Each year, Breyer horse model fans and collectors from around the world descend upon the Kentucky Horse Park for Breyerfest, a 3-day event filled with horse-themed fun. Here's a general overview of Breyerfest - what to expect, what to look for, and how to make the most of your time there.
What Is Breyerfest?
If you've never been to Breyerfest before, the first time you set foot in the Kentucky Horse Park the sights and sounds can be overwhelming. Breyerfest began in 1990 as a celebration and collector event. Each year, the company chooses a theme for the event. There are special celebrity guests from the equine world, collecting and hobby classes and workshops, a live model horse show, and plenty of time for hobbyists to mix, mingle, swap, and have fun!
Breyerfest Events Overview
Each year is a little different, but the basic events of Breyerfest remain the same. The official events take place at the Kentucky Horse Park, located in Lexington, Kentucky. It's the perfect venue for any horse-themed event and horse lovers of all ages get their fill of horses from dawn to dusk!
Many events also take place at the Holiday Inn North, a hotel and conference center located about five minutes by car from the Horse Park and the official hotel for the show. Not only does Breyer sponsor collecting and sales events in the ballrooms, but collectors staying at the Holiday Inn often throw open the doors to their hotel rooms and suites and sell models from dawn to dusk. It's not uncommon to find collectors wandering the halls at 11 p.m. clutching a vintage Breyer and staggering under mountains of shopping bags!
Special Run Breyer Horse Models and Collectibles
What would a Breyer horse model event be without special models? Each year the company issues limited edition models and other collectible items such as key chains and buttons depicting Breyer horses. Many of these items have become collectibles in their own right, with people avidly seeking one from each of the 20 plus years Breyerfest has been in existence.
Breyerfest Main Events
The main events sponsored by Breyer are held at the Horse Park and include:
- Equestrian Events: Each year's theme is different but always focuses on the horse. There are special events featuring trick riding, equine stars, and more.
- Breyerfest Open Model Horse Show: Bring your models and participate in a live model horse show.
- Breyerfest Youth and Children's Model Horse Show: For young collectors ages 16 and under with separate divisions for youth (13-16) and children (12 and under).
- Breyerfest Breakables Live: A live show just for china (breakable) model horses.
- Breyer Store: Shop until you drop at this store featuring every conceivable Breyer collectible.
- Breyer Trade Fair: Vendors from around the country set up displays and sell Breyers, both modern and vintage.
- Hobby Information Booth: Stop by, meet your fellow collectors, and ask any questions you may have about collecting model horses.
- Hobby Classes: Learn how to customize and paint Breyer models, or attend a workshop to learn more about various aspects of the hobby.
Breyer also hosts raffles and auctions, with the proceeds going to a children's or horse-related charity each year. There are also auctions and events for the North American Model Horse Association and their big championship show, the North American Nationals (NAN). While not directly affiliated with Breyer, the organization hosts many events simultaneously with Breyerfest.
Artisans Hall and Swap Night
Two of the most popular shopping events actually take place at the Holiday Inn North. Artisans Hall provides after-hours shopping. Sculptors, painting artists, casting companies, tack makers and prop makers from around the country sell items from tables in the ballroom. You'll see the most exquisite miniature horse models and accessories anywhere in the world and it's a delight to just walk around and see the workmanship. Vendors sell the items too, so save some of your money to shop at Artisans Hall.
Swap Night also provides additional shopping at the Holiday Inn North but focuses more on vintage and rare models. If you're looking for a special color or mold, you may be able to find it at swap night.
For more information on Breyerfest or to obtain tickets and a current schedule of events, please visit the Breyer Events web page.