Among equestrians and horse lovers, it's common to have a horse-themed Christmas tree, and Breyer makes it easy to add to your ornament collectible with its series of holiday horse ornaments and collectible horses. Although collectors have been retrofitting Stablemate scale models for years and transforming them into tree ornaments, actual Breyer Christmas tree ornaments began in 1999 with two pieces: the Father Christmas ornament and the first of the "Stirrup" ornaments featuring a large stirrup with a smaller horse inside. Through the years, the company has added many more ornaments culminating in this year's lovely Welsh pony breed series ornament.
Collectible Breyer Christmas Tree Ornaments
Breyer introduced the first Christmas tree ornaments in 1999 with two pieces: #700699, Father Christmas, and #700799, Holiday Stirrup Ornament. The Father Christmas piece is especially loved by collectors because Santa himself is riding the G2 Stablemate scale Andalusian model! Each ornament retailed for around $12.50; you can find these easily on the secondhand market today, making them an affordable addition to your Breyer collection.
Each year, Breyer added additional ornaments including carousel-styled ornaments in 2002, famous race horses such as War Admiral and Seabiscuit, and additional Father Christmas-style ornaments. In 2005, the company offered several fantasy-style equine ornaments including unicorns and a Pegasus-carousel type ornament in 2007.
Stirrup Series
The Christmas Stirrup Series of ornaments offers collectors the opportunity to acquire all 11 pieces in the series. Each year, the company offered the same stirrup marked with the word "Breyer" but featuring a different style of horse. Some popular years include the 2005 "Della Robbia" stirrup ornament and the 2007 "Wintersong" ornament.
Elegant Equines Series
The third series carried through each year is the Elegant Equines Series. The first Elegant Equine series ornaments appeared in 2003 with a rearing horse and an Arabian. In subsequent years, the company focused on popular horse breeds, culminating in the "Beautiful Breeds" series. This year's Beautiful Breeds horse model ornament for 2010 is a Welsh pony.
Collecting Breyer Holiday Ornaments
Breyer holiday ornaments may be enjoyed during the season displayed on the Christmas tree or year round in a curious cabinet or display case. Collectors who enjoy viewing the ornaments all year long use a variety of methods to display them. One collector uses an old metal wine rack to hang the ornaments from! Others simply place them on shelves like Stablemate models to enjoy.
You can find Breyer's Annual Holiday Collection at tack shops, major retailers and online outlets nationwide. Collectibles from prior years are easy to find on auction websites and at second hand stores, flea markets and yard sales.