Endurance riding tests the horse’s ability to cover long distances over varying terrain, altitude, and weather. It not only tests the horse’s fitness and stamina, but the connection and trust between horse and rider. Meg Sleeper met Belesema Sapphire, a chestnut Arabian mare, when the horse’s previous owner could no longer keep her. After just a few months of training and getting to know the sensitive mare, Meg discovered she was talented, but very herd-bound and lacked confidence in herself and rider, which caused her to act out.

Meg decided that it would be best for Sapphire if she was only ridden by one person so she could learn to trust her rider. The pair went to work and trained by themselves on the trails, rarely joining group rides. These many hours spent alone helped fortify trust between Sapphire and Meg and they became a true team. Sapphire, now 13-years-old, is a force to be reckoned with on the trails, and her accomplishments include 1st place for the AERC National 100 Mile Award and National Best Condition Award and she was the 2023 Arabian Horse Association 100 Mile Award recipient.

Megs sums up what working with Sapphire means to her best by saying, “I feel honored that she considers me worthy… when you are both enjoying – indeed loving – the experience, there is nothing you can’t accomplish.” Sapphire and Meg’s trust and bond with each other is truly something to celebrate! BreyerFest attendees will be able to meet this long-distance champion this summer at BreyerFest!

Freestyle reining combines the precision and technicality of reining maneuvers with music and choreography. To harmoniously pull off all aspects of a great freestyle it takes a special connection between horse and rider. One horse who has made big waves in the world of freestyle reining is the 2008 buckskin gelding, Game Day Surprise.

Sharee Schwartzenberger met Eli, as he is known in the barn, as a 2-year-old and knew there was something special about him. He was athletic, learned quickly, and was very levelheaded, which are all qualities Sharee looks for in her freestyle horses. After some early competitions, the two clicked and became a force to be reckoned with in the ring. Some of Eli’s many accomplishments include being the top freestyle earner in the world, winning the 2020 25th Anniversary Ram Invitational Freestyle Championship as well as being reserve champion in 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2024. Eli was born to be in the spotlight; he knows when it's game time and lets his personality shine.

On top of having fun costumes, catchy music, and technical maneuvers Sharee and Eli are known for doing almost all their performances bridleless. The pair’s connection is so seamless, spectators have watched their routines only to realize Eli was brideless at the end! Their trust in each other allows this dynamic pair to dance flawlessly and in harmony under the lights. With Eli still performing at 17 years old it is a true testament to their commitment to each other and is something to be celebrated! BreyerFest attendees can meet this talented dancing duo at BreyerFest!

Started in 1996, the Chincoteague Pony Drill Team is the only one of its kind in the world - an equine drill team composed entirely of Chincoteague Ponies. The ponies on the team are veterans of the swim, including some descendants of Misty. The team demonstrates Equine Drill, which is a set of choreographed movements on horseback set to music. The team performs with as few as three and up to ten riders.

Under the direction of Coach Kendy Allen, the drill team has made appearances at many big venues, including Fair Hill Five Star Eventing Championship, the Virginia Inaugural Governor’s Parade, the Kentucky Horse Park, Equitana USA, the Viriginia State Fair, the Delaware State Horse Show, the Washington DC National Horse Show, and the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, as well as appearing on NBC, CBS, and ABC television. They have won numerous awards from local parades and have been named the Youth World Champions at Equitana 2000. The team is excited to add BreyerFest to their resume!

Meet Rain, a unique Pryor Mountain Mustang. A direct descendant of the Conquistadors' horses, she was discovered as a foal by Ginger Kathrens of The Cloud Foundation in May 2007. Born in the wild, Rain is the daughter of the famous stallion, Cloud. Rain exemplifies the ideal Spanish horse with her short back, low tail setting, and beautifully tapered head. Her distinctive roan coloring sets her apart from other horses, turning almost completely white with the changing seasons.

After being rounded up by the Bureau of Land Management in 2009, Rain was put up for adoption at just two years old. Lisa Friday successfully bid for her and brought her to her forever home in Virginia, where she now lives with five other Pryor Mountain Mustangs, including other Cloud descendants.

When your duties include patrolling over 1,200 acres of the horse capital of the world, of course you do it from horseback! The Kentucky Horse Park’s Mounted Police team does everything from security checks and greeting the public, to writing citations and directing traffic – all from the saddle. Naturally, the officers need safe, level-headed mounts that are also great with people. Meet Legend, the KHP’s newest and youngest equine officer! He joined the team in 2021 and is partnered with Officer Rakow. Mounted Unit Commander Captain Rakes shares that Legend is “calm, levelheaded and has a kind disposition which makes him a great ambassador to the Kentucky Horse Park.”

Legend is a Drum Horse, with his lineage being a mix of Clydesdale, Shire, and Gypsy Vanner. He gets his name from his medicine hat and shield markings, which according to Native American legend, offer protection – perfect for an equine officer! Make sure to stop by and say hi to Legend at the Mounted Police Barn during BreyerFest!

Don’t tell Nistar Blazing Kansas LOM that he can’t do something. Standing at 11.2 hands, “Kansas” competes in halter, trail, pleasure driving, and carriage driving for owner Cynthia Bellis-Jones of Fox Run Farm – often against Sporthorses much larger than him. He’s been named a National Champion in the Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America (WPCSA), Pinto Horse Association, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), and the United States Dressage Federation (USDF). He continues to rack up championships and now is watching his progeny take the winner circle in various disciplines.

Kansas was nationally ranked the WPCSA’s #1 Section A Stallion in 2018 and 2019, and his path to the top was paved in victory. He earned his Legion of Merit with the WPCSA in 2018 and in 2021 received his Award of Excellence. In 2019 he was named the organization’s Welsh of the Year. Kansas was also the USEF’s Horse of the Year in four times all in addition to being a three-time winner of the USDF’s Welsh All-Breed Award and three-time Grand Champion of the National Dressage Pony Cup. Kansas and Cindy can’t wait to be back at BreyerFest and enjoy the weekend with their many fans!

Nistar Blazing Kansas LOM & GTF Blazing Ethel models will be available at BreyerFest for purchase!