Featured JAH - 6/29/2024, May/June 2001

 Hello and welcome to another edition of Featured JAH! Wow, pretty timely that I'm covering May/June 2001 in (well, the tail end of) June 2024. Let's get started! 

On the front cover, Tom Hilgenberg and Who's Zoomin Who or "Gus" take a water obstacle. On the back cover, the porcelain "Precision" makes its debut. 

In the Editor's Column, Stephanie talks about new things and introduces three new staff members, who get their own blurbs on page 3. 

After skipping an article about Who's Zoomin Who (I don't think he got his own Breyer model, which is a little confusing), on page 6 we find a reveal of some Breyerfest special runs, including raffle model Siren and the legendary Poet. On page 7 is the first two of "Top 10 reasons to go to Breyerfest."

After skipping the rest of the reasons to go to Breyerfest (do we really need reasons to go? We just go!), a book review and an ad about a Robert Vavra exhibition at the KHP (some of his photos are still on display in the KHP visitor center), we come to an article about Breyer portrait horse Jet Deck on page 14-15. 

On page 16 we have a salute to Hollywood Dun It, and on page 17 is a Collector's Corner article featuring Michelle Crivelli. 

On page 18-19 we have an article about Jeanne Mellin Herrick, sculptor of several Breyer molds including the Friesian, Sherman Morgan, Roemer and more. She also tells the story of the "John Henry" incident, explaining why the mold was originally so lumpy (Breyer did eventually smooth out the lumps). She passed away in 2015. 

This week's centerfold subject is the beautiful Third Time's A Charm! This guy was the third Connoisseur release, as his name suggests. I still haven't managed to get my hands on one of these guys (for a price I was willing to pay). Maybe this year I'll find one! 

After skipping a how-to article and a showcase display contest results, on page 26-27 we have a Breyer scrapbook of photos from various Breyer events.

On page 28 we have more Breyer scrapbook photos. I was always amused at the bottom photo. Look happy, woman! Your horse just won a grand championship! Well, maybe she thought the photographer was just photographing the horse and not her. Anyway, I cropped out the first page of Horse Trader.

After skipping the rest of Horse Trader and a Know Your Breed about the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, on page 38 we have a Caption Contest and a Who Am I? featuring a Midnight Sun of some sort, and on page 39 is the first page of this week's Vintage Point, this week covering the Stretch Morgan. 

On page 40-41 is the rest of the Vintage Point, and that brings us to the end of this issue! Check back next week for July/Aug 2001! 

So many things to post about, I can’t even keep up!

 More exciting reveals are happening, people! Breyer showed us some more auction models today - behold, this BEAUTIFUL Wixom!

This girl is absolutely amazing! I love her. I’m low-key wishing I hadn’t sold all my Wixoms, because I want her! Here’s an alternate view from Facebook:

What a beauty! I wonder how much she’ll go for. 

Next, we have a beautiful glossy bay Croi:

Finally some gloss! (I can’t remember if any of the previously-shown models were glossy; don’t @ me). She’s pretty too! But not as pretty as that Wixom.

Next, this also-stunning Constantia!

I’m pretty sure that’s Anamar’s paint job. It looks great on Constantia! I think she’s my favorite of the models released so far (that I’d actually want to bid on). 

We’ve already seen the Saturday raffle model earlier today, so I’m going to skip to the Carrick!

He’s pretty, but not really grabbing me like some of the others have. 

That’s it for the auction models! But the June Collector Club newsletter came out today too! There’s a Breyerfest flashback video, a Jump & Drive giveaway, and this sneak peek!

No idea what it is, but the hint said to think about packing to go somewhere, so it must be the next Exotic Destinations web special! Presumably it’ll be revealed at Breyerfest. Only two weeks to go!

We have a program!

 More exciting news today, readers! We're two weeks out from Breyerfest, and the program was revealed today! Check it out here. Most importantly, we finally know what the raffle models are! Behold:

You Oughta Know...that I'm devastated about that raffle Georg. Gonna have to buy a lot of tickets this year! And You're So Vain...applies pretty well to the Llywellyn. (Also, I was right in predicting him! I mean, anyone could have predicted it, but I'm taking what I can get here. I can't remember who I predicted for the other raffle?).  I'm less enamored with him for some reason, but would still be happy to add him to the collection, should my name be drawn. Here's hoping...

Special run selections are out!

 Good news, readers and/or Breyerfest attendees! Special run selections for All-Access ticket buyers have been emailed out at last! The emails will come from ShowClix, so check your spam inbox if you don’t see them. I hope everyone got what they wanted - I got at least one of all the models I wanted, which is good in the “at least getting one” sense, but not so good in the “what if there are micro run variations” sense. Guess we’ll have to wait just two more weeks to find out! I’m not sure when the online access selections will go out, but presumably soon? Let’s hope so.  Edit: I guess online attendees will find out what models they were selected for when they log in on Breyerfest Friday morning. 

Kirk is now available!

 Attention, Vintage Club members! The next release in the club, the Kirk nightlight, is now available for purchase! 

Here's his nightlight form: 

I sold off all my Geronimo models, so this one is nothing I need - but you'd better order now if you want to get it before Breyerfest! But the order deadline is 7/11, so I guess there's plenty of time to get your order in. Hopefully this means we'll get the first Premier Club release soon! 

No one ever expects the TSC models (before Breyerfest!)

 Whoa, more new unexpected reveals last night! This year's TSC models are already on the website. Just do a search for Breyer and you'll find them (unless they get removed). Here's the first one, a new Wild Mustang set: 

Ooh, the stallion and foal are both so pretty! Actually, the stallion is like a mini version of Picante. The mare is kinda meh, I'm questioning why they used Mesteno's Mother when they could have used the Haflinger Mare and had her match the foal better. Oh well. 

Next: Bugaboo! 

She's pretty, but uncomfortably similar to the micro run Diana from Breyerfest 2019. They used the same masking on her legs and everything. Not sure I'd be too happy if I owned one of those. Her name, "bugaboo" means an imaginary source of fear, so maybe they're leaning into it? Huh. 

Next, here's Lydia:

Ooh, a new Lonesome Glory! Too bad I sold all mine. I'm guessing it's the female version of Lonesome Glory since she has a female name? 

Next, here's Big Blue! 

Wow, this guy is really handsome! I love his gold accents. They look great with that dark blue color. I'm not a Clydesdale Stallion collector, but I'll admit this color is tempting me. 

Lastly, here's Peyton! 

This one is...very reminiscent of Old Bob. Actually, the Old Bob that's on IDYB doesn't seem to have that striping on the neck, but the one I've been trying to sell for years definitely does. I'm not sure why they reused this color? I mean, Adios has come in pretty much every color by this point, but it's been 25 years since he was issued in a solid bay color (not counting Pokerjoe, who was a Paint), so you'd think they could have done something in that vein. Oh well. 

It's nice to see these releases so early, but the bad part is now having to wait until probably September or later to see them in stores. Guess we'll just have to be patient! 

Whoa! Breyer’s having an essay contest!

 Well, I definitely wasn’t expecting to get this email, but I did! Breyer is holding an essay contest, and three winners will get portrait models of their horses (or the horses they write about) as a prize!

I included the above photo because it was in the blog post. Anyways, the goal of the contest, should one choose to enter, is to prove to Breyer “Why My Favorite Horse Would Love to be a Breyer Model.” Hmm. There is a horse I could write about, although she was never technically mine, she has most likely died by now, and I don’t know how to get in contact with her owners. The rules do say it doesn’t have to be your horse, but the sticky part is where one of the three winners’ models may also become a regular run release, with permission from the horse’s owner. So will the regular run release be on a different mold? Otherwise it would massively devalue that person’s prize model later on. 

The entry deadline is 7/31, so we have plenty of time to write our essays. And there’s a 250-word limit, so you’ll have to be concise! Also, does the winner get to pick the mold? The horse I’d write about was a stock horse, and the only stock horse mold I currently collect is Dundee. Though Dundee hasn’t yet been produced in her color (bay), so maybe Breyer would be okay with it. 

I’m glad they’re doing this essay contest, though. We don’t get those very often, and for those of us without artistic skills, it may be our only chance to win something rare! I’ve asked for Breyer to start doing an essay or creative writing contest at Breyerfest for years, but it hasn’t happened yet. Guess I’ll keep hoping. Good luck to everyone entering!

More auction models!

Good news, everyone!  Just when I was starting to think I’d need to get out my stick-poking meme, we have a Breyerfest reveal - more auction models! Behold: 

It’s a cute little Quarter Horse Yearling! Nothing I need, but her paint job looks like it has lots of little details.

Next, we have:

A handsome chestnut brindle Dundee! He fits the “Against All Odds” theme pretty well, I have to say. Too bad they didn’t gloss him - if they had, I’d say this guy was a contender for this year’s top seller.

Moving on:

This one is…interesting? He’s described as a gray with a somatic mutation, but it kinda just looks his face look bloody. I like his white tail, though! I feel like this is another missed gloss opportunity. 

Lastly, a stunner!

Another one that fits the Against All Odds theme! You know, palomino Arabian…okay, maybe “Fantasy” would be a better category. He’s so pretty, too! Part of me is sad I sold all my Shams. 

That’s it for today, though I notice they skipped one of the lots. Presumably either a raffle model or they’re hiding lots again. Also, last year’s car show is coming back to Breyerfest! Hopefully it doesn’t get rained out again this year. 

Featured JAH - 6/22/2024, Mar/Apr 2001

 Hello and welcome to another edition of Featured JAH! This week we're taking a look at Mar/Apr 2001. This unfortunate issue is not only 12 pages shorter than usual for some reason (must not have been much horse news for that time period), but suffered water damage on its way to me all those years ago. So if the pages look funny, that's probably why. 

On the (slightly crinkly) front cover, an Arabian mare and foal (from Varian Arabians, no less!) do their thing. On the back cover, the droolworthy Equitana model Odyssey makes his debut! I did eventually acquire an Odyssey (not at Equitana, though) and he still adorns my shelves. I like how they mention a raffle for a matching Saddlebred Weanling in that color, but don't show a photo of it anywhere in the magazine. IDYB to the rescue! Interestingly, IDYB lists it as being a run of 10, as live show prizes. Maybe something got garbled somewhere. 

In the Editor's Column, Stephanie talks about Arabians and poses with some models. Susecion can be seen on the shelf of models behind her (not to be introduced until 2002). The MFT on her other side bears a strong resemblance to Pierrot, though it might just be a test model. The bull on the shelf looks like a test on the Charolais Bull, and the Man o' War on the table next to her appears to be this guy from a Breyerfest set from 2001. It's always fun when they sneak little surprises into photos like this! On page 3 is the first page of the article about (notorious?) Breyer portrait horse and legendary Arabian breeding stallion Khemosabi, who died on March 1, 2001.  

On page 4-5 is the rest of the article about Khemosabi. 

On page 6-7 is an article about Davy Crockett to accompany the revival of Breyer's Davy Crockett rider sold with the Western Horse. I got one of these in a box lot to resell a few years ago, and I remember Davy's gun being sticky. So weird. 

On page 8-9 we have an article about Breyer portrait horse Carinosa, whose model (on the PAM) didn't get to be pictured in the magazine, I guess. 

After skipping a judge's clinic and a collector story, in the centerfold we get the reveal of the beautiful Appropos! Another model I desperately wanted but wasn't drawn for. Don't worry, I did get drawn for a Connoisseur eventually. 

After skipping some photo show scenes of horses in costume, a death notice for Dale Evans and Horse Trader, on page 22 is a death notice for Breyer portrait horse Mario, winner of the World's Best School Horse 2000 contest. On page 23 is what remains of the Appropos order form. Too bad you can't still ship a Trad-size model for $5 these days! The Who Am I? section of page 25 can also be seen, featuring a Buckshot. 

After skipping the rest of the Breyer jr. stuff on page 24-25, on page 26 we have a Know Your Breed featuring the Great Dane (and Breyer companion Great Dane), and on page 27 is the first page of this week's Vintage Point, featuring the Classic Arabian Foal. 

On page 28-29 is the rest of the Vintage Point article, and that brings us to the end of this issue! Still curious as to why it's so much shorter than the rest of the issues out there. Anyone out there able to shed some light on this? In any case, check back next week for May/June 2001! 

Auction models!

 Exciting news today, everyone! We got to see some auction models in today’s post on the Breyerfest blog - behold! 

It’s a beautiful glossy bay Morgan! Scrumptious.

And a handsome red dun pinto Criollo with a badger face! 

And a Fell Pony that’s basically a mini version of Heath! I want her.

And a stunning peacock-themed Moody Andalusian! I’m trying to figure out if he’s the same one we’ve seen in the archive room live feed. I feel like that one had a more elaborate tail? Can’t remember for sure. 

Most importantly, here’s a quote from the blog:

ALL bidders, whether bidding in-person or online, will need to register through BidSpirit. When registering, bidders must fill out all required contact information and include a valid photo ID and credit card number. When you register your card, you will get a text or phone call from Stripe confirming you added your card. You must type in the two-step authentication code to continue. Once registered you will be able to preview the lots online before the auction; however, no pre-bids will be accepted. All bidding must be done live during the Live Auction. 

…

Onsite winners will be required to present payment to the Breyer staff onsite immediately after the lot has been announced “SOLD”. If the winner of a lot is online, the credit card associated with the bidder’s profile will be charged immediately after the lot is announced “SOLD” for the full amount of the lot, including sales tax. Split payments will not be allowed, so please plan accordingly when registering your card. If a card is declined and the bidder cannot be reached within the allotted amount of time to provide an alternate card, the transaction will be voided, and the lot will restart and be resold at the end of the auction - the lot will not automatically go to the next highest bidder. If a card declines that bidder will not be able to continue to bid on future lots.

I like these changes! They should make it harder for people to bid models up into the stratosphere and then back out of paying later. There’s some suspicion that this was being done on purpose so the non-paying bidders could ensure their friends got auction models for a much lower price than they could have gone for. Of course, my preference would be for no online bidding at all, but that ship seems to have sailed, so I’m happy with these changes. Now let’s see some more auction models and the raffle models! 

Newport is here!

 Good news, everyone - my Newport has arrived! Incidentally, I finally figured out what her name reminds me of: that episode of Family Guy where Lois inherits the fancy house in Newport. Anyway, here's Newport! 

She's a beauty! I love her color. Her "Breyer blue and yellow" tail ribbon colors are a nice touch. 

The G2 Thoroughbred certainly makes a nice polo pony! I'm guessing we'll probably see this iteration of the mold again in the future.

Quality-wise she's pretty nice. I've seen a few posted on Facebook that had pretty bad box rubs, so I was happy when I got mine out of the box and she didn't have any. I'd still prefer going back to the satin bags, though. 

All in all, a fine addition to my collection! Now I just have to get up the willpower to go stand up all of my G2 Thoroughbreds without knocking them all over, again...and maybe my G3 Friesians while I'm at it...

New website is up!

 Well, the website revamp appears to be complete! When viewing it on my phone, it doesn’t look like they changed much - just an update in the current design. I haven’t viewed it on my computer yet, so maybe it’s different on a browser. I was a bit sad to notice all my previous memberships on the Account Home page are gone - it’s only showing the current memberships. I suppose it was getting to be a jumble anyway. Let’s hope things continue to run smoothly in the runup to Breyerfest!

I did get an email from Breyer detailing the changes to the website, so if you’re a Collector Club member, take a look at that for a full list.

Featured JAH - 6/15/2024, Jan/Feb 2001

 Hello and welcome to another edition of Featured JAH! We're starting another new year this week with Jan/Feb 2001, so let's get started! 

On the front cover, a horse pulls a sleigh through a wintry landscape. On the back cover, the 2001 Collector's Edition, Rhett, makes his debut! 

In the Editor's Column, Stephanie talks about winter stuff, and announces the first Connoisseur model, Mosaic! More on him later. On page 3, the still-mega-popular Silver makes his debut! One of Kathleen Moody's most popular sculpts, he was a welcome update for the Fighting Stallion. 

On page 4-5 is the article about Silver, of the Lone Ranger fame. 

On page 6 is the rest of the Silver article, and on page 7 is the beginning of an article about Winchester (or Rienzi), the latest entry in the Horses in History series. 

On page 8 is the conclusion to the Winchester article, and on page 9 is the Sheridan's Ride poem. 

On page 10-11 we have a humorous article about a hobbyist's first model horse show. I always enjoyed reading this article, and now that I have actually attended a live show, I found myself wondering if this person is in fact an alternate version of me. Though I was more-or-less organized at the rather low-stakes show I attended, this article would probably more accurately portray my experience were I to attempt the Breyerfest Live show. 

On page 12 is a listing of 2001 Breyer Tour events, and on page 13 is the reveal of the 2001 Tour Model Stormchaser, and the Tour raffle model Silver Twilight, both designed by collectors. 

On page 14-15 is an article about Sherry Carr (now the owner of Seunta) and Silky Keno, another Breyer portrait horse. I had Silky Keno at one point - she's one of my favorite colors on Lady Phase. The real Silky Keno holds the distinction of having been a portrait horse for both Breyer and Stone. Silky Keno has died, according to the Seunta website, but I was unable to find a date of death. 

On page 16-17 is a Brushstrokes article by Kathleen Moody, detailing the sculpting process for Silver! 

On page 18 is the rest of the Brushstrokes article, and on page 19 is a short article about a real-horse volunteer donating her time to foster children in Oklahoma. 

In the centerfold, the beautiful Mosaic makes his debut! Produced on the very popular Lonesome Glory, still pretty much a brand-new mold at the time, he was the first mass-produced Breyer model to have such a detailed paint job, including mapping. Current Premier Club horses are supposed to have "Connoisseur-level" paint jobs, but uh, the consumers have been disappointed on that front more than a few times, sadly. But anyway! This was the first widely-available limited run model in quite some time, and having the run size limited to 350 was practically unheard-of (at least, to 15-year-old me, anyway). It was all very exciting! Of course, I entered the drawing for Mosaic but wasn't drawn. He also cost $95, which was a princely sum for a Breyer in 2001. Pretty far removed from today's $175 for Premier Club models, web specials, etc. 

After skipping a judge's clinic, new Breyer rider figures, an article about naming models, a Know Your Breed about the English Foxhound (??), Horse Trader and Breyer jr., on page 38 we find a tribute to equine illustrator Sam Savitt, and on page 39 is the beginning of this week's Vintage Point, this time featuring Kelso. 

On page 40-41 is the rest of the Vintage Point article, and that brings us to the end of this week's issue! Check back next week for Mar/Apr 2001!