Best Customs is Back!

And better than ever!

Announcing the 2024 BreyerFest Best Customs Contest! This Contest will honor the best in Breyer model horse customizing - re-making and re-sculpting the model itself, awesome finish work, and even possibly mohair and superb tack (not required). Prizes include a Traditional scale Exclusive Special Breyer model and rosette to first place winners and a unique Stablemates model plus rosette for second and third place for winners in each Division (see Contests page for details).

The first, second, and third place winners in each division will be announced and prizes awarded in-person during BreyerFest weekend July 12-14, 2024 at approximately 9 pm EDT on Saturday July 13, 2024 at the Clarion Hotel in Lexington, Kentucky.  Winning entries may be featured on BreyerHorses.com.

The 2024 BreyerFest Best Customs Contest is open exclusively to BreyerFest 2024 VIP and All-Access ticket holders where allowed.**

2024 BreyerFest Best Customs Contest Divisions:

Excellence in Finish Work

Excellence in final paint decoration, including, without limitation, a high level of detail work, smoothness of paint, and a glowing, flawless finish. Judging is on paint work, detail work, and realism. Customizing enhancements or embellishments (e.g., halters, re-sculpting, etc.) are NOT permitted. Only standard prep work is permitted (e.g., cleaning, sanding of seams, etc.). Realistic equines only, no fantasy entries.

Fantasy

Use a Breyer model(s) as your blank canvas, and let your imagination run wild! Judging is on creativity of concept and execution. A crowd favorite! Any scale Breyer model welcome but finished entry must be in the same or similar scale as the base model(s) used. You must include a brief description with your entry detailing what you are presenting.  This is the only Division for non-realistic entries.

Most Extreme Custom

Extensive custom with little evidence of original model or models used underneath. Judging is on the quality of the extent of re-working of conformation, finish work, and realism. Realistic equines only, no fantasy entries.  Finished entry must be in the same or similar scale as the base model(s) used.

Performance Excellence (shown with Tack or Tack and Rider)

For the Performance Excellence Division, tack and/or rider figure does not have to be created or customized by entrant. If you choose to use a rider figure, it must be a Breyer figure. Other non-Breyer props and accessories are acceptable as long as Breyer models (and Breyer figures, if applicable) are used in the Performance Excellence Division. Dioramas and accessories are welcome and encouraged, as they make an exciting display, however the judging will be on the model and tack, or model, tack, and rider, only. This is a great opportunity for you to introduce kids and those new to model horse collecting to the artistry of Performance showing. You must include a brief description with your entry detailing the discipline and class being performed. Judging is on customization of the model and the tack, or tack and rider, presentation. Realistic equines only, no fantasy entries.

Excellence in Tack Making

Show us your best custom tack on any Original Finish Breyer model of any scale.  English, Western, Regalia, Harness – all types of realistic horse tack may enter. The only customizing allowed on the model horse would be sanding down the mane to allow a bridle or saddle to fit more easily.  Custom dolls, carts, or other props are accepted only if all work is done by the entrant.  No dolls mounted on horses, as they may hide saddle details, but riders may be presented as part of the entry on a separate mannequin horse (of the same mold) or on a doll stand next to the tack.  No realistic "scene" bases; this is not a Performance class, it is the judging of miniature tack, as fine art.  Mirrored bases, raised bases, or rotating displays are welcome as these may make it easier to view the entry from all angles, but emphasis should be entirely on tack, as the tack will be the sole component judged.  Tack will be judged on detail, fit, accuracy, creativity, and workmanship.

Model Glow Ups – NEW for 2024!

This division, our new sixth Best Customs Contest division, will showcase customizations made to a model where the judges are able to clearly recognize the original or underlying model or mold used. Judging will be on the quality of the reworking of conformation, mane and/or tail re-sculpting, finish work, and realism. Realistic equines only, no fantasy entries. Finished entry must be in the same or similar scale as the base model used.  A special thank you to DeeJayBe Studios for providing us with the perfect example image for this new division!

The Contest entry period opens March 1, 2024 and all entries must be received by 5 pm EDT on June 7, 2024.  We can't wait to see what our incredible artists have to show off!

Click here for complete contest information and rules.

**Contest is open to legal residents of the U.S. (excluding AZ, CO, MD, NE, ND and VT) ages 14 and up with a BreyerFest 2024 VIP or BreyerFest All-Access ticket and an email account. If selected as a potential winner, parental consent is required if entrant is under age 18 (or under the legal age of majority in the entrant’s state of residence in the U.S. – whichever is greater). Void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law.