such as Gem Twist, Snowman, Valero, and special ones like as Sergeant Reckless, Queen Elizabeth’s mount, Carlton Emma, and others. As you can see, my collection is eclectic. I was never able to own one, so for me this is the next best thing. ☺️
Hello to everyone out there. As a young boy I collected Breyer horses I have a fairly large collection from the 60’s and 70’s..I am looking to liquidate my collection and am trying to find someone who would love these horses as much as myself. If interested contact me for more information. Thanks Cody Porter
I am interested in your Breyer, Cody. Please share any information you have with me!
I have a collection I am looking to sell as I sadly have no room. Would you be interested ? Special run old mold with no stamps etc. I have been collecting since the 70’s. LMK
Hi Joan,
I am interested in your models. Email me at [email protected].
Thank you,
Sarah
Hi there,
I would be interested to see what you have in your collection! I have been collecting breyer horses for a while and do it for the historical background.
I have collected since the early 70’s sadly one of my kids took off a good 200 of them and just abandoned them at apartment they broke lease on. I was so mad when I found out! Luckily my a few of my most favorite were spared in a box hidden in the back of the garage. I have one that was sent to me by Breyer after I lost my first real horse when I was 10. I was devastated and figured if anyone would understand how upset I was it would be Breyer so I just sent them a letter with the pictures of her and what had happened a couple of months later I was sent a box from Breyer in the mail and it was Stud Spider model painted to match her. Why a mare on a Stud Spider mold, no clue but I was just estatic I had her. Now my mom told me NOT to play with her she wasn’t like my other “carpet herd”, but being 10..I did anyways so she has some scuffs on her. My mom kept the original letter from Breyer and when we moved from that house I boxed the letter up with all my birthday and graduation cards from over the years and put them in her attic. Unfortunately they were lost in the fire so I no longer have the letter from Breyer for that horse but looking on IDYB there is no other Stud Spider painted like her, so (he) she is one of a kind.
I’m sorry you’re kids lost 200+ of your Breyers, I’m sorry that at 10yrs old you lost your horse, and I’m sorry you lost your letter/birthday cards in a fire. At least you have that incredible model that reminds you of your amazing horse!
Wonderful article! I received my first Breyer as a gift when I was ten. Collecting Breyers spilled into my becoming a custom painting artist – it is the best of both works – combining a love of horses with my artsy side. Since I can’t have a real horse, collecting Breyers has allowed me to learn so much about different breeds and to enjoy showing them too!
I started collecting them in 1958 and have around 40 – 50 horses as well as an original stable. If anyone is interested, I would like to sell them. Email me if you are interested.
Hi Kathleen-
Did you end up selling your collection?
My sister collected them when she was little and now my daughter is collecting. I might be interested as i would love to make both of them happy.
I have a collection I would like to donate in Maryland
I inherited a Breyer animal collection from the last 1960’s to the 1970’s. I’d be happy to send you pictures if it is something you’d be interested in.
I recently picked up a few Breyers at a vintage thrift shop. As a child I had a tiny herd, one being the proud Arabian foal in dapple grey , oh how I loved him. He mysteriously disappeared from my room ? My question is, where do I look to find my new herds identity and history? I check the Breyer Site and they do not show them there. One is a tri color paint, a Palomino Tennessee walking horse, and the third is a Misty model, I believe. I actually found it in a window sill at a friends house, outside. I told her I was sure it was a Breyers, she said, take it. It is a little worse for wear but still a treasure to me.
How do I know what my Breyer horse is worth?
Hi,
I recently received several of my Grandfathers horses from his collection. One is a Breyer, but I absolutly cannot find one identical to it. I know it wasnt played with and always sat on the shelf. I know it is an Arabian. I also have two identical (I believe Porcelain) that have a tiny red sticker that simply says Japan on it and the # 10035. I cannot figure out what brand it is. If anyone would have any idea please contact me ant the info below. I can send pictures.
Many Thanks,
Jennifer Terry
I have 27 vintage Breyer horses from 80/90s . My daughters do not want them . Looking to sell
I have boxes stacked 6 high six deep and six across with about 3 to 4 horses in each box my aunt left me she had been collecting 42 years I’m looking to sell [email protected] tex 8067510218
I have 5 vintage Breyer horses from the early 60’s. In great condition. Can send photos if interested. Will sell if reasonable offer..
Hello all!
As a young girl I collected Breyer horses. I have a collection of ~35 from the 90’s and early 00’s and one from the 70s/80s. I am looking to liquidate my collection as I am moving. I would love to find someone who will love these horses as much as I did.
If interested, please contact me for more info. Thanks, Jackie.