That is not what I was expecting at all!

Greetings, readers! Today’s Breyerfest reveal has been made, and it’s totally not what I was expecting! Behold:

Their names are Birka and Ribe. A few years ago I would have been all over these, but nowadays I’m just glad it’s something else I don’t need to buy. I’m doubtful that I’ll buy a VIP ticket either, unless they come out with something earth-shattering in the next couple of weeks.

2025 releases and Breyerfest 2025 Stablemates!

 Good news, everyone! The new releases for 2025 have finally been (officially) revealed! Here's the full catalog. Too many things to list, but here are some highlights! 

That's right, the one that started it all - the Western Horse! He's part of the 75th Anniversary assortment that was hinted at previously. I like the color, and the horses hidden in his pattern are a nice touch. Part of me kinda wants to start collecting the Western Horse, but I just don't have the space. 

Another 75th Anniversary model - the Esprit! I like him, too. But unlike the Western Horse, this one I definitely want to add to the collection. 

And the third 75th Anniversary model - the Lonesome Glory! This one is making me wish I hadn't sold off my Lonesome Glory models - oh well. 

Let's not forget that there are still two more 75th Anniversary models to be revealed. The hobby had narrowed the hints down to be SCO and the Moody ASB - let's hope we don't have to wait too many months for them to be revealed. 

This year's Holiday Horse - on Flash this year! So, another Holiday Horse I don't need to acquire. A penny saved is a penny earned, or something like that. 

Cloud the Wild Stallion is getting an update in honor of his 30th anniversary! That's a pretty color on Desatado. Another mold I shouldn't have sold off. C'est la vie. 

Say hello to Ophelia, this year's flagship model! Huzzah! What a beauty. I have one on order from Triple Mountain, so hopefully she doesn't take too long to get here. 

Here's the Brilliance Gift Set, the only other thing I preordered (I'll get the rest of the things I want when the KHP gets them in stock). This is probably the release I'm most excited for! Not sure why, but it might have something to do with the blue Othello. And the pearly white Fireheart. I hope they come soon! We needs them, precious. 

Honorable mention: the Big Lex model. Now there's a big Big Lex to go with the little one! Too bad I sold off my Emersons. He does make a decent Lexington, though (presumably the, uh, overweight one in the above image is from later in Lexington's stud career). 

Anyway, that's it for the new releases! But that wasn't the only reveal today. We also got to see the single-day Stablemate models for Breyerfest 2025! From now on I'm going to try to remember to refer to them as General Admission Stablemates. 

Look at their cute little bags! I'm trying to figure out what they're made of. Cardstock, probably? And they're tied with little ribbons. I may have to hang on to these. Anyway, I like three of the four! Well, the color on the Indian Pony is nice, but I don't collect that mold. Like many other people, my favorite is the black appaloosa Augustus, but the bay Mirado is probably my second favorite. 

And even more excitingly, we're getting a Special Run reveal tomorrow! Woohoo! I suppose the reveals will be coming fast and furious now that tickets will be going on sale soon. I'm excited to see tomorrow's reveal! 

Courchevel! And other things

 Well, readers, I was busy at work last night and didn't have time to get this posted yesterday, but Breyer's winter decorator model has been revealed! Meet Courchevel! 

From the website:

Nestled in the French Alps, Courchevel is one of the premier ski destinations in Europe. Awash in luxury, Courchevel is no stranger to those seeking a winter paradise, attracting everyone including professional athletes and royalty. This mountain oasis has even hosted the Winter Olympics!

Our breathtaking stallion Courchevel, named for this beautiful resort, has a unique metallic coat, which was inspired by the glow of the resort and mountains when viewed at twilight. Pastel shades of blue, gold, pink, and purple flow over his body, and are accented with flecks of gold. Courchevel’s enchanting look is completed by a high gloss finish, and a "Courchevel 2024" gold stamp on his belly.

I'm not seeing a whole lot of purple in that paint job, but maybe it's more evident in person. I think he's pretty! It's always great to see a new release on the Moody Andalusian. I'm wondering if he's also clearware (although I think they would have mentioned it if he was). There's a matching pin as well! The Collector Club discount can be used on the pin, by the by, but not the model, who ships for free (yay!). Interesting that they're saying up front that the pin is a limited edition of 500, but nothing on the run number for the actual model. 

Apparently Breyer is trying a new method for distributing these, rather than as a random-draw web special. Instead, they're being offered to Collector Club members on a first-come, first-served basis until Tuesday, and then they'll go up for sale to the masses. So does this mean the "Web Special" as we know it (limited to some number between 350-1,000, offered by random draw) is now a thing of the past? I'm not sure how to feel about that. Disappointed, I guess? I mean, it is fun to be able to get something that's relatively rare for your collection. I guess we'll see how this release goes - they haven't sold out yet, nor has Breyer told us exactly how many were made. There's speculation online that there could be as many as 2,500-3,000, but that number seems high to be based on the price of the model. I'm thinking the number is probably closer to 1,000. Hopefully Breyer tells us at some point. 

In other news, there was a new reveal for the 2025 Stablemates Club today! Huzzah! Say hello to Javier:

 

Yes! I've been waiting for them to use the Peruvian Paso in the club! Unfortunately, it's another 50/50 gloss/matte split, so I guess I'm going to have to buy two of them. Oh well. 

In other, other news, the latest Young Rider magazine has a couple of 2025 Breyer reveals! 

Presumably that Lonesome Glory is one of the 75th Anniversary releases hinted at previously. See the little horses in his blanket? Cute design! Nothing I need (anymore, sadly), but hopefully the rest of the 75th Anniversary releases are just as clever! 

Sorry the image is so small, but those models are the G3 Highland Pony and the mini Emma as unicorns! Woohoo! Well, if I get that set, my daughter will probably claim the truck and trailer pretty quickly. 

That's all I have for today! Let's hope we get more exciting reveals next week. And stay tuned for Featured JAH later today! 

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! 

FINALLY!

 Good news, readers! We finally got something Breyerfest-related today - the reveal of the last few live auction models! Insert grumbling about how there used to be more auction models here. Anyways, here they are! Some of them are still weirdly cropped. There are a few lots still to be revealed, such as (presumably) the raffle models and the live show grand and reserve prizes. But anyway! 

That's a Strapless done as a sooty palomino with, well, puzzle-piece dapples. At least that's what they look like to me. Pretty, though! 

This one is a wild bay frame overo Lonesome Glory - it's a popular mold, so he'll probably go high. Still, I can't help but wonder what he'd look like in gloss. 

This one is a Semi-Rearing Mustang in a grullo tobiano with cat tracks. Cool, but it'd be nice if we could see the whole photo? 

Ooh, now these are interesting, even if the mare's face is marked like a giraffe. The mare is a pearly chestnut leopard appaloosa and the foal is a pearly black leopard appaloosa. It'll be interesting to see what these sell for - they're a bit odd-looking, but cute nonetheless.

Ooh, I really like this one, especially the two-toned wings! The blog says he's a glossy metallic blue overo, but he looks like there's some green in the mane, tail and wings. Can't wait to see this one in person so I can get some photos! I wonder if the wings are removable? Usually they are, and it does look like they slot into his back. Someday will we get a more attainable winged release of this guy, since they've done at least one test like this before? I can only hope! 

Well, this knocks a few more molds out of contention for the surprise - I'm going to guess it's Goffert at this point, unless he pops up as a raffle model or something. Speaking of raffle models, I can't remember if I've posted my raffle predictions yet, so here goes: Georg and Cancion. Would Breyer use two standing molds in the same year? Who knows, but that's what I'm going with. Guess we'll find out eventually! 

In other news, this year's mid-year releases are now available to order on Breyer's website, though the new Strapless won't be shipping until August. I thought about ordering a Mojave, but I'm going to take my chances and hope they have him in the Breyer Store at Breyerfest since that's what I did last year. Here's hoping! 

Edit: the rest of the auction models and the raffle models are now posted on the auction website! Check them out here. Looks like I was right about Cancion as a raffle model, but the other one is Fireheart! Gah! 

There is a Georg auction model, though:

Along with the German Riding Pony, Carina and Selene, Anamar and the PAM. Notably, there's no Goffert...but also no Hamilton, so the speculation will continue. I'm sticking with Goffert, though! Hamilton is way too popular and doesn't need the surprise boost. 

Collector Club Appreciation, Auction Models and more!

 Exciting news, everyone! My Collector Club Appreciation orders are here! Behold! 

Though I didn't get a photo of it, in my first order I bought four styling heads for gifts, the pin board and the new Unicorn Crazy (or whatever it's called) stable. And when I opened the (huge) box, the second thing I saw was a really skinny Breyer box, upside down. I could see the label read "KB Omega Fahim" and got really excited and pulled him out glossy! 

I love this shade of blue-black and wish Breyer would use it more often. He's stunning! I'll have to compare him to my matte Omega Fahim and see if there's any difference between them. 

I guess there is a risk of them looking more like decorators if there's too much blue...but then, blue is my favorite color, so I'm not going to nitpick that too much. Haha! 

For my second order, I went ahead and just bought the glossy model outright, as I don't have any more space for extra stuff I don't want or need. And look who I got! 

I had been hoping to get the glossy Theo, though, so it looks like I'll be looking for a trade. Ideally with someone at the Clarion when we're there in 3 weeks. Speaking of the Clarion, we got some more Breyerfest auction models today! Check them out: 

As someone on Blab noted, this Fighter would make a perfect dad for Robin and Nestling. Aww, a family! 

An amazing star-dappled gray on my least-favorite Latigo mane/tail combination. He's pretty, though!

And lastly:

A really, really nice Valegro, but I can't help but think he would have been completely amazing in gloss! 

And lastly, Breyer introduced Sparkler, a 4th of July plush, today! 

He's already sold out, so if you wanted one, I hope you were able to get one. I'm not a plush collector, so I didn't partake, but he's a cute design! 

That's all I have for today - I hope we get more auction models tomorrow! And, uh, a Breyerfest program, since it's now the 20th? Is that too much to ask for? You know, because people want to plan out their activities and it's kind of hard to do that without the program. 

I guess I spoke too soon...

 Well, looks like I should have kept my mouth shut one more day, because the 2021 Mid-Year releases are here! Let's start with the one we've all been waiting for: 

WGH CH Marc of Charm!! That's right, the model rumored to be one of the Breyerfest store specials in 2019 (or was it 2020?) is finally here! He's definitely going on my want list, though I hope the mane and tail are less yellow in person. 

Next, we have Tiz the Law! 

Seems like kind of a random choice for a Thoroughbred portrait, but that Lonesome Glory is beautiful! Must add him to the collection!

This lovely black Arabian is KB Omega Fahim, a Shagya Arabian stallion who specializes in dressage. I love the blue sheen to the color! Another one I'll have to add to the collection! 

Ooh, a black Malik! I love it. Though I really think the Shagya Arabian, or another (not-yet-existing) mold would be the best fit for the Black, as he's frequently described as being too big to be pure Arabian and Malik looks Arabian to the core. But I digress...

The horses-as-food series appears to be continuing, with Red Velvet! Ooh, I love red velvet cake...but I don't collect this mold. Looks like an interesting color, though! 

And lastly...Thriller, this year's Halloween model! Apparently dealers are being limited to 12 of these, so be sure to reserve yours fast. I just preordered mine, so hopefully it goes through and I'm the proud owner of a Thriller! 

Sassy is here!

 Good news, everyone! My Sassy is here - behold! 

I think this color looks really, really good on Lonesome Glory. There's just something about the arrangement of spots that I really like! She's a beauty.

It's always refreshing to get a glossy finish on a Collector Club model - I think the last one was the optional glossy finish on Fletcher back in 2018, and I didn't buy that one, so this is the first glossy CC model I've gotten for a while. 

Unfortunately, her quality isn't the best - that's a fingerprint in the gloss on her knee. But I'm not going to complain too much, because I've seen more than a couple trainwrecks out there...

Her spots are smeared in the above photo. She also has a small rub on her right front leg under the gloss and a lot of lint/debris in her gloss, some of which I'm unsure if it's part of the paint job or actual debris. But the quality trainwrecks plus the quick sellout makes it unlikely I'd get a decent replacement, or anything other than a refund, so I'll have to just live with it. 

But she's still a beautiful model! As I've said before, I don't show, so it's not a huge deal to get an imperfect model, but it still bugs me a little. Oh well! At least I was able to get one at all! Hopefully all these quick sellouts will convince Breyer to make a few more of these in the future.

Featured Model - 10/10/2009, 2003 Auction Lonesome Glory

 Hello and welcome to another edition of Featured Model, the weekly blog event where I pick a model I don't own but would like to, give some stats on it and provide commentary about it. Because we had the Sassy model release earlier this week, today's model is...the 2003 Breyerfest Live Auction Lonesome Glory! 

Like the title says, this model was one of the OOAK models sold at the 2003 Breyerfest Live Auction, produced on the popular Lonesome Glory mold sculpted by Kitty Cantrell. He's described as a "Light Blue Mosaic with Silver Mapping and Horseshoes," although in the above photo he actually has silver hooves except for that rear left one, which is shell-colored and doesn't appear to have a horseshoe painted on it...interesting. 

 Okay, I'll admit LG isn't quite at the top of my list of favorite molds (not that I don't like him at all, or I wouldn't have any in my collection), and as such I don't always feel the need to have them in my collection...but this one is a huge exception. WHO OWNS THIS MODEL AND HOW MUCH WOULD THEY SELL IT FOR? Holy crap. I love blue, I love silver, I love both of those combined with white pinto markings...it's a winner all around. I know, it's probably not for sale anyway. I'd actually be interested to know if it's developed any seam splits at all, since the early LG models were kinda known for that. If so, would Breyer fix it, or replace it? Interesting quandary. 

Anyway, I decided to feature a Lonesome Glory this week because of the Sassy release, and also because I came to the realization that the LG mold is now 20 YEARS OLD. When did that happen?! Sheesh. I guess I don't need to speculate about upcoming releases for him since Sassy just came out, but I do wonder if this means he'll get another release soon. Maybe a new RR for next year? He's had about a billion appearances at Breyerfest, but it looks like his last RR appearance was 2016's Holiday Horse, Woodland Splendor (I'm pretty sure that counts as a RR for that year?). The Zenyatta run ended in 2015 in any case, so it's been a while since we've seen a wide release on him. I'd say it's high time for another! Or perhaps a web special? One never knows.

Oh, so Sassy!

 Good news, everyone - the sneak preview from last month's Collector Club newsletter is live! Check out Sassy, the second Collector Club special run of the year! 

From the email:

This Appaloosa Sport Horse has a fantastic varnish chestnut appaloosa coat that is reminiscent of the red and brown hues of the autumn leaves. To finish off her look, this lively mare is topped with a high gloss finish.

I wasn't expecting them to use the Lonesome Glory mold for this special run, and I definitely wasn't expecting it to be glossy! She sure is pretty though. I ordered one, so hopefully she gets here fast! She really matches that fall aesthetic. I'll have to get out some of my fall decorations and set her up with those when she gets here! 

Featured Model - 1/11/2019, Lonesome Glory Akhal-Teke

Hello and welcome to another edition of Featured Model, the weekly blog event where I pick a model from my collection, give some stats on it and provide commentary about it. This week's model is...the Akhal-Teke on Lonesome Glory!



This handsome guy is item #1282 and was the 2007 Limited Edition. IDYB doesn't say how many were made, but I'd guess around 3,000? Either way, he's one you don't really see too often for sale anymore. He was issued on the popular Lonesome Glory mold sculpted by Sue Sifton.

As far as I know, this model has been the only time Breyer attempted to do an Akhal-Teke model, aside from the new Altynai model for this year - Lonesome Glory only bears a passing resemblance to a real Akhal-Teke, but he was the closest they had. Real Tekes can be a bit weird-looking compared to other horses, so their "look" can take a little getting used to, but once you get past that, I find them just as pretty to look at as almost any other horse (and that extra-shiny coat definitely doesn't hurt). So that explains why this guy is so shiny - though they probably should have just made the whole run glossy and called it a day instead of only glossing 31 of them for Breyerfest that year. But that's just my two cents!

Lonesome Glory is still a fairly popular mold - his special run at Breyerfest 2018, By a Nose, was definitely the hot item that year - and 2019 marked the first time he was used as a web special, for the giraffe Nadifa release. Where will we see him next? Maybe as an auction model at this year's Breyerfest? I don't see him being used again for something more attainable, because he was used so recently already, but you never know. Maybe he'll get a new mid-year release? I hope so! He needs to be used more often.

I Can't Believe It's Not Saige!

The new web special is up, and...what? It's not Forever Saige? Say it ain't so!

Lonesome Glory, eh? Well, I guess it's not the worst choice.



Still, I was really hoping for Forever Saige, as a fitting wink to a common criticism.

That said, I'm ready to say it: I'm tired of buying things. I never thought I'd commit such words to print, but there it is. My sales have been in the garbage all year, and the constant flow of new releases from Breyer definitely isn't helping the situation.

But, at the same time...Lonesome Glory makes a really nice giraffe. Maybe I'll just enter for her on one account and see what happens? Entries are only being taken until Monday, so it's not like I have to remember for very long. Good luck, everyone!