Tuesday, June 18, 2019

My Personal RTB Story

Road To Breyerfest means so much to me, more than I can ever express in words. This group, blog, or whatever else you want to call it has grown to be much more than just information about an event that I did not even know about eight years ago. It became a safe haven in the model horse community when I was dealing with some very personal medical issues. It became a place where I could come when I lost my heart horse, even though I am reminded of him almost every moment because of how he actually helped me to get the strength to create this group. This place has helped me to realize that I am bigger than the social anxiety and depression that threaten to take over when the “off season” comes around. But it is so much more than just a place to help me.

Road To Breyerfest came about because I was finally able to go to Breyerfest for the very first time in 2012. I am and have always been a horse crazy person. As a child, I played with toy horses more than I did with dolls. My parents purchased me a Barbie Dream House with tons of accessories along with the dolls, but that lovely Dream House quickly became my Dream Barn and the flower bed outside became this amazing arena with corrals. I asked to go to Breyerfest for years when my grandmother was feeling alright and headed to Kentucky to visit with her sisters. I was raised in California so I never was able to go to Breyerfest. I went to the Kentucky Horse Park a few times when I was able to come back here with my grandmother, but it was never during Breyerfest. So when I moved here back in 2003, I decided that I would work towards going to an event that I had always dreamed about. For the first few years, that never happened. My first husband hated horses, including my real horses, and tried to destroy my model horses. After I straightened out my life from that disaster, I lost track of my models and certainly did not go to Breyerfest. In 2012, I was living with my parents once more, but had a decent paying job, a decent car, and a way to get to the Kentucky Horse Park. But after I purchased my tickets, I was lost. I had no idea what a Special Run was or a Celebration Horse. My friend at the time said that he would go with me so he purchased a ticket and handed me the model tickets. I asked on FB just what was going on and I was told to just go and learn for myself. I was told that I would figure it out when I got there. I have extreme social anxiety and I also have driving anxiety due to a severe car accident that I was in the year that I moved out here. I had NO IDEA what to expect and no one would help me. I did the Ninja Pit and was still confused because only one or two people in line would answer my questions. At Breyerfest, I was so confused and nervous that it was overwhelming for me. I decided that something had to be done, but what?

In 2013, I rode my horse at Breyerfest. How I got to that point, I am still not entirely sure. I had called them and written emails about how I would like to take my horse there to showcase an event that I feel strongly about. I had talked to my horse trainer and riding instructor that I had graduated from and she told me that I was amazing in my field and that if it was meant to be, it would happen. I gave up hope that I would even get there. But one day in January2013, while I was slicing lunch meat at my job, I received a phone call that would change my life more than I ever realized. It was from Breyer and I was officially being asked to come to Breyerfest to ride my horse in an event that they did not even know about. I think that I cried. At this time, my Heart Horse had been retired from competition due to arthritis and he was 20 years old. I said yes! I told my dad that I needed a ride to the Kentucky Horse Park and a dream was coming true! I made all of the necessary arrangements and finally, I made it there with my horse, Someone Trespassed. I was walking on air and my old horse knew exactly what he was there for! In the beginning of the event, he was mistaken for Topsails Reinmaker, but quickly made his own way to be known. We had people that knew us from when we used to show out in California and were at the very top before I moved to Kentucky and lost my dreams. I did not know that a mere four years later I would lose him to an unknown neurological disease. But as I sat at the gate, waiting to go inside, I was asked so many questions about Breyerfest itself. I did not know all the answers then, but I was willing to learn and help people to learn as well. I carried a program with me and talked to the Breyer volunteers to learn everything that I could learn. One time that weekend, as I sat on my horse, I decided to make a group and name it the Road To Breyerfest so people can follow my journey and learn about Breyerfest as well. That was also the day that my then fiancee proposed to me in the covered arena at the end of my performance that day. I said yes. Later in the day as I sat at my horse’s stall, RTB was created. It did not grow very fast, but it grew and I slowly learned everything that there was to learn about Breyerfest. Then I had a child and threw a wrench in my plans for 2014, but my husband surprised me and I was still able to attend and learn more, even with a six week old daughter. Every year, I learned more and the group grew until what it is today.

RTB has undergone a ton of changes, but it is still fundamentally the same. We provide information for those that go to Breyerfest. We now offer a virtual Breyerfest experience, a positive community for model horse lovers and real horse lovers, and a place to learn about Breyerfest and Stone Horses’ Equilocity. From files that offer reading on what to expect to videos explaining everything down to the very last detail to even Live videos where you can come on and ask your questions directly and get answers right away. We offer a place where you can share your newest model with excitement and get a response that is positive and uplifting. It is also a place where you can share your love of the real horse and know that everyone there loves horses in some way. There is so much more to RTB than I can even talk about.

One day, I hope that RTB is the first and foremost place where people go to when they decide that they want to go to Breyerfest or learn more about the model horse hobby. I hope to see it grow into something that everyone can join and know that they are in a wonderful place.

Thank you for reading my thoughts on how I feel about Road To Breyerfest and I hope that you continue my journey with me as I grow this group to more than just that. I hope to get a website one day as well as more than just a blog. I want RTB to be amazing and I hope that it really does happen.

Friday, June 14, 2019

Breyerfest In A Nutshell!

Breyerfest In A Nutshell

Breyerfest is quite an exciting adventure for everyone, whether you like plastic ponies or not. There is literally something for everyone there and I am here to make sure that you at least find your way around a little bit. I must warn you though, you will be overwhelmed. No matter what you think, you will be overwhelmed. Also, you will not be able to do everything in one weekend. This is an absolute promise. However, there is much that you can do while experiencing the Kentucky Horse Park as well as Breyerfest itself.

Breyerfest takes place in the Covered Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. Well, that is the main hub of the activity and where many people will spend their weekend. There will be much to see and do in that arena so make sure that you are prepared when you walk into it. It will be crowded and air does not move well in there. However, you will be treated to vendors of all kinds, from plastic ponies to resin to specialty foods to even jewelry. In the actual arena, you will be delighted to find that real horses will be performing demonstrations of their chosen disciplines as well as being introduced to rare breeds and horse celebrities. The Breyer Store is located in the Covered Arena and entry is free of charge, no matter if you have a three day ticket or a single day ticket. There will be a line however, so make sure to take that into consideration. There are bathrooms located in the Covered Arena as there is also a water fountain. A snack shack from the Kentucky Horse Park is located there as well. Right outside of the arena, you are able to pick up your Celebration Horse at the window by the ramp.

Directly as you walk into the Rolex Gates, where you will see a huge line, you will see the Covered Arena in front of you. The sidewalk then can go either to the right or to the left. Depending on what you want to experience first is the direction that you are going to take. Heading to the left will take you towards the Kid’s Barn, the International Museum of the Horse, The Visitor’s Center, The Breed’s Barn, the Big Barn, the Hall of Champions, and the Special Run Tent. The Big Barn is where the workshops are located this year so make sure to go there if you are participating in the workshops that you have signed up for and for good measure, you might want to get there early because there are horses there! The Special Run Tent is in the paddocks of the Breeds Barn and between the Breed’s Barn and the Covered Arena. Make sure to read our file all about the Line Information to get a step ahead on the Special Run Line!

If you were to have gone to the right, you will have access to the Help Desk, where you can also pick up your Single Day Stablemates, the Collector Club Tent, the Celebration Park where you will be able to watch the dogs perform and find the petting zoo and food as well, the Pop Up Stores, both of these are located on that side of the arena, and you have access to the barns where the autographs take place, the Stablemate Painting tent, the Hobby Information Booth, and a few other surprises that Breyer likes to throw in!

If you are visiting the Horse Park, make sure to check out the Breed’s Barn to learn about different breeds twice a day. The Hall of Champions is also another place to make sure to visit and this is also the place where the Live Auction will take place on Saturday Evening. The Big Barn houses some amazing draft horses and is open to the public and do not forget to just stroll the grounds and relax. If you are looking to cool down, the Museum offers air conditioning as does the Visitor’s Center. Also don’t forget the Saddlebred Museum, which you will see as you enter the Rolex Gate.

While there have been some changes to things happening at Breyerfest, the Kentucky Horse Park will always remain the same, to a degree, and makes a nice, relaxing change if you need to get away from the crowd of Breyerfest for a moment.

During the evening on Friday and Saturday, you will want to either take a shuttle or drive down Cigar Lane to the Altech Arena. There you will be treated to the Celebration Of Horses Evening event. This show is spectacular and amazing and this year is directed by the amazing Sylvia Zerbini and will feature the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Altech Arena is also the location of Breyerfest Live on Friday and the Breyerfest Youth and Children’s Show on Saturday. If you are into Live Showing or want to know more, I always recommend to very carefully stop by and take a look, but do not touch anything!

But don’t forget about Breyerfest After Dark! This extra part of Breyerfest takes place at the Clarion Hotel and offers a lovely Artisan’s Gallery, where you can purchase some of the finest pieces of art by the most amazing artists. You will also get a glimpse of the Best Customs Contest winners and see some of the new releases and special runs by Breyer. Do not forget to browse the hotel and shop from the rooms, especially if you are looking for a specific model!

Of course, do not forget Equilocity! If you like Stone horses, this is the event for you! One of a kind models, limited editions, and so much more will be available at the Fairfield Inn as well as the Clarion. Their event offers more than just models for sale and includes an Ice Cream Social on Thursday, a Personal Shopping Experience and Kid’s Auction on Friday, a Live Show on Saturday along with a very exclusive dinner that is currently sold out, and more sales and new releases! Their models can be purchased online with a personal shopper if you are unable to physically attend the event. There is also a very amazing Live Auction as well as Baskets put together by the amazing Elaine Stone! If you have never checked out this event, I encourage you to stop by even just to say hi to the amazing ladies that work for Stone Horses.

This year, I am also including a new feature for the group and providing more videos, more lives, and photos of everything that I can so that even those that cannot attend Breyerfest or Equilocity will be able to virtually attend the events. I may not be able to get everything, but I will do my absolute best to get as much media as I can.

If you are attending the events, please make sure to stop by and say hi to me! Do not forget the Meet and Greet at the Cracker Barrel next to the Fairfield Inn around 1-2 PM and the Meet and Greet on Saturday at the museum at KHP at 1 -2PM. There might be another one slipped in there but you can always find me in the covered arena or by the Special Run Line, dressed as a unicorn this year. Never hesitate to say hi and if you so wish, grab a photo to show people that you found a unicorn!


Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Breyerfest Anthem!

Sing to the tune of The Battle Hymn of the Republic.
(Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory / Glory, Glory Hallelujah)
by Pamela Puamelia Zurkrow Pramuka
----------------------

There are horsies in the bedroom; there are horsies in the hall.
There are horsies in the kitchen, and believe me, that’s not all.
There are horsies in the living room and horsies on the wall
In back of the TV.

Well, they’re made of Styrene plastic, cold-cast resin, Acetate.
There’s OF’s and artist sculptures; for the latest we can’t wait.
We keep spending all our money on the things our husbands hate.
It could be something worse

Horsies, horsies we collect ‘em
Horsies, horsies we perfect ‘em.
Don’t you dare to disrespect ‘em.
We’ll quickly set you straight.

There are mares and studs and geldings, anatomically correct,
And the foals have no equipment, but they’re fillies we suspect.
There is worse we could be buying, there is worse we could collect.
Hey, it’s a harmless vice

Little Lipizzans and Arabs, Quarter Horsies, Shires and Cobs,
And some Morgans, Thoroughbreds and Fells. Why else do we have jobs?
Gotta get that latest Clydesdale; it’s a stud with purple bobs,
And put him on display

Horsies, horsies we collect ‘em
Horsies, horsies we perfect ‘em.
Don’t you dare to disrespect ‘em.
We’ll quickly set you straight.

There are Paints and Palominos and some Appaloosas, too.
There are bays and blacks and dapple grays, to mention just a few.
There are Golden Charms and woodgrains and some horsies that are blue
And worth a ton of dough.

Well, there’s tiny little saddles, little bits and bridles, too,
And the costumes and accessories will sure astonish you.
There’s performance scenes and backgrounds and some model riders who
Will win all kinds of shows.

Hey, we customize and paint ‘em, move their heads and manes and tails,
And for really major changes that epoxy never fails.
We put tiny horseshoes on ‘em shipping boots and martingales.
We’re totally obsessed.

Horsies, horsies how we love ‘em.
There’s no other toy above ‘em,
And we’ll never, ever shove ‘em
Unwrapped into a box.

Well, the shelves are overflowing and the windowsills and more.
I’ve already sold the couches, and we’re sitting on the floor.
I could thin out my collection, then get up and bar the door.
Or see what’s on Exchange.

We’re not crazy, well, not really. Oh, well maybe just a touch,
And you other folks will never understand why we’re so much
Into little plastic ponies and their names and tack and such.
We’ll never give them up.

Horsies, horsies we keep buying.
For another one we’re dying,
And tomorrow we’ll be trying
To find that rare SR.




Breyerfest Prep! A Look Into My Trip Planning...

Breyerfest is literally only a month away and I don’t know about you, but I am freaking out. I am one of those people that need to have everything planned down to the last detail or my anxiety takes over completely and I dissolve into panic attacks on the side of the road with music blaring and me calling my dad hysterically over an imaginary sound in the car. However, not all of those sounds are imaginary and is a huge reason why I am freaking out this year. I do not have my car. At all. It has been down for over a year and a half now between Engine Power Reduction and a blown engine, it has not ran for more than a month at a time. But I do have a second car that is my husband’s every day truck. My anxiety over that one? Well it is a single cab! Where am I going to put things? Where am I going to sleep? I tried to ask my husband and he shrugged and said that I should sleep in the line. I asked my dad and he was like a lot of things change in a month. What is that even supposed to mean?! But I am not trying to worry. I just have not been out of the house for over two months and even going down the road might give me anxiety at this point. However, I have been making my plans!

My first plan for Breyerfest week is the NAMHSA dinner on Wednesday evening. I was super excited when a friend bought me a ticket to go to this since it also covers my membership for two years! How exciting! I thought… I decided to see if I could plot out some ideas for the event since I was asked to see what I could do about more than just interest in model horse shows. I asked a hypothetical question and expected a hypothetical answer. Things were going great until I was called attention seeking, a drama seeker, and childish. I am thinking that maybe NAMHSA is not the place for me. I do not show my model horses often, in fact my anxiety makes me crazy when I go and I spend the time hiding at my table and taking my ponies to their tables and back. I would love to see what other things could happen, but apparently that is not something that people want. I will still attend the dinner, but my ideas are not wanted and that is ok.

My second plan for Breyerfest week is on Thursday and well, that is a jam packed day full of fun. Early in the day, I will be going LIVE on the Facebook group at Equilocity and showing off what they have to offer. I hope to find at least a body there for NaMoPaiMo next year. Then it is off to the Road To Breyerfest Meet and Greet at the Cracker Barrel next door. I can’t wait to see all of my friends and spend time with them once more! From there, it is off to the Clarion of course! Shopping and friends, what more could a girl want! Of course, I will be heading to the Ninja Pit after that. I do stand in line, well sit in line, for the Pop Up Stores so that I can be guaranteed to get at least one stablemate.

And of course, Breyerfest weekend. Three days of fun and excitement and also anxiety. Surprise, I have social anxiety and I do actually want to hide when I meet people. However since running RTB, I have found that meeting people is easier and I can stand up beside them, especially when I know that I helped to get them where they are! I also have tons of anxiety about driving home. I live about an hour from the park and get to drive home every night to put my plastic ponies away, shower, take a nap, and get ready to come back. I don’t eat much and I have been forced to eat when I get home several times, but I am getting better about eating at the event.

I say all of this because I feel that people need to know that you can do these events by yourself. Even with generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety, I can attend these events by myself because there is no other way that I can attend them. My family does not support my model horse hobby. My husband is ok with me spending the money, but that is all. My oldest child is not interested and my youngest is only five. So, yes, I go alone and yes, I actually dress up to help myself feel better about it. However, the bright colors that people see me in….yeah, that is not part of my outfit. I always wear bright colors and mismatched patterns. If you see me at any Breyerfest type event, please do not hesitate to come up and say hello! I will always have a smile and an answer to a question that you might have! 

 

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Paying It Forward In A Big Way!

Last Breyerfest, there was a horrible and a scary incident that rocked the model horse community.  However, the community rallied and using Road To Breyerfest and a few other groups, the model horse community replaced a number of models and other items that were stolen out of a rented vehicle while at a hotel in Lexington, Ky. One of these models was a glossy prize model from the Children's Costume Contest.  The family was devastated, but all of the models were replaced, including the prize model.

Fast forward to later in the year and I received a message from an amazing lady who helped fund the replacement models and who found the majority of the models to replace using the groups on Facebook.  She informed me that she and the family that the group helped would love to pay it forward in 2019.  I said that this would be amazing and I would await their messages before I told the group.

Today, I received the message that the Jones' family would be funding a trip to Breyerfest for a person or family that was down on their luck.  I was to award this fund in whichever way that I found best and that person would receive the funds for hotel and travel to the event. I spent all day trying to find ways to post this in the main group and while talking to my admin team (I can't be everywhere at once so I have some amazing ladies that volunteer their time to help me.), we came up with a way to fairly decide how this was to be done.  It was posted and immediately the stories of how amazing this contest was and how it was much needed to a few people came pouring into my comment feed and my inbox.  I am deeply honored that I was even able to be a part of this. Later, I was contacted by Mares In Black and they asked if they could share the contest.  Not only did they share it, but their write up made me cry. I was in tears of happiness before I even finished reading what those ladies had written. 

Paying It Forward, RTB Style!

I am still in shock and I cannot wait until Saturday when we reveal on the Facebook group who won!

Monday, June 3, 2019

Mid Year Releases

2019 seems to be a power house year for Breyer releases and the Mid Year Releases sure do not fail to please.  Perhaps you will be able to find them at Breyerfest this year, but the released shipping date is July 8th so Breyerfest might be the first place to purchase these models straight from Breyer.  Without hesitation, let's take a look at these new ponies!








Breyerfest and KHP Location Highlights

The locations of things around the park can be hard to find. But rest assured that we will help you find your way around like a pro. When the app is released, there will be maps associated with it or you will be able to find maps in the program when it is released. Using those maps, you can still get lost rather easily so this little guide will help you find your way around, even if you only have a general idea of where you are going.

The first thing that you will be looking for will be the Rolex Gate. The Rolex gate is where you will enter for Breyerfest and this is also the place where you will line up while waiting for the gates to open. In order to get to the Rolex gate, you will need to find the American Saddlebred Museum. To the left of the building, while you are looking at it, you will find a gate that is closed with two windows on either side. Of course, there will also be Breyerfest signage that says Welcome To Breyerfest as well as which lines are which. The left of the gates is normally the NPOD and the Pop Up Store line. To the right of the gates will be the General Admission entrance. Whichever line you choose, you will enter the park in a timely manner and know that the police monitor the entrance quite well.

The next thing that you will be looking for is normally the Covered Arena. The Covered Arena is where the Breyer Store, the vendors, and the Equine Exhibitions will take place. The place is not Air Conditioned, however there are normally fans that move the air along. This is not only a great place to shop, unless you are heading to the Clarion, but a great place to sit down and enjoy a meal while you watch some lovely horses perform. There are food vendors around the park, but in the Covered Arena there are the KHP snack shack, a pretzel vendor, and normally a slushie vendor. The other places to eat are the KHP restaurants as well as the Celebration Park, where the food vendors will be. The Breyer Store is located on the North End of the Covered Arena and the Celebration Pick Up Window is located on the South End of the Covered Arena.

The Celebration Park is located past the Covered Arena. This is the arena between the Rolex Stadium and the Covered Arena and loops back to the Covered Arena. In this area, you will find a petting zoo, horseless horse show, food vendors, one Pop Up Store, and other exciting things to see and do. Make sure to check it out!

As you look around, you will come out to the North of the Covered Arena between the arena and the barns. To the left, there will be a larger Pop Up Store and in front of you is an arena where there usually is some exciting demonstrations. One the back side of the area is the Stablemate Painting area and the Hobby Information Booth (normally). Make sure to check out these locations and look in the program to see what else will be in this area this year.

The Stabling Barns are to the right of the arena in front of you and Barn Seven is the one where the Autographs take place! Make sure to check out the program to find the times of the horses that will offer owner autographs.

Keep taking that road and soon you will see two large tents on the opposite side of the Covered Arena. Those are the Special Run tents and they are located in the paddock of the Breeds Barn.

The Big Barn is where the workshops will take place this year and is located slightly behind and to the side of the Breeds Barn. This large barn is considered one of the largest wooden structures in America today!

Also don’t forget to visit the Visitor’s Center, especially if you are participating in the Diorama contest as well as the International Museum of the Horse! These places are amazing!

Until the program is released, this is the knowledge based on last year and I hope that it has been helpful to you!


The Clarion is a place where shopping is not for the faint of heart, but you can find an amazing deal if you stay the course! Located South of the KHP, this hotel has been the site of room sales and Breyerfest After Dark for many years now. The Breakables Live show on Thursday before Breyerfest is located here as is the Artisan’s Gallery. On Friday, the Swap Meet is located here as well! Almost every room in this crazy maze of a hotel is open for sales and provides everything from the exceptionally rare to the extremely common. It is a must go to event during Breyerfest, however understand that the parking is quite limited and while there are shuttles available, we still do NOT know the schedule of the shuttles.

Room Sales this year (2019) will also be at the Fairfield where Stone’s Equilocity event takes place. Equilocity offers collectors a different view of the model horse hobby by offering them limited edition sales, one of a kind pieces, Ice Cream Socials, Bingo, and other smaller events during Equilocity. Their host hotel is the Fairfield, however there is also a sale room at the Clarion.

While we have talked about locations and lines, let’s talk about safety. KHP is usually quite safe as there is a division of the State Police that is located on the grounds. The area is also well lit and very well patrolled. However, Lexington Ky is NOT a very safe town and there has been robberies in the past. While not at KHP or the Clarion (during busy times, of course), it is recommended that you do NOT keep anything of value in your car. From personal experience, thieves in Lexington will literally go after anything and everything that they think will have any value. I had one go so far as to break the window on an unlocked door to get to a dead car battery that was barely visible under the car seat. Be sure to lock your car and while going places, employ the buddy system or make sure that you are aware of your surroundings. Even if you have heard it a million times, it might save your life one day. 



Sunday, June 2, 2019

Line Information at Breyerfest

Line Information and Terms Used for Breyerfest

NPOD Ninja Pit Of Death- This line is the line that forms on Thursday into Friday morning at the Rolex gate at the Kentucky Horse Park.  There are guards and police all night long so that entrance into the park is monitored and you are usually asked to provide your license plate number and show your parking pass, if you are parking there.  The paid parking attendant that is there overnight will help you know where to park, if you do not have a handicapped placard.  The line forms and is separated into two sections, the Breyer Store and one of the two Pop Up Stores.  You choose the line that you choose to attend and make sure to at least place a chair or something of yours there so that you can go to the bathroom, etc. The lines condense once people starting standing up around 7:30AM. Breyer then comes and starts handing out numbers around 8 AM and the first 350 people in EACH line is GUARANTEED entrance FIRST into the Store or Pop Up Store. Even if people beat you there, you ARE PROMISED entry in line corresponding to your number.  Most of the places in line actually start filling up around 5-6am so make sure that if you want to enter the store or pop up tent early, to make sure to get there early.

**Please note: Breyer says that you do NOT need to line up and the truth is that you do NOT need to unless you want to. Product is placed out through out the weekend and this was confirmed last year when older special runs were placed out on Sunday.  It is a rumor that the pop up tent is shut down when they run out of a product.  If they run out of a porduct, please note that they will likely have more to place out the next morning and if they are completely out, they will let you know, if you ask.  The stores always remain open during operating hours and are NOT run like the special run line.**

Celebration Pick Up Lines:  This year, there are two places where you will be able to pick up your Celebration Horse.  Please take note of this and know that the line does dwindle down later in the day and on Sunday so we suggest to wait, unless you will not be returning to the park. The first line to pick up your Celebration Horse is the window at the Covered Arena.  When you enter the Rolex Gate and walk in between the pastures towards the Covered Arena in front of you, turn to the right towards the Help Center.  Keep walking until you see a ramp on your left hand side.  Take that ramp and stay to the right of the cones.  At the window, you will be able to pick up the Celebration Horse when you hand them your Celebration Horse redemption ticket.  The other line is at the Special Run Line.

Stablemate Pick Up Lines:  At the Help Center, you will be able to pick up your Single Day Stablemate Models.  This is the ticket model that has the most rumors and misinformation about so please read on carefully.  Yes, Breyer does state that it is GAMBLER’S CHOICE ONLY.  That being said, you are usually able to get the ones that you want, UNLESS THEY ARE EXCEPTIONALLY BUSY.  Breyer will step in and tell the volunteers to just randomly pick them out of the box unless a full set is required.  This is NOT the fault of the volunteer, however if you would like to pick and choose instead of a full set, it is recommended to come back later in the afternoon and stalk the tent if they run out of a certain model.  The full sets do take priority over those that want doubles or triples so please keep that in mind.  Both sides of the Help Center will be able to assist you with getting your Stablemates.  Friday morning and Saturday morning are normally the most busy times so please keep that in mind when you are wanting to pick up your models.

Special Run Line:  The Special Run Line is the ONLY line that you are REQUIRED to have a ticket for. Whether you ordered your three day ticket or purchased a special run ticket separately, you will NEED this ticket to be able to access the Special Run Tent. The location is over on the left hand side of the Covered Arena and is located in the paddocks of the Breeds Barn, if you are looking on the KHP Map. The line is near the Covered Arena and the actual tent is closer to the Breeds Barn.  Make sure to arrive FIFTEEN mintues BEFORE the time on your ticket so that you will be able to hear the number called and be able to get into the correct spot in line.  If you are not in the correct place in line, you will need to go to the back of the line and be one of the last to enter the Special Run Tent. If you miss your time, you will need to go to the back of the line.  The day and time on the ticket is when you NEED to be at the Special Run Line and the number on the ticket will tell you where your place in line is. Make sure to pay attention since the first number IS NOT always number 1!

The Autograph Line: To get the owner’s autographs of the horses, the line is located at the lower entrance of the Stables behind the Covered Arena.  It is set apart by a tent that will be set up.  However, Oliver will be stabled with the rest of the police horses, but will be signing the autographs with the rest of the horses.