Breyer releases special run and one of a kind models at a variety of sponsored events, going back at least as far as the very first BreyerFest in 1990. BreyerFest continues to be the source of the largest number of special runs but it's far from the only place to find these highly desirable models. Below is a list of the Breyer special event models that I know of. For a United Kingdom event that was sponsored by Breyer, please see the Utterly Horses Hullabaloo page. Another popular model horse event offering special run models was the West Coast Model Horse Collector's Jamboree, which ran from 1992-2004. If you know of others not included here, please let me know!
BreyerFest is the premiere Breyer special event. Held each July at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, it is a weekend of model horse live shows, demonstrations and how-to clinics, auctions, raffles, and is the source of many special run models. If you're a Breyer collector and have the time and the money, this is the one event you can't afford to miss!
Celebration Model: Designed and named for the celebrity guest horse attending the show, this Traditional series model is available for free at the event with the purchase of a three-day admission ticket.
Contest Prize: Breyer frequently offers one or more contests for attendees of the Friday or Saturday night dinner with a limited edition model as a prize to the winners.
Dinner Model: The model received by attendees of the BreyerFest Dinner. The "Dinner Model" was later replaced by the Celebration Model (above) and has become synonymous with it. For simplicity's sake all Dinner Models are categorized as Celebration Models on this site.
Judges' Model: In early years models issued to collectors who helped at BreyerFest were referred to as Judges' Models, as most of the people receiving them were judges at the live shows. The models are now referred to as Volunteer Models, which better covers the wide range of chores volunteers may perform.
Live Auction: Each year Breyer auctions off a selection of one of a kind (OOAK) models after the dinner event on Friday or Saturday night. A portion of the sales proceeds is donated to one or more horse-related charities, with the models selling for hundreds and even thousands of dollars each.
Live Show Prize: Breyer awards models, frequently models made or glossed specifically for the event, to winners at the BreyerFest live shows.
Raffle Model: Breyer sells raffle tickets at each event, with the proceeds benefiting a horse-related charity. In recent years there have been separate drawings on Saturday and Sunday. Ticket holders must be present to win.
Silent Auction: Customized model horses, along with both model and live horse memorabilia, are displayed during BreyerFest as part of the silent auction. During this auction bidders write down their high bid on the bid sheet in front of each lot. The highest bid at the close of the silent auction on Sunday wins the item and you must be present to win. While customized models are included on the BreyerFest pages when known they are not added to their respective mold pages, as this site focuses solely on original finish models.
Single Day Ticket Model: Guests who purchase a single day ticket to BreyerFest receive a Stablemate model instead of the Celebration Model (see above). In recent years four different Stablemate models have been available.
Special Run: A model sold only at BreyerFest and in limited quantity. At present each three day admission ticket to BreyerFest comes with a separate ticket allowing the bearer to buy two Special Run models at the Breyer store at a specified day and time. If you want to buy more than two of the Special Run models you must buy an additional three day admission ticket and stand in line a second (or third, or fourth...) time.
Store Special: A model horse available for sale only in the Breyer store at BreyerFest but not requiring a special run ticket (see above) to purchase. Usually limited to one per person.
Tent Special: In early years the Breyer store at BreyerFest was in a tent and special run models were referred as "Tent Specials." The store is now held inside a building at the park and the models are now referred to simply as "Special Run" or "Store Special" models.
Volunteer Model: Volunteers selected to work at BreyerFest are awarded a model horse for their time and efforts.
BreyerWest is a Breyer-sponsored event held several times since its introduction in 2006, first in Sacramento and most recently in Albany, Oregon. BreyerWest features a live show, a variety of how-to displays and is tied to a live horse event. While on a much smaller scale than BreyerFest it is still a very popular event that is more accessible to west coast hobbyists than the Kentucky-held BreyerFest. The name "BreyerWest" has been around since 1991, when the second annual BreyerFest was held in four locations, one of which was Pomona, California.
Signing Parties were promotional events held from 1983 to 1990 where Peter Stone met with collectors at toy and tack stores and autographed their models. Beginning in 1988 Breyer offered a "Signing Party" model, which was available only to participants and via mail order from the participating dealer or store owner.
With the advent of the Breyer Tours Breyer discontinued the Signing Parties and replaced them with Show Specials in 1991. These Special Run models were available to retail stores, mail-order companies and model horse shows but were not signed by a Breyer representative, nor was a representative at the event.
1999 Breyer Breakfast Tour special run models Cricket and Willow
In 1990 Peter Stone introduced a series of breakfast events during which he talked with collectors, provided news on upcoming Breyer models and events, and answered their questions. From 1990 until 1993 leftover Special Run Little Bit (Paddock Pal) were given to attendees of these events. In 1994 Breyer enlarged this to the Breyer Tour, with around twelve stops across the country each year, each hosted by a Breyer retailer. At each a Special Run model was available to attendees.
For a brief period of time Breyer representatives attended independently-run live shows to "listen" to hobbyist comments and suggestions. They frequently brought samples of upcoming releases to display and special run models to raffle off at the show.
Breyer reintroduced the concept of the promotional event model in 2005 with the release of the first in a series of Classic-scale special run models available only through Breyer retailers holding a promotional "Fun Day" event. While the Fun Days events continue, the last special run model for this promotion was released in 2010.
Premiere Event - February 2, 2002 in Wayne, New Jersey
This special event was open only to current Just About Horses subscribers and featured a tour of the Breyer factory, dinner, and seminars. Attendees were selected by random drawing and limited to 200 people.
This special event was open only to current Just About Horses subscribers and featured a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Breyer office and factory. Attendees were selected by random drawing and limited to 200 people. Each attendee was given the opportunity to purchase two of the special run models available. Stamped "BREYER Velvet Rope Event 2008" in gold on belly.
This special event was open only to current Just About Horses subscribers and and was limited to 200 attendees, chosen by raffle drawing. The event included a private showing and reception at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, a behind-the-scenes tour of Carol Rose Ranch and McQuay Stables, a "Denim N' Diamonds" dinner, and the LSE event model "Shining N Sassy." Attendees were also able to buy special run models at the event.
Items given away to attendees at the Lone Star Experience
This special event was open only to current Just About Horses subscribers and and was limited to 200 attendees, chosen by raffle drawing. The event included a guided tour of Disney's Tri Circle D Ranch, private tours of Live Oak Plantation, an evening at "Arabian Nights," Florida's award winning dinner show, and the Sunshine Celebration Event Model. Special Run models stamped "2011 Limited Edition" in gold on belly.
World Equestrian Games - September 25 to October 10, 2010 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky
The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) were the first time that this event was held outside of Europe. The Games showcase world eventing, combined driving, vaulting, endurance, reining, and Paralympic Dressage and are the largest and most prestigious equine competition in the world, rivaled only by the Olympics in importance to the equestrian world. Breyer was the Official Model Horse Maker for the 2010 games and released a series of special run models that were available for purchase only at the event. Other commemorative models were available to collectors at the usual retail locations in addition to being sold at the WEG. For more information on these see the 2010 WEG supplement from Breyer.
WEG Event Models:
Commemorative Edition: The "Esprit" mold, created by Kathleen Moody specifically for the event, was released in several different mediums. Each was available after the games through Breyer retailers.
Limited Edition: Available at the event and through retail outlets only during 2010. The Cedric and Headley Britannia models were limited to 500 pieces and came with hang tags, but were then reissued as regular run models. Other than the presence or absence of a hang tag these limited edition and regular run models are identical.
Special Run: Available for sale only at the event.
Reissue: In honor of the event Breyer re-released some of their models that had been named after real horses but were now discontinued. Most have distinctive hang tags and are thought to be darker and have crisper mapping than the originals.
Big Easy Bash - February 28 to March 2, 2014 - Pequannock and Wayne, New Jersey
Included a hands-on tour of the Breyer Factory in Wayne, New Jersey, Mardi Gras Madness Model Horse Show, Masquerade Ball, and a Breyer Boutique featuring Special Run models and the 2014 Limited Edition Big Easy Bash Model, Café au Lait. The cost was $275 per person, with a purchase of two tickets required. 200 tickets were sold. Special run models were stamped "Limited Edition 2014" on the belly.
2015 Sweet Home Chicago Celebration - September 11-13, 2015 - Chicago, IL
This special event was open only to current Collector Club members, with tickets sold via random draw. Tickets were limited to one per name drawn and cost $295 each. Events included: Lunch and Racing at the Arlington Race Track, Welcome Pizza Party, Lunch, Backstage Tour, and Show at the Dancing Horses Theatre, Cocktail Reception and Show – Tempel Farms’ Lipizzaners, Roaring Twenties Club and Lounge at the host hotel, games, prizes, and surprises. The 2015 Sweet Home Chicago Celebration model was given to each attendee, and a Breyer Boutique featuring special run models was also available.
Early Release of model of American Pharoah, the 2015 Triple Crown Winner
Ruffian
Silent Auction
1
$300
Lot#4
The BreyerFest 2015 Special Run pack featuring one of each of the Special Run models (Quelle Surprise was randomly selected) as well as one of each Single Day ticket Stablemates and the Celebration Horse, Simba du Pont de Tournay
Chasing the Chesapeake - October 14-16, 2016 - Elkton, Maryland
Tickets were $250 each, with a limit of two per person. Tickets could only be purchased by a current Collector Club member but the buyer could bring a non-club member guest. Names of those attending were provided at the time of purchase and tickets were not transferable. All attendees needed to be at least 7 years of age. Tickets for the 2016 Chasing the Chesapeake event went on sale Thursday, 8/25/2016.
"Breyer is off to Maryland this fall for our annual Collectors' event! To kick-off the weekend, we'll head to Elkton for a tour of Vintage Farm at the Fair Hill Training Center featuring Michael Matz, show jumping legend and trainer of the beloved Barbaro and Belmont winner Union Rags. Following the tour, we'll head over to the Fair Hill International Cross Country Course for a course - walk hosted by some of Saturday's competing riders. The night will conclude with a Maryland inspired dinner in the exclusive Fair Hill VIP tent! On Saturday morning, we're headed back to Fair Hill to spend the day on course with some of the biggest names in eventing. After an exciting day of competition, we'll return to our host hotel for fun dinner and early Halloween Costume Contest. Cap off the weekend with exclusive models created specifically for Chasing the Chesapeake. Please note that participation in this event will require a significant amount of walking outdoors and cross country over uneven ground and gravel surfaces. Please take this into consideration when deciding to purchase your ticket to attend."
In addition to the special run models offered for sale there was a silent auction featuring a "Design Your Own Breyer," a 2016 BreyerFest volunteer model, a 2016 BreyerFest vendor pack of special run models, a glossy Imperador Das Aguas, and one lot of signed regular run models. Other special run models from prior events were given out at various times during the event, many as trivia contest prizes. All of the special run models made specifically for this event have "Breyer 2016 Limited Edition" stamped on the belly.
Scottsville Stampede - November 9-11, 2018, Scottsdale, Arizona
Tickets are $275, and were sold via lottery to current Collector Club members with a limit of two per person. Event tickets were non-transferable and non-refundable.
Activities include: Private cocktail reception at Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, Tour of Schmersal Reining Horses, Tour of Rae Dawn Arabians, Lunch, Saturday Night Wild West Steampunk Costume Party, and a chance to shop at the Breyer Boutique.
Bolo Tie - Gold finish
(Leftovers - gold paint was added to skull of brown cord bolo ties for the 2000 BreyerFest. Otherwise identical to BreyerFest 1998 pieces)
Bolo Tie
Attendee Gift/Party Favor
100
Bolo Tie - Silver finish
(Leftovers - silver paint added to skull of black cord bolo ties for the 2000 BreyerFest. Otherwise identical to BreyerFest 1998 pieces)
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Sample Reissue tag
