Featured JAH - 3/30/2024, Mar/Apr 1999

 Hello and welcome to another edition of Featured JAH! Fittingly, it's March 30 today and this week's issue is Mar/Apr 1999 - so let's dig in! 

On the front cover, Dorothy Crowell and Molokai take a cross-country jump. On the back cover, Molokai is revealed as the 1999 Breyerfest Celebration Model! Huzzah! I did have a Molokai at one time, but sold him off with the rest of my Big Bens (story of my life). 

In the Editor's Desk, Stephanie talks about the Breyerfest 10th anniversary, talks up the KHP, and announces that all the Breyerfest vendors will now be located on the covered arena concourse, something that's a given now (though some of them have now been moved back out to the parking area next to the covered arena). Who knows - maybe someday the Alltech Arena will host most of the Breyerfest activities. I kind of feel like it's time? Maybe I'm just coveting the thought of experiencing all of Breyerfest in air conditioning. 

Anyway, on page 3 is an article about the American Royal horse show, featuring a portrait of Saddlebred stallion Will Shriver. I probably wanted this model back in the day, but never got one. 

On page 4-5 is an article about the real Molokai! 

On page 6-7 is information about Breyerfest 1999, including guests (people and horses) and events. 

After skipping more Breyerfest stuff, we come to an ad for a model horse show at Spruce Meadows on page 10, and on page 11 is a Brushstrokes article featuring many people's favorite mold, the creation of the original porcelain Drum Horse, later to be released in plastic as Othello! I think I've said this before, but this means Othello is 25 years old...gulp! Does that make him vintage? 

On page 12, the Ranch Horse makes his debut in three different colors. I've thought about starting a conga of this guy purely because I like his head/neck, but I'm not too crazy about the rest of him, so I haven't done it yet (and don't really have the space). On page 13 is Blast from the Past featuring the Classic Quarter Horse Family, and Just About...Breyer Animals! featuring the Pronghorn Antelope. 

After skipping an article about airbrushing, on page 16-17 we find an article about Breyer portrait horse and influential sire Doc Bar. 

On page 18 is the rest of the Doc Bar article and the rest of the (skipped) airbrushing article. On page 19 is a Newcomer's Corner article about ways to display models. 

In this week's centerfold, the Roy Rogers' Trigger mold makes its debut on the Western Horse! I actually have this model, sans saddle, but it lives at my mom's house. I should really get that back from her sometime... Anyways, the Western Horse makes a pretty good Trigger, with saddle. It's interesting that the real "Trigger" in the photo appears to be a mare - I thought Trigger's doubles were all stallions/geldings? Apparently not. Maybe the photo was "edited" to preserve Trigger's dignity or something? The world may never know. 

After skipping a minor news roundup, on page 24-25 is an article about GaWaNi Pony Boy's horse Kola, another Breyer portrait model for 1999. 

After skipping Horse Trader and some Breyer jr. stuff, we come to this issue's Vintage Point article featuring the G1 Quarter Horse Stallion and Mare.

On page 40-41 is the rest of the Vintage Point article. I had a buckskin G1 QH Stallion when I was younger - my grandpa found him at a garage sale for 25 cents if I remember right. He had a broken ear tip. Kinda wish I'd kept him now - oh well. 

That's it for this week - check back next week for May/June 1999! 

March Collector Club newsletter!

 Good news, everyone - the March Collector Club newsletter is in inboxes now! Check your email if you're a Collector Club member. They seem to have taken a leaf out of my book with this issue by fully digitizing a 1980 issue of Just About Horses from the newsletter (probably a coincidence; I doubt they know about or read this blog). There's also a Marcia Bey giveaway and this sneak peek:

I have no idea what this is, except it's Breyer colors. Is it the spring decorator? They had been going with a vague (or not-so-vague) patriotic theme, but this one clearly isn't patriotic. There were some rumblings about an April Fool's joke, and it's possible it's that - but the newsletter says it's something arriving in April. Don't they usually just post the April Fool's joke on Facebook instead of teasing it first? I can't remember. Also not seeing many guesses as to the mold, not that it's really possible to tell. Guess we'll find out in April! 

2024 VIP swag!

 I can't believe I forgot to write about this, but last week, the Breyerfest VIP swag for this year was revealed (via Facebook)! 

From the Facebook post:

Among the perks of being a BreyerFest VIP is our exclusive VIP swag pack! 🌟 Inside this eye-catching holographic tote you'll find:

✨ A VIP wristband

✨ Water bottle with drink sling

✨ Set of collectible enamel pins featuring BreyerFest horses

✨ BreyerFest VIP car sticker

✨ Handheld light up fan

✨ Neon desk light

Well, I don't generally have much use for tote bags, but if this one is holographic, I might just have to find a use for it. I'm intrigued by the desk light, too. It's interesting that VIP ticket holders are getting wristbands - I wonder if other ticket holders will also get wristbands? Maybe they'll hand them out as we're walking into the park. I like the color scheme for this stuff, too. 

I'm pretty meh on the fan, and the water bottle (though the holder could be handy). I'm also hoping/figuring there are more pins? Usually there are four VIP pins, not two. Maybe they're just keeping the other two under wraps for now.  

Worth It is here!

 Great news, everyone! I found a light chestnut Worth It, this year's Breyer Ambassador model, and she arrived a few days ago! Check her out: 

She has a textured coat, which is interesting. She's so pretty! 

I love her shading and the details on her, though it irks me that they didn't paint her horseshoes for this run. Why bother with those details if you're not going to bother with painting them? It's especially egregious when they don't paint the details on this model after they did it on multiple smaller runs. 

Quality-wise she's pretty nice, aside from the previously-mentioned unpainted horseshoes. For some reason her eyes seem a little too big, but maybe that's just me. Otherwise, she doesn't have any major flaws - I entered my first model horse show happening in May, so maybe I'll add her to my new show string! 

Featured JAH - 3/23/2024, Jan/Feb 1999

 Hello and welcome to another edition of Featured JAH! We're starting a new year with Jan/Feb 1999, so let's get going! 

On the front cover, Romanesque pulls a cart through a field. On the back cover, the Paddock Pals Ranch Carrying Case makes its debut! 

In the Editor's Desk, Stephanie announces the World's Best School Horse contest. On page 3 are the contest details, the winner of which would be a new model for 2000. 

On page 4 is an article about Breyer portrait horse Copper, a neglected Arabian who was rehabilitated by the HAHS along with two other horses. Copper's portrait model was on Sham (I had one at one time but have since sold him). On page 5 is an article about Breyer portrait horse (and cover model for this issue) Romanesque. 

On page 6-7 is the New for 1999 product line. Sigh...if only we got this many new releases now! Wait. That means I'd probably be spending a lot more money, so never mind. 

On page 10-11 we have a list of 1999 Breakfast Tour events, including a photo of Cricket and Willow, the special run set that was available at these events. Oddly, the photo is black-and-white - you'd think they'd use a color photo if they want to sell these things.

On page 12 we have a Who Am I? featuring a Fury Prancer and a customized CAM, and on page 13 is a Blast from the Past featuring the Pony of the Americas and Just About...Breyer Animals! featuring the St. Bernard. 

On page 14 is an article about Breyer portrait horse Chief of Fourmile. On page 15 is a Breyerfest update, including a list of hotels with Breyerfest rates. Interesting that the Clarion (known as the Holiday Inn North in those days) isn't first on the list, being the host hotel, but I guess I don't write these things. 

After skipping an article about model horse showing and an announcement of a Breyer photo show, we come to the centerfold with a selection of the 1999 new releases. 

After skipping an article about making a model-size bridle, on page 24-25 is an article about a Breyer fan who managed to get onto an episode of Jeopardy. 

On page 26 we have the Breyer Jeopardy questions, and on page 27 are some illustrations for the model bridle that I couldn't be bothered to crop out. 

After skipping Horse Trader and Breyer jr., on page 38-39 we come to this issue's Vintage Point article, this time covering the Clydesdale Stallion. 

On page 40-41 is the rest of the Vintage Point article, and that brings me to the end of this issue! Interestingly, my collection has never been graced by a Clydesdale Stallion, though I did once briefly own the glossy red bay (not yet in existence when this issue was published). It was a handsome color on him, though! That's it for this week - check back next week for Mar/Apr 1999! 

More dumb names

 Well, I was right - those sneak peeks were of the Best Customs Contest prizes. Not that it was really that hard to guess. Anyway, here's Look What You Made Me Do (trying not to cringe while typing all that out). 

Well, Kalahkaari in chestnut certainly is pretty! At least I don't have to be too disappointed about this one, since I decided to sell off my Marwari models. 

And here's I Forgot That You Existed (ugh)! 

Now this one does hurt. I still haven't managed to get my hands on a Roo, and now they come out with this guy! He's a similar color to Fiero from a few years ago, which is interesting because last year's Willamette also had a far more common doppelganger in the mini Nazruddin.  Well, good luck to everyone entering the BCC! 

Another one?

 So there's another sneak peek on the Breyerfest blog! Check it out: 

These have to be the BCC or live show prizes, right? All of the other reveals except the raffle models have been done, or so we think - but I'll be pretty peeved if they reveal anything else for the Limited Edition offerings that I couldn't reserve with my VIP ticket ahead of time. I'm just going to assume these sneak peeks are contest prizes until we see the reveal. 

New sneak peek and Vintage Club stuff!

 Whoa, I almost forgot to post about this - but there's a new sneak peek on the Breyerfest Blog! Behold: 

From the blog:

Hint:  It’s something you can only get with All-Access or VIP tickets, so if you don’t have your tickets yet, you can get them here!

Odd...what could it be? Maybe one of the live show or BCC prizes? I feel like they'd be a little more specific if that were the case. Maybe it's another Limited Edition that hasn't been announced yet? Some kind of special Stablemate, perhaps? I guess we'll find out later in the week. 

In other news, Vintage Club welcome letters are arriving in people's mailboxes. I don't have any scans or photos of the letter, but the clues for this year's other releases include "a Marguerite Henry character, a 1980s sculpture in his flashiest color yet, and some tiny treasures that will melt your vintage-loving heart." No idea who the Marguerite Henry character would be, but the 1980s sculpture may be Roy, according to speculation on the Interwebs. I don't know what the "tiny treasures" is referring to either, although I suspect a lot of people won't be happy if it ends up being a Stablemates set or something. And no real word on which of these releases is the optional one, either. Happily, they decided to be up front about this year's Stablemate: it's the G1 Morgan Stallion! Huzzah! 

That's it for today - oh, and today is also the last day to enter for Mumbai, so get your entries in if you haven't. Good luck, everyone!  

Featured JAH - 3/16/2024, Nov/Dec 1998

 Hello and welcome to another edition of Featured JAH! This week's issue is Nov/Dec 1998. Hard to believe we're almost done with another year - let's get going! 

On the front cover, the beautiful Huckleberry Bey poses for a photo. On the back cover, the iconic Huckleberry Bey mold sculpted by Kathleen Moody makes its debut! I was 12 years old when this issue came out and BOY was I excited for this new model! He was totally unlike anything we'd ever seen before! 

In the (festively-decorated) Editor's Desk, Stephanie talks about creating new portrait models and the new Huckleberry Bey sculpture. On page 3 is the beginning of Sheila Varian's article about Huck. A slightly different version of this story can be found on Varian Arabians' website. 

On page 4-5 is more of the Huckleberry Bey article and photos of some of Huck's offspring. 

On page 6 is the rest of the Huck article, and on page 7 we have a Craftsman's Corner article by Harold E. Roberts.

After skipping some ads, the 1998 discontinued list and an article about repairing broken models, on page 14 we find an article about a live model horse show in the UK, and on page 15 is an article about Breyer portrait horse Cincinnati, part of the Horses in History series. I had Traveller but never got Cincinnati. 

On page 16-17 are a number of color photos of Breyer events in 1998. 

In the centerfold of this issue, another iconic Breyer mold makes its debut! Othello was one of many Breyer molds who came out in porcelain first, before being released in plastic later. He's now one of Breyer's most popular molds as well. Hard to believe this mold is already 25 years old! Does that make him vintage? On second thought, don't answer that - I don't think I want to open that can of worms. 

After skipping a Collector Profile and an article about a non-portrait horse named Christmas, on page 28 we come to Blast From the Past featuring the Appaloosa Performance Horse, and Just About...Breyer Animals featuring the Calf mold. The first page of Horse Trader on page 29 is cropped out. 

After skipping the rest of Horse Trader (progressively getting shorter as the Internet starts to take over model sales) and some Breyer jr. stuff, we come to the Vintage Point article on page 38-39, this week featuring the Family Arabian Stallion.

And on page 40-41 we have the rest of the Vintage Point article. In my own collection I only have one FAS (the Ara-Appaloosa Stallion, along with the rest of the family), but part of me wouldn't mind getting my hands on Devil Wind - one of my friends had him and he was a favorite when we played together. 

With that, we come to the end of this issue and 1998! Hard to believe we're already done with another year. Check back next week for Jan/Feb 1999! 

BreyerWest revelations!

 Well, BreyerWest isn't short on revelations so far - if you're there, I hope you're having a good time! If you made it through the snowpocalypse, that is. Anyway, here's a shot (from Breyer's Facebook page) of most of the 2024 Breyerfest lineup, live and in person! 

Honestly, I think I'm most excited for the zebra at this stage. I wonder why the quagga isn't there? Guess we'll have to wait until July to see that one. Or maybe they'll bring it out tomorrow. 

For another reveal, check out this silent auction lot! 

It's a OOAK glossy red roan Chevaliere! Beautiful. I wonder how high she'll go? 

And lastly, this year's Breyer Ambassador/Volunteer model has been revealed! 

Say hello to Worth It, offered in liver chestnut and medium chestnut sabino, and one more color to be revealed at Breyerfest. Presumably the mysterious third color will also be a sabino in the same pattern, but what color will it be? A really light flaxen chestnut to continue with the chestnut theme? Who knows. All I know is I'm going to have to track them all down somehow. But at least this means she won't be the surprise model! 

Just when I thought it was safe to sell off my Marwari models...

 Greetings, readers! It's been a little bit of a news drought around here lately, but the latest Breyer web special was revealed today - behold Mumbai! 

Gah! This guy was teased in last month's Collector Club newsletter, but I wasn't expecting it to be a Marwari! Now I'm kind of wishing I hadn't decided to sell all of mine off. Kalahkaari is the only one I've managed to sell so far, but still! 

Oh well - money is a little tighter than it used to be these days, so any chance to avoid purchasing something is welcomed. Good luck to everyone entering! 

Also, BreyerWest is this weekend (if everyone can struggle through the snow to get to Denver), so theoretically we'll be seeing some great reveals this weekend, including the reveal of the mold and/or colorways for this year's Breyer Ambassador/Volunteer model! I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for that! 

Featured JAH - 3/9/2024, Sept/Oct 1998

 Hello and welcome to another edition of Featured JAH! This week's issue is Sept/Oct 1998, so let's get going! 

On the front cover, Kathi Knight and Faithfully Dun show off their moves at Breyerfest. On the back cover, Tess Hieke and Rejoice pose for a photo, also at Breyerfest. 

In the Editor's Desk, Stephanie talks about Breyerfest and various beneficiaries of funds from the Breyerfest live auction. On page 3 we see some of that year's auction models! Check out that rose grey Rejoice - beautiful! I wonder where she is now. 

On page 4-5 we have the recap of Breyerfest 1998. 

After skipping Dear JAH, an article about propmaking and some Breyer jr stuff, we come to a Collector Profile on page 12. On page 13 is a Blast From the Past featuring the BHR palomino Adios, and Just About...Breyer Animals! featuring the Brahma Bull. 

On page 16-17 we find an article about Breyer portrait horse Erin Go Bragh, one of the guests at Breyerfest 1998. 

On page 18 is the rest of the Erin Go Bragh article, and on page 19 is the first page of Breyerfest live show results. 

After skipping an article about making jumping boots, Horse Trader and more Breyer jr. stuff, on page 38 we have some photos from Breyer collectors, and on page 39 is the first page of this week's Vintage Point featuring the G1 Stablemate Foals. 

On page 40-41 is the rest of the Vintage Point article. Interestingly, I ended up with the transparent green and transparent violet keychain foals after attending the Sweet Home Chicago and Chasing the Chesapeake collector events - they were given out in goody bags to the attendees if I remember right. They must have had a lot of extras! 

That brings us to the end of this week's issue - check back next week for Nov/Dec 1998!