The reveal I've been waiting for!!!!!!!!

 After I published yesterday's post, a few hours later Breyer released another model.  That is not the one I've been waiting for.  But first, the non-equine model.

Today, we are inspired by the classics and are traveling back to ancient Greece.  Meet Knossos...

This handsome bull was inspired by the Bull-Leaping Fresco at the Palace of Knossos in Crete, which dates back to 1450 BCE.  The beautifully restored artwork features three figures engaging in an activity known only as "bull leaping" but the purpose of this activity has been lost to history.  Based on art styles from the period, scholars have determined that the pale figures in the fresco are women, while the darker, leaping figure is a man.  Our Knossos, created exclusively for BreyerFest, has been done as a wild-type Brindle Piebald bull on Chris Hess' Spanish Fighting Bull (mold #73), which was first released in 1970.

Hmmm.  Well, they say the darker figure is "leaping" but to me it looks more like he's about to be "yeeted" (tossed).  Of course, it doesn't help that he's facing the tail end of the bull.   The only non-equine model I collect, and I only have one set, is the bears.  I have the ones from the silver anniversary Breyerfest, but they're not the silver ones, just the regular ones.  I like bears.  Mostly Grizzlies.  I do collect the Companion Animals, though, but those are small.

So...the reveal I've been waiting for.  The shhhh!!! Secret! model.

We have spent a lot of time exploring historical art located in Europe and produced by European artists, but today we are crossing the Mediterranean and heading to Africa! (which is funny since the Marwari is from India)

Tassili n'Ajjer is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park located in the Sahara Desert in Southern ALgeria.  This massive site is home to sandstone rock formations engraved with over 15,000 images, including cattle, antelope and people, that date to the Neolithic period - about 12,000 years ago...

Our Tassili model for BreyerFest pays homage to this amazing historical site that is a window into the past of humans and art.  He has been done as a bright, coppery chestnut tobiano pinto with a glossy finish, which reminds us of the color of sandstone.  Originally sculpted by Brigitte Eberl, the Marwari (mold #722) was first released in 2012 as a Premier Club model but has more recently been our 2017 Celebration Horse, Nazruddin...

At least they didn't sculpt him like the drawing with 4 front legs, 4 back legs and his tail tied to a couple of wheels.  hahaha.  Tassili reminds me a lot of Kalahkaari from the Premier Club, but mostly because it's chestnut and white.  Tassili has a lot more white than Kalahkaari does...

Well, looking at them together I guess they're not all that similar other than being the same mold.  It looks like Tassili is a lighter color of chestnut and the pattern is definitely different.  Either way, I plan on getting a Tassili since I conga that mold.  And, as I've mentioned before, I'm super happy they used the original mold with the turned ears rather than the "updated" version.

So, apparently Breyer is going to release another model later today.  They would.  Why can't they do one a day like they usually do?  hahaha.  Yes, I'm whining and complaining...sort of.  I'm going to go ahead and publish this blog and will probably post a new one when the other model is revealed.  We shall see.  Til next time!

The Non-Reveal of a Reveal...wait...what?

 Today's reveal isn't an actual reveal.  Not a picture reveal anyway, but a name reveal.  Are you confused yet?

We can't reveal this model to you just yet - we can't even give you so much as a clue!  What we can reveal is that we have pulled out all the stops for this year's Surprise Model, the Seven Arts Surprise.  There will be a total of 6,000 of this model made and each will cost $85.00 - but that's all we'll say!

The Seven Arts refers to the traditional subdivision of the arts - Architecture, Sculpture, Painting, Literature, Music, Performing Arts and Film.  Here's to a beautiful and creative 2021.

Hmmm.  I hope this doesn't mean it's going to be ALL decorators.  I know usually at least one of the 4 models is a decorator and that's fine.  I am just hoping they don't make all 4 of them decos.  It will be interesting to see how they translate the 7 Arts into horses.  I guess we will have to wait and see.

On a non-hobby note...I booked my hotel for my return to Las Vegas in April.  I saw that the resort chain I stay at is having a room sale...40% off...so I looked at the Bellagio and at the Mirage and decided to go with the Mirage again.  It sucks that the resort fee is almost as much as the room rate so it's not super cheap, but I can live with it.  I booked a Volcano View room.  I could've gotten a Penthouse Suite for the same price as a Lakeview Room at the Bellagio, but the problem with being on the upper 4 floors is that because of the signage for the Beatles Cirque show Love, it affects the view out the window, which I really disliked the last time I was there.  I like being able to see out the window and not have the view distorted by little circles.  The sign isn't solid to where you can't see out the window at all, but it's still pretty obnoxious. It bothers my eyes... 

The smaller photo isn't too bad, but when you look at it full-sized, all those little circles are really bad on my eyes.  So anyway, I will be staying at the Mirage again.  I'm happy.  The Bellagio is a great hotel, don't get me wrong.  I stayed there once and the bed was super comfy, but I decided to go a little more budget this time so I'll have more money for other things, you know?  Plus, the Mirage has some pretty convenient things nearby and just has a more relaxed atmosphere, in my opinion.   

Well, I guess that is it for today.  Tune in tomorrow for either my regularly scheduled Wednesday nonsense or more from Breyer...or both!  hahaha.  Til next time!

Seeing Spots...

 Okay.  So Breyer has another reveal for us today.  If they're going to reveal every day, I don't know what I'm going to do.  Should I save up a couple of days or just go ahead and post daily?  But I'm off work Thursday, Friday and Monday so I don't know... We shall see.

As we continue our reveals of this year's Special Run models inspired by the art world, we are taking a journey to the more recent past to introduce you to the inspiration behind our next model - Seurat.

Georges Seurat was a young artist (he died at the age of 31) who lived and worked in France during the second half of the 19th century and is most well-known for his use of pointillism in his paintings.  These incredible works displayed Seurat's knowledge of color theory as he created stunning images composed solely of tiny dots...

Our Seurat for this year's BreyerFest celebration isn't compsed solely of dots, but his many dapples reminded us of Seurat's amazing paintings.  He has been done as a handsome dapple sooty palomino with a pearly mane and tail on the Friesian Sporthorse (mold #806), sculpted by Lynn Fraley and recently released in the 2020 Premier Club...

Hmmm.  I like the color, but I'm not so sure about the mold.  There's something about the head that just doesn't click with me.  And I have a hard time seeing a Friesian as anything other than solid black.  And according to Breed Characteristics, chestnuts and bays exist in some bloodlines, but not since the 1930s.  And a palomino doesn't fall under chestnut or bay last time I checked.  hahaha.  I don't know.  I just wish the head was positioned a little different.  If you're a performance shower then I guess the pricked ears are good because it shows the horse is engaged and intent, but for just a general model, it seems to be too much.  But that's just my opinion.  He's pretty enough.  

Getting caught up...

 Over the weekend there were a couple more SR reveals.  It can be difficult to save pictures on my iPad Mini so I didn't blog about them, but I will now because I'm on a desktop computer.

First up, is Pech Merle, a tribute to the eternal relationship between horses and humans...

Dating to more than 29,000 years ago, the cave paintings of Pech Merle in France are one of the oldest representations of horses in art (only slightly younger than the Vogelherd Figurines unearthed in Germany) and were discovered by a group of teenagers exploring the cave system in 1922.  Among the various representations of animals and humans depicted on the massive cave walls are a series of "dappled horses" that bear a striking resemblance to appaloosas.

In 1482, the Duke of Milan commissioned Leonardo Da Vinci to create for him what would have been, at the time, the largest bronze horse statue in the world - standing at a massive 26 feet tall.  In preparation for his creation, Leonardid did an extensive amount of research on horses, and even wrote two separate tretises dedicated to the project - one on horse anatomy, and the other included detailed project plans for this commission.  Leoardo's Horse, also known as Gran Cavallo, were unfortunately never created and the original clay model was ultimatey destroyed.

To pay homage to this artistic visionary, BreyerFest has added its own version of Leonardo's Gran Cavallo.  Done on the Peruvian Paso (mold #576), sculpted by Linda York, this handsome boy has been done in a beautiful rich mohagany liver chestnut sabino...

In addition to these two models, Breyer has "revealed" what the weekend will look like.  It will be a mix of live content, streamed on BreyerHorses.com plus pre-recorded content - much of which you'll be able to access at your leisure during the three-day weekend.  This pre-recorded content will include workshops, seminars, horse demonstrations from our amazing equine guests, interviews with horses owners, virtual tours, access to amazing films and may other fun things.

BreyerFest will also host model horse photos shows, live (online) model horse showing clinics, live (online) model horse hobby workshops, contests and, of course - shopping!  Please know that we are working diligently to address any lingering concerns from 2020 and have a couple of tricks up our sleeves to make sure that your shopping experience is one of joy next summer, and not frustration.

HA.  I'll believe it when I see it.  We were assured last year that everything would run smoothly but it was nothing but one issue after another.  But I already spoke enough on that and feel it would be, if you will excuse the bad phrase, beating a dead horse.  Obviously, we're not going to know until July if this will be BreyerMess 2.0 or if they actually have worked all the kinks out, but I know I'm not the only one who doubts that.

So, back to the models.  What do you think so far?  I've never been a huge fan of John Henry because the mold is lumpy-looking, but the appaloosa pattern kind of masks that.  And while I like the pattern on the Gran Cavallo, I'm not so much a fan of the mold so I doubt I'll get that one.

I imagine Breyer will be releasing another model some time today.  If they do, I will probably do a new post rather than add onto this one.  I don't want the posts to get too long and people lose interest halfway through.  hahahaha.  So, til next time!

Breyerfest Drama has already begun and first OFFICIAL reveal...

 Yesterday Breyer posted a statement on their Facebook page:

We are aware that BreyerFest 2021 model images and ticket information are being circulated on social media.  The images were taken and used without permission, in violation of the breyerhorses.com Terms of Use, and should not be shared, posted, displayed or used in any manner.  We will announce and reveal these models as initially planned via the BreyerFest Blog.  Thank you for your cooperation!  

This caused quite a stir among hobbyists about how the images got leaked and what should be done about them if they've already been posted.  Some people have said Breyer will "come after you" if you don't remove the photos, but as of now, where I personally saw the photos, they're still there.  I'm not a member of "the right" groups on Facebook to have seen them there and I have not seen them on Instagram to know if they're still there.  I have done a search, but that didn't net much of anything.  I don't know where I saw the price for the VIP All-Access ticket was going to be $230, but it wasn't in conjunction with the leaked photos.  I saw that before.  I won't put the photos here because I don't want to deal with the hassle of Breyer finding my blog and asking me to take the photos down.  I will just reveal them as Breyer makes them officially available, but I will say I am NOT impressed with what I've seen so far.  There are two molds that I conga being used...a very vividly colored Valegro (think rainbow) and a paint Marwari.  The original style, not the re-done one.  I won't be getting the Valegro but I will get the Marwari, I suppose.  It will depend on how much the tickets are for the All-Access pass is.  I'm definitely not going to spend $230 for the VIP when all it includes extra is the ability to guarantee your SR choices, the 4 Stablemates and a swag bag.  I will take my chances with my choices and they said there will be the opportunity to buy the SM set like last year.  IF I decide I want the whole set.  I couldn't really see the models too well and it's being called "Stablemates Collection" so who knows what that means, but two of them look like ones I'd buy.

In reading some of the comments on social media, people are saying this whole thing is a marketing ploy to get people excited for the event and to sell tickets while others are doing the "I'm sorry this happened to you" thing.  Those comments make me laugh.  Nothing was "done" to them.  I don't know if the photos got out on purpose or someone was able to figure out where the photos were stored or something...I don't know.  But I highly doubt someone "hacked" Breyer just to release photos of the models.  And some are making it sound like this happens all the time.  As far as I know, this is the first time BF model photos were "leaked" ahead of time.  I'm also seeing a lot of comments about people wanting a sort of payment plan for the SR models.  Uhm...uh...they have enough problems as it is without adding keeping track of who paid what now and who still owes "when the models ship".  Breyer doesn't do things that way.  You buy now, you pay now.  That's how it's "always" (in my knowledge) been.  One person on FB kept repeating over and over the same thing about how it would be nice and good "customer relations" if they allowed a payment plan and to please consider it and people hadn't planned to pay for their models so early in the year.  Yeah, I don't have to read those comments, but they're just so amusing sometimes.  But it looks like I'm not alone in my thoughts that this year isn't going to be any different than last year as far as how smooth it will be run.  Sure, they're doing away with the time slots, which might help some...but what about cart stealing?  They're going to release all the store specials at one time rather than randomly over the weekend and I think that's going to crash the servers as everyone tries to get whatever it is they want.  I guess it's wait and see.  There's a lot of that in this hobby:  wait and see.

I should probably try to end this blog on a positive not, huh?  Yesterday I finally unboxed my new dog.  He came in a set that I haven't revealed yet...

The dog is supposed to be Classic scale, which is 1:12, but the dog next to it IS 1:12...the Breyer dog is supposed to be a Corgi and they're definitely not as big as Golden Retrievers.  Wait.  I guess that's not very positive, is it?  Hmmm...well, after the fiasco with the Martin Brody / Jaws doll being canceled, they DID release the Richard Simmons doll after a couple of delays.  I still don't plan to buy him, though.  hahaha.

Okay.  I've rambled on enough.  Til next time.

**Updated** So, we've had the first official reveal.  

This summer's BreyerFest is all about being inspired by color and creativity and celebrating the way horses (and model horses) bring us together as a community.  What better way to be inspired by color than through art?  And since we just can't seem to get enough of this beautiful sculpt here at HQ and we thought he would be the perfect way to start off the reveals for BreyerFest 2021's Special Run lineup.  Meet our first Horse of a Different Color - Uffington!

Probably the most famous horse in England, the Uffington White Horse is more than 350 feet long and is approximately 3,000 years old.  Located in Oxfordshire, England, it was created by digging massive trenches (some as deep as 3 and 1/2 feet) that were then filled with crushed white limestone chalk - a massive undertaking!  The rationale for why it was created remains unknown, but it is truly a sight to behold!

Our Uffington is in a similar pose to the original hillside art piece and has been done on the Akhal Teke (mold #805) sculpted by Breyer's own Heather Puleo.  Originally released in 2020 for the Premier Club, and most recently seen as a Celtic Fling raffle model, he has been done for our 2021 BreyerFest celebration of "Horse of a Different Color" in an eye'catching, pearly cremelly.  We think he's an absolute stunner and we can't wait for him to find a home in your herd!

Hmmm.  I don't collect the mold.  I don't like super stretched out molds because they're hard to find room for and I've just never been a fan.  I also don't like how it's a darker color around the eyes.  It looks odd to me.  So I won't be buying an Uffington.  The story behind why he was used is quite interesting, though.

More on Breyerfest 2021...Tickets...

BreyerFest has traditionally offered guests two ways to experience the event:  a 3-Day ticket option or a Single-day ticket option.  The 3-Day ticket included that year's Celebration Horse, access to Special Run models, access to Limited Edition models and a slew of other things.  Guests with Single-Day tickets received a randomly-selected Stablemates model and had access to buy the Limited Edition models, plus access to any free activities that were offered at the KHP.

The first change you'll notice from the chart is that for Breyerfest 2021, all tickets are 3-Day tickets and that "Single-Day" tickets aren't listed.  Not to worry, the Stablemates models that have traditionally been the "Single-Day" models will still be available with the General Admission ticket option.  

The other change is that there isn't a distinction between adults and children's tickets.  The All-Access ticket makes no distinction between the two and now covers guests of all ages.

Celebration Horse and Stablemates models are included with the ticket type as indicated above.  Special Runs and Limited Editions are an additional cost.  There will be a "fancy new VIP option"

Among these new, exclusive models are each year's Special Run models and Limited Edition models.  Special Run models are only available for All-Access and VIP All-Access ticket holders to purchase, but the Limited Edition models are available for ALL ticket holders to purchase.

Limited Eiction models have been previously categorized as the "Store Special" models and the "Pop-up Store" models, but we've updated how we refer to them.  They were found all in one place during 2020's virtual Celtic Fling, so to avoid confusion, we are keeping them in a single category moving forward - Limited Edition Models.  All of these models tie into the theme of each year's BreyerFest.  Some of these models are Traditional scale portrait horses of beautiful, real horses that we've found that fit each year's theme.  Others include a squishable plush, an adorable Stablemate, a Classic Series scale model and anything else we think might be fun for that year.

Guests with VIP All-Access, All-Access and General Admission tickets have access to purchase these models, though availability is not guaranteed.

Special Run Models are Traditional scale models that are specifically created for each year's BreyerFest theme and are stunning representations of Breyer's artistry.  In 2021, these models are available for All-Access and VIP All-Access ticket holders to purchase.

For the first time ever, the new VIP All-Access Ticket will allow those ticket holders the ability to pre-select and pre-pay for their Special Run models and a selection of this year's Limited Edition models, guaranteeing their selection in advance of BreyerFest.  This means that the models will be revealed BEFORE the tickets go on sale later this month.  There will only be a limited number of VIP tickets available.

Not surprisingly, the VIP All-Access tickets are going to be the most sought-after and there's speculation as to how many will be available AND how much they're going to cost.  The cost is going to be a big factor, I think, especially since people will have to still pay for the special run models on top of that.  There's also a lot of talk about how many SRs are being being produced this year.  Some people think it'll be more than the usual number.  By number I don't mean quantity of each model, but rather the number of different models.  Like, usually there's 8 models to choose from, but now there might be 10 or 12 or whatever.  It's still a very fluid situation so information is still being released and probably will be for some time to come so I imagine we'll be seeing quite a few more posts from me other than my usual Wednesday ones.  But that's okay, right?  hahahaha.  Til next time.

Breyerfest 2021 Celebration Horse...and a Breyerfest announcement...

With her loud appaloosa coat, it's no wonder that Danash's Northern Tempest, known by many as "Dani", turns heads during her rounds in the Florida Hunter circuit!  When owner/ride Laura Reece moved to Florida, she rekindled her love for horseback riding that had been put on hold since high school.  She purchased the 2013 Friesian/Appaloosa mare as an unfinished 4 year old, a bit unusual for an amateur rider, but Danie's easygoing demeanor and beautiful movement made for a natural pairing.

Dani and Laura have since become the Circuit Champions in Rusty Stirrup for ESP's 2019-2020 Holiday Series and trainer Ashley Glica has also shown her in the USHJA 3' division, Green Hunter 3' and Derby.  "Every time we school or compete, we both learn something new." Laura told us.  "We are continually being challenged and that's what makes our bond so rewarding."

That refreshing perspective is part of this pair's appeal and from Dani's Instagram following to the duo gracing the cover of Wellington the Magazine, it's obvious others see it too!  We cannot wait for Laura and Dani to join us for BreyerFest 2021: Horse of a Different Color.

Well, I certainly hope she gets the chance to be seen, but it's unlikely BF 2021 will be held in-person so nobody will get to see the pair except via video and whomever is allowed at the Kentucky Horse Park.  It's a shame, really, but since the government controls so much of our lives right now, it's only a matter of time before Breyer announces Breyermess 2021: A Virtual Horse of a Different Color.  hahaha.

I have to say, I'm impressed Breyer was able to come up with a replacement horse and model so quickly after the Terry Bradshaw / Intuit fiasco and I'm glad it's not keeping Laura Reece from wanting to participate with her horse.  And while they did a pretty good job with the paint on the new model, it doesn't look a whole lot like Dani, in my opinion.  It looks like a paint job they've used a few times before.  Oh well.  Like I said, that's just my opinion.  Whether or not I participate in Breyermess 2.0 will remain to be seen...we will have to see what the SR offerings are first, but based on mine and many others' experience from 2020, it's not looking real promising.  hahaha.

So, it's the new year.  Yay?  Hahahaha.  I haven't made any hobby-related goals.  Not sure what they would be.  I can't say I won't buy as much, because I already don't buy all that many.  Maybe I will consider getting back into photo showing.  I have probably said that before.  hahaha.

Take care and til next time!

**update**. Well, it’s official.  Today, Breyer announced that Breyerfest 2021 will  be online again.  Obviously, I’m not surprised since I’ve said more than once that I had a feeling that was going to happen.  I am disappointed...not that I was going to be able to go anyway, but I really am not looking forward to a repeat performance of last year.  They are promising a better experience and all sorts of things, but they promised a lot of stuff last year that never happened or fell very short.  A lot of people are saying “it’s the right decision” blah blah blah.  Many of those people are still pinning all their hopes on an untested (as in long-term) vaccine.    At least they made the announcement now instead of waiting a couple of months down the road.  Whatever.  I’m over it and won’t be mentioning it again until they start releasing the SR models.