The model horse hobby has its own vocabulary, jargon and abbreviations. Beginning collectors often puzzle over eBay auctions and classified ads. "What's a FAS? What's a CWP? What does G1 mean?" It's like cracking a secret code. You don't need a decoder ring or a translator. After a while, it will begin to make sense.
Breyer Horse Related Jargon and Abbreviations
Breyer horse collectors create a nomenclature all their own; models earn nicknames and endearments.
Model Horse Acronyms and Abbreviations
- Model Horse Acronyms: Many Breyer horses find their names shortened to abbreviations. The company typically assigns a mold name and a special name to the release in a particular color. The Breyer Family Arabian Stallion is abbreviated FAS for examples; the Proud Arabian stallion PAS; the Cantering Welsh Pony, CWP.
- Discontinued: Discontinued models are those that the company has retired. The abbreviation is "disc."
- Limited Edition: Limited Edition models are released in a limited quantity or for a limited time. The abbreviation is LE.
- Special Run: Special Run models are made in a unique color for either a particular vendor or event. The abbreviation is SR.
- Test Run: A test run is a small number of copies made to test a particular painted color. The abbreviation is TR.
- Age abbreviations: You may see the terms G1, G2, etc listed near Stablemate scale Breyers for sale on the secondary market. These refer to the production molds used to make each batch. Many people feel that the earlier the mold, the more desirable the casts are; some feel they are more detailed. G1 Stablemates were made from the original Hagen Renaker molds introduced in the early 1970's. G2 are the second molds, with models released between 1989 and 1999; and G3 molds were introduced from 2005 to 2007, etc. Some collectors seek G1 molds and may specify interest in a wanted ad for only certain Stablemates produced from those molds. It's helpful to refer to a good collector's guide to ascertain the mold of your collectible if you're not certain. The standard guide is the Breyer Animal Collector's Guide, written by Felicia Browell, Kelly Korber-Welmer, and Kelly Kesicki.
- Finish abbreviations: Hobbyists refer to models as either Original Finish (OF) or Customized (CM). Customized models may be painted, haired, repositions or somehow changed. Any time you touch an original Breyer horse, even just to add new white socks to him or a jaunty blaze, he's considered customized.
- Other Abbreviations: Scan a model horse class list and you may indeed want to reach for that decoder ring. Other good abbreviations to know include AR (Artist Resin), HR (Hagen Renaker), WP or WT (Western Pleasure or Western Trail, types of competitions) and others. Many terms borrow from the real horse-showing world and will be easily recognized by seasoned equestrians.
Jargon, Jargon Everywhere
Clinkies and chalkies and… what in the world? The model horse hobby is filled with jargon too, just like any other hobby or workplace. Collectors use specific terms like clinkys or clinkies to refer to china models; chalkies are a type of Breyer horse made in the 1960's and 1970's that have a chalk-like appearance on the white portions of the model.
Hobbyists often post the outcomes of their transitions, successful or not, with fellow hobbyists to both praise and warn. They use a traffic-light color-coding system to indicate satisfaction with a transaction; blinking greens or bright blazing green, the very best, and flashing red – be warned! When nearly all transactions within a hobby are conducted online, it's important to build trust among collectors and note potential scams. Websites such as MHHR (Model Horse Hobby Reference and yes, another acronym!) and Model Horse Blab offer transaction boards where you'll see people rating and evaluating their experiences online.
There are many, many other hobby terms, unique words, slang and abbreviations. These should at least get you started translating the many ads and websites you're perusing as you embark on your hobby. When in doubt, ask – sometimes, people just get weird and shorten things that aren't commonly shortened. Remember, every hobbyists was new at one time or another, and this is a very friendly group of collectors. They'll welcome your questions!