Breyer Model Horses

The Breyer Molding Company has been producing model horses for 60 years now. And not just average, everyday plastic model horses but beautifully detailed and life-like models representing every breed imaginable from the showy Appaloosa to the stately Thoroughbred.

I got my first Breyer model horse 34 years ago when I was 12 years old. Others soon followed until I had built a fairly impressive stable. Pintos, Appaloosas, and Palominos. Blacks, bays and dapples. I loved my model horses almost as much as I did my real horses.

Back then my model horse play consisted of clomping the models across the floor or tying them up with string and rubber bands to simulate bridles and reins. Barbie dolls made poor riders because they were too big and their legs did not bend right. Now days, all that has changed and your imagination can go as far as your money will take you. Model horse play has turned into a big business and an even bigger hobby with plenty of props and accessories to fuel imaginations.

If an item is required in the care of a real horse you can find it for your Breyer model horse. Custom made saddles, bridles, halters and lead ropes. Handmade blankets, pads, curry combs and leggings. You can even get custom made dolls to be riders for the model horses. Cowboy dolls, cowgirl dolls, English rider dolls and even a veterinarian doll. Don't forget shelter; barns and stables are also available all built to fit Breyer model horses. You can even get mini stable cleaning tools like wheel barrows and rakes!

But it doesn't stop there. Lest your model horse should get lonely there are even companion animal models like cats, dogs and goats that can live in the barn or stable with your model horse.

Along with all the props and accessories there are also Breyer model horse clubs. These clubs hold model horse shows. Live shows and photo shows have opened the way to models being classified as LSQ (live show quality) or PSQ (photo show quality). And just like in the real horse world, there are different classes of shows. Halter classes, Western pleasure classes, Performance classes, etc., etc.

Some hobbyists have even taken it a step further and become model horse artists. Old scuffed and damaged models can be repaired, repainted and even resculpted to become an entirely new model. Hair can be added for new manes and tails as well as entirely new poses created by softening the plastic and repositioning the legs or neck. A plain bay can become a flashy Appaloosa with a few strokes of the brush or, more accurately, a few sprays from the Airbrush.

It is not a cheap hobby however. Some Breyer model horses can cost close to $50.00 but most do range in the $15.00 - $25.00 range. Customs or resculpted models, however, can cost several hundred dollars and some limited edition Breyer models sell in excess of $1000. Props and accessories are also expensive. Most custom made saddles cost at least $20.00 and many range between $40 and $60.

I doubt the Breyer Molding Company could have imagined the fervor they would create when they produced their first model horse some 60 years ago. And, although they are not affiliated with any of the clubs or hobbyists turned artist supporting the hobby they are, nevertheless, reaping the benefits.