FREE DOMESTIC GROUND SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $49 | *See Terms Here
FREE DOMESTIC GROUND SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $49 | *See Terms Here
Breyer strives to represent a variety of breeds and disciplines. Horses are at the heart of BreyerFest and fans get a chance to see them up close throughout the weekend both back at the stables and in the Covered Arena daily. As fans say hi to the Guest Horses, who have models made after them, they also get to meet various other breed groups who come to show off what their horses can do. From rarer breeds, like the Gotland Ponies to well-known breeds, like the Arabian, there are all sizes, shapes, and colors for fans to explore at the event.
This all gaited, Mountain Pleasure Horse drill team has been in operation since 2000 and has been a performer at BreyerFest for the past 16 years. The squad is comprised of both male and female riders, and range in ages from 5-65 years old. The group has primarily performed as entertainers and educators for their beloved and critically endangered breed, the Mountain Pleasure Horse/Old Kentucky Saddler.
The Mountain Pleasure Horse is a heritage breed of horse that has been carefully bred in the Appalachian foothills of Eastern Kentucky for over 200 traceable years. Early Kentuckians developed these sure-footed, smooth-gaited horses to work the fields and carry them over the steep and rugged terrain. These were the horses that were ridden by the traveling doctor, teacher, mailman, frontier nurses and the preacher. The Mountain Pleasure/Old Kentucky Saddler Horse is an average sized horse of good bone and feet, they generally run from 14.2-15.2 hands in height, and weigh between 900-1200 pounds.
These kind-hearted, easily trainable, gentle horses are often referred to as the “Boy Scout Breed” due to their willing natures and strong attachment to their families. Mountain Pleasure Horses come in all solid colors, but the stunning palomino is a favorite and many owners take great pride in their “golden horses”. Until recently, few people from outside the Eastern Kentucky region were aware of this Treasure of the Appalachians. Although owners and breeders of the Mountain Pleasure Horse can now be found throughout the United States and Canada, with only around 2500 purebred horses left in existence today, they are unfortunately considered a critically endangered heritage breed and have been included in the Equus Survival Trust and Livestock Conservancy as a rare breed.
Their most current roles are those of remarkable, surefooted trail mounts, as well as trail obstacle, arena obstacle, drill team, barrel racing, cow penning, western dressage and a host of other events proving they’re still one of the most versatile breeds alive today!
Meet the Gotland Pony! The Gotland is a delightful medium pony breed beloved for its exceptional, mellow disposition, and kind manner. They are talented jumpers, trotting racers, all-around athletes, and perfect family ponies. Gotland Ponies are from the island of Gotland off the coast of Sweden.
For centuries they have been the national pony of Sweden, used as kids' riding, driving, and trotting racing ponies. The Gotland is of a light horse type, though very sturdy, with a nice sloping shoulder, compact body, primitive head and large eyes, straight legs, and wonderful hooves. Their size, between 12 and 13.1 hands and very sturdy, makes them perfect to carry a variety of riders, and for trainers to be able to step in when needed.
They are not at all flighty, and don’t have many typical "horsey" bad habits like biting or kicking. Very intelligent ponies, they are easily trained and respond well to gentle and kind handling. They are bold and adventurous, and not afraid of much of anything. They love water, trails, and partnering with their human for a fun adventure. That’s why this group calls them “The best pony on the planet.”
The Swedish Gotland Breeders’ Society (SGBS) was established in Kentucky in 1990 as an effort to publicize this wonderful breed, of which there were only eight at the time in the United States. Efforts were made to find ponies “lost” to the registry, and to re-establish the registry itself. A breeding program began, originally with just two remaining stallions. Eventually two more importations were made, and numbers climbed to about 200.
The Gotland Pony group is excited to show off all their ponies and what they can do. Catch them daily in the Covered Arena or stop by their stalls to learn more about the breed!
Meet Ohio Standardbreds & Friends! This versatile group has become a fan favorite at BreyerFest and promotes the Standardbred breed while showing all the wonderful things they can do beyond racing.
Standardbreds first became popular in America in the early 18th century as harness racing became popular. Early Standardbreds were a mix of various breeds like the English Thoroughbred, Morgan, Hackney, the Canadian Pacer and the Narragansett Pacer. The foundation sire of the Standardbred is Hambletonian 10, who was the great-grandson of an English Thoroughbred and produced both trotters and pacers. The most common color of the Standardbred is bay, but they do come in many other colors as well.
In the past ten years, this group has presented many demos at Equine Affaire at the Ohio State Fairgrounds. This year they brought fourteen Standardbreds that performed in eleven different demos, presenting different disciplines from the jog cart and race bike to Dressage and everything in between!
They also host breed weekends every year at the Kentucky Horse Park. Their BreyerFest presentation is the “icing on the cake” for this demo group, and their riders and drivers love the atmosphere, the organization of the event, and of course, the fans! The Standardbred makes a perfect first horse for kids and adults alike.
Their calm nature, versatility, stamina and willingness to please is what most people love about Standardbreds. Make sure to you catch this versatile group in action daily in the Covered Arena during BreyerFest weekend! They will also be back at the barns telling guests all about the amazing Standardbred breed.
Meet the Region 14 Arabians! This group based out of Kentucky and Ohio is showing just how amazing the Arabian breed is.
Their group is so proud to present the Arabian horse at BreyerFest 2024 and show fans their beauty, talents, and versatility. Arabians are the oldest breed of horse in the world. The early Bedouins used the Arabian horse as their mode of transportation across the hot, sandy desert.
They were also used in battle as war horses to protect their land. The kings, sheiks, and royalty were responsible for breeding these horses to possess qualities of extreme beauty and durability, in addition to being brave and loyal.
Arabians today are very versatile in many disciplines. They excel in English Pleasure, Western Pleasure, Hunter Pleasure, reining, Working Cow, jumping, Dressage, and racing. If you want to try endurance and distance competitions, Arabians are the breed of choice for the serious distance rider.
They are also a wonderful family horse - their kind and loving disposition makes them willing and able to take care of their riders. The Region 14 Arabian group is excited to meet BreyerFest attendees this summer and let them get up close and personal with their horses - touch them, take pictures, and make memories! Catch them in the Covered Arena daily, visit their stalls, or stop by their booth in the Vendor Marketplace to learn more about this amazing breed!
Check back as more breed groups are added!