Seminars at BreyerFest!

Educating new collectors and horse lovers has always been a staple of BreyerFest! BreyerFest speakers offer a wealth of knowledge about real horses and the model horse hobby. All of our seminars are FREE, do not require registration, are available to ALL in-person ticket holders, and are located in the theater of the Visitor Information Center at the Kentucky Horse Park. Seminars will be recorded and posted on BreyerHorses.com for ticket holders with virtual access* to view on their own time all weekend long. 

As well, BreyerFest has once again partnered up with the EQUUS Film & Arts Festival to bring BreyerFest guests exclusive viewings of their year’s festival favorites on Sunday.

Friday Talks

Therapeutic Riding with Lauren Reischer

Though she was born with cerebral palsy, which comes with a unique set of challenges, Lauren Reischer did not let that stop her from dreaming big. Despite doctors predicting that Lauren would struggle with many basic tasks, horseback riding seems to come naturally to her. In this talk, Lauren will discuss how she got into therapeutic riding, how it differs from other types of para-equestrian disciplines, and her two horses, Benignity and Renaissance (who will be joining her at BreyerFest!)

Introduction to Model Horse Showing with Kim Bjorgo

Interested in learning how to show your models? Kim, one of the managers of our Children’s and Youth model horse show at BreyerFest, is here to show you the ropes!  Suitable for all ages of new showers, including adults, this presentation will walk you through getting started in the fun, educational, and exciting world of model horse showing. Want to learn more? Stop by the Hands-on Hobby Booth to participate in our mini mock model horse show!

The Story of Sergeant Reckless with Robin Hutton

Join acclaimed author Robin Hutton to learn all about the life of real horse hero Sergeant Reckless, who fought for the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War.  Beloved by her platoon, get a glimpse into the life of this amazing horse through archival photos and learn about her three colts. There's never been another horse like Reckless. She wasn't a horse - she was a Marine!

Immediately following Robin’s talks in the Visitor Information Center Theater on both Friday and Saturday (weather permitting), guests are invited to proceed outside to the Sgt. Reckless memorial sculpture at the Horse Park for an in-depth conversation about the monument with Robin and the monument’s sculptor, Jocelyn Russell.

Lexington, America’s Legendary Racehorse with Kim Wickens

Join Kim Wickens, author of the dramatic true story of the racehorse Lexington, as she talks about her book and the horse’s inspiring impact on 19^th century people.  Kim will discuss the triumphs and turbulence in Lexington’s life as well as the journey of his bones from the Smithsonian to the Kentucky Horse Park, where he is proudly displayed at the International Museum of the Horse.

Against the Odds – Rare Colors and Patterns with Lesli Kathman

Lesli Kathman is an equine genetics and color expert, and her seminars are a BreyerFest staple. But have you ever wondered what gets cut from her annual presentation on horse color? What colors and patterns are just too rare – or too strange! – to be included? Join Lesli as she shares information and rarely-seen photos of anomalies like manchado overo, beltons, bider marks, and brindles in this fascinating lecture.

Saturday Talks

Repairing Models with Jennifer Danza

Don’t we all wish we could touch up some of our favorite models once they start to show signs of age? Now you can! Jennifer O’Donnell Danza’s step-by-step lecture will help you fix the most common types of damage seen on model horses, from leg and ear breaks to yellowing. There will be a question and answer period as well. Need a more hands-on experience? Stop by the Hands-on Hobby tent to chat with our many talented hobbyists!

Para Equestrian Panel Discussion hosted by Wren Blae Zimmerman

In this panel discussion, hosted by Wren Blae Zimmerman, guests Abby Rigert, Gianna Trotter, and Jennifer Crawford will all discuss their experiences as para-equestrians. All representing Para Show Jumping North America and presenting at this year’s BreyerFest, this discussion will include an overview of the sport and dive into each rider’s experience as a Para Show Jumper.  A group of inspiring women who have definitely defied the odds!

Identifying Your Breyer with Liz Isham Cory

In this lecture, Liz will walk the audience through the process of figuring out which model you have, determining its age, valuing the piece, and more. Collectibility is a component in model horse showing, and knowing what you have in your herd is an asset! Liz will also touch on research, documenting your collection, and (if the time comes) best practices when liquidating a collection.

Cloud: The Stallion King with Ginger Kathrens, Founder and Board President of The Cloud Foundation

In 1994, Ginger Kathrens began an amazing adventure into the wild. In 2001, we joined her on the journey as she took us into the Pryor Mountains on the Wyoming/Montana border and showed us the intricate and fascinating world of wild horses. She introduced us to the stallion Cloud. So many are familiar with him, and have longed to hear and see more of his story. This year at BreyerFest 2024, Cloud fans will get that chance! Join The Cloud Foundation for a presentation from Ginger as she shares clips from her new Cloud series. Enjoy the never-before-seen-footage of Cloud’s life in the Pryor mountains and meet new characters as life continues in the rugged mountain home of the Pryor wild horses!

The Story of Sergeant Reckless with Robin Hutton

Join acclaimed author Robin Hutton to learn all about the life of real horse hero Sergeant Reckless, who fought for the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War.  Beloved by her platoon, get a glimpse into the life of this amazing horse through archival photos and learn about her three colts. There's never been another horse like Reckless. She wasn't a horse - she was a Marine!

Immediately following Robin’s talks in the Visitor Information Center Theater on both Friday and Saturday (weather permitting), guests are invited to proceed outside to the Sgt. Reckless memorial sculpture at the Horse Park for an in-depth conversation about the monument with Robin and the monument’s sculptor, Jocelyn Russell.

*Tickets with virtual access include VIP, All-Access, Online Traditional Access, and Online Stablemates Access.