Model Horse Shows at BreyerFest!

BreyerFest is home to some of the largest model horse shows in the country, and we are so excited to bring these incredible learning experiences to fans! 

This summer’s BreyerFest will be home to four in-person model horse shows throughout the weekend, with two shows kicking the weekend off on Thursday, July 11th at the Clarion.

What is model horse showing? Participants show their Breyer model horses in the same way a person might show a real, living horse. Models are entered in either “halter” or “performance” classes and experienced judges review and judge each entry based on specific criteria.

In “Halter” classes, an untacked, unaltered Breyer model horse is entered into a particular class based on the breed the competitor has assigned to their model. If an Arabian model horse is entered into an Arabian class, the judge will choose the winning horses based on conformation, characteristics, and colors typical for that breed.  Competitors are welcome to show models in classes that are not necessarily obvious for the mold they are showing if they can provide documentation to support their entry.

In “Performance” classes, models are fully tacked, often with riders, and set up in a diorama-like scene, complete with props and natural elements. These scenes are viewed as if they are snapshots of a live horse event in action. Tack is generally handmade, and all tack must be accurate to the activity being highlighted – a competitor couldn’t use a western-style bridle in a dressage competition scene, for example.

Back in person at the Clarion will be Breakables at BreyerFest, BreyerFest's all-china show hosted by Maggie Barkovitz, is open to VIP and All-Access ticket holders.  This show is restricted to equine models made of china and will be hosted at the Clarion Hotel on Thursday, July 11^th.  Judging for this show will begin at 8 am!

Also taking place on Thursday, July 11^th at the Clarion Hotel and running concurrently with Breakables will be Resin Renaissance, hosted by Heather Malone and Jackie Arns-Rossi from the Mares in Black. This show is open to collectors of artist resin models and medallions and is open to guests with VIP or All-Access tickets who will be joining us in person.

The BreyerFest Open Show, which will take place on Friday July 12^th in the North Expo Hall of the Alltech Arena, is geared towards experienced showers over the age of 13 and is fast-paced and competitive. All participants must be VIP or All-Access ticket holders and advanced registration is required. Models can be shown in two divisions: Halter and Performance.

If you’re younger and/or newer to the world of model horse shows, we strongly recommend participating in the Youth or Children’s Model Horse Shows, which happen concurrently and use the same class list. These shows are geared towards participants ages 4 to 16, are slower paced, and focus on teaching participants. These shows take place on Saturday, July 13^th and will be hosted in the North Expo Hall of the Alltech Arena. All participants must be VIP or All-Access ticket holders and models can be shown in Halter or Performance divisions.

Show packets and registration information for the in-person shows will be available on BreyerHorses.com in early March! 

We will also have a couple of online photo shows taking place this year, as well!  Breyer Boot Camp and BOO! (Breyer’s Online Open Photo Show) will have registration opening in late March and you do NOT need to be a BreyerFest ticket holder to participate – they are open to all! More on these coming soon!