The Breyer SpotLight: Your Horse Model Market Resource

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  • Coming Soon: Stablemates!
  • News: Feedback from the ACTHA
  • Article: Repairs of Rubs & Scratches

Coming Soon: Stablemates

All my life I have been a “Traditional” Collector only gathering those gorgeous larger sized models that Breyer has tempted us with for year. However maybe because of the economy or the required space for the traditional size models, I keep reading and seeing more about the “Stablemates”… Have I been missing out??


The only way to answer that question was to ask an expert, so I did! I asked Susan Tank. Susan has been collecting and customizing Breyer Models for many years and has a wonderful understanding of the “Vintage” models as well. She not only graciously provided us with the information but great photos of these little marvels too! Thank you Susan! We will be posting these soon! Keep your eye on on our BHC News page, or better yet, scroll down to the "Subscribe To This Site" box under the navigational links on the lower left.

BHC News


News: Feedback from the ACTHA

A few weeks back we introduced you to the American Competitive Trail Horse Association and all they did. To help with their efforts in supporting equine rescues, Breyer Horse Collectors donated the ELCR Lady Phase model as a prize for one of their classes. Well we just got some feedback from Barbara Hopper on Facebook and this is what she had to say:


Barbara Hopper: “Bonnie, I wanted you to know that the ELCR Lady Phase model was a huge hit with the winner of the Open Division at the ride this weekend. She told me she was a Breyer collector and that the Lady Phase mold was her favorite!! How awesome was that. Alan took pictures of all the proceedings, so when he posts those, I'll capture them and send them on to you. You and Greystone Equestrian made my day!!! Thank you again and again.”


Isn't that wonderful?! I for one am SO glad to not only help a great organization as they enjoy riding and helping others, but also to be able to reach out in additional ways to spread the joy of Breyer Models. It gives me goose bumps thinking of how connected we really are. We will have a special page for this model as well as the ACTHA coming soon. And we would also like to note; Greystone Equestrian is the business of Susan Tank.


And now for the finish of our series of articles on repairs of these wonderful models… Today Elaine covers the how to's of repairing rubs and scratches. We want to give Elaine a very special “Thank You” as well for all she has provided! Elaine - you truly are awesome!


Article: Repair of Rubs & Scratches

Well, you hate when it happens but eventually you end up scratching the model you so love and show. Unfortunately, while a scratch may not show up in a photo it will knock you out of the running at a live show. Scratches can be repaired - more easily on plastic horses, but if one is considerable careful - and I do mean CAREFUL - you can fix a scratch in a resin as well.


To start make sure your model is completely dust free and clean. Make sure you are in a well lit room to do your work - for scratches I prefer natural sunlight - so you can see what you are doing. You need to match the paint on your model. Start by mixing your paint colors - this works with acrylics, which if the scratched area is small can also be used on a model done with oil paints.


Once mixed, let them sit for a few minutes to see what color the paint changes to. Freshly mixed paint does not dry the color it looks!! Once you get a color that matches the paint on your model. Lightly paint the scratched area with you mixture. This is best done with several thin layers as you don't want your repaired area to be a different thickness than the rest of your model - it will stick out terribly if it is too thick.


Let your paint dry completely in between layers so you don't end up with drag marks throughout it. Once finished - if the horse is matte lightly seal the area with a matte sealer - I prefer Testor's Dull-Cote, or if glossy lightly seal the area with a gloss sealer.


If you have a model that is scuffed you can fix it easily if the finish on the model is the original finish. Soak your model in warm soapy water, I like to use Dawn as it doesn't leave residue. After your model has soaked for several minutes you can usually use a wash cloth to scrub the scuff marks off, most of them should come off easily if the model has soaked long enough. If you have a scuff that just won't come off, a soft toothbrush used carefully will remove the marks. On glossy models, use exceptional care if going into toothbrush mode as the finish can be damaged.


I hope these tips will help if you find yourself with a model that needs just a “tad” bit of work.


Now I wonder, how many of us have a model (or more!) that can benefit from this great article?! We hope you've enjoyed this series and will be able to repair some of your own childhood memories as a result. And before I forget - if YOU have any ideas for future articles, please email us and let us know! We really would love to hear from you. Until then, keep imagining and enjoy the collecting!


Breyer Horse Collectors