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.

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!

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

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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! 

 

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!

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. 

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.

Guest Horses Of Breyerfest 2019

The list of the guest horses for Breyerfest 2019, Salute to Horse Heroes, has been released and let me tell you, this list is quite impressive!  From the way that the naming of the Special Runs went, we were led to believe that this theme might actually lean towards Super Heroes and such so I was not sure what to answer when people asked me if there would be real horse heroes there.  However, a new post tonight revealed that not only will Oliver, the police horse be there as well as the RCMP, but we will see a civil war reenactment group and a wonderful horse named Klinger, who is a real live horse hero! 

Klinger is being honored at Breyerfest 2019 as he is not only currently part of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment Old Guard Caisson Platoon, he also works with wounded war veterans and is the mascot for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. This 17 hh gentle giant will be coming to Breyerfest 2019 to be honored by Breyer for all of the amazing work that he is done in his job.  I, for one, cannot wait to meet a horse of this caliber! He must be one very special horse.

There is also a long list of horses that will be there and I can't wait to see them all, of course.

Oliver is a Celebration Horse. This lovely spotted draft cross has his own file so make sure to check that out!

 

Truly Unsurpassed is a 2007 Paint Horse marethat has been making history in western dressage with her owner, Nancy Conley. Truly Unsurpassed became the first horse to earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medal Awards from the WDAA. (copied from the Breyer website)

 

Dominante XXIX is the first Qualified Pura Raza Española (PRE) stallion imported to the USA. Soon after arriving at Snowy Peaks Ranch, five-year-old “Dom” was named Campeon de la Raza (Champion Stallion) at the 2005 Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse’s National Celebration Show. (copied from the Breyer website)*

 

King is returning this year! In the dazzling and exhilarating world of trick riding, a favorite of performers and students is King, a 2001 American Paint Horse. Trixie Chicks owner and performer Kelsey Lauberth describes him as “the horse of many trick riders,” because his steady nature makes him their go-to lesson mount. (copied from the Breyer website)*

 

In his 17th year, Lil’ Ricky Rocker will return as his fans demand his presence as the official greeter and official mount of Breyer!

 

Zipped In Black Magic- https://www.breyerhorses.com/blogs/breyerfest-blog/first-store-special Click or copy the link to read more about this amazing Appaloosa!

 

Harley And The Sugarbush Draft Horses 

 

KHP Large Carriages

 

 

Firelight Arabians

 

Rockin R Rhythm Riders

 

Jeff Wilson with Orion and Valiant King

 

A Civil War Reenactment Camp

 

A Tribute To Sergeant Reckless

 

A Riderless Horse

The Feelings Of Breyerfest

Today, I want to talk about something different than I normally post.  Lately, I have been feeling quite differently about Breyerfest that I have in the past and I do not know why. But I wanted to share my feelings with my followers so that maybe I can help someone else.

  My first Breyerfest was in 2012 and when I ordered my tickets, I was beyond excited and nervous and completely overwhelmed.  I watched tons of Youtube videos on Breyerfest and asked tons of questions on Facebook. I tried to learn everything that I needed to know, but I did run into issues with finding help on some of the lines and stuff like that.  But I was still excited.

I ended up taking a younger friend with me as he did show interest in the event.  I purchased two tickets, but sold one of the special run tickets to get a bit more money as I was not even sure what to expect.  I did not even know about the Clarion! When my tickets arrived, it all became real to me.  I was going to an event that I had begged my parents to take me to for years. I had paid for it with my own money, saved up all of my paychecks and tax return to be able to pay for models and gas to get there. I was beyond excited. At least, I was until I realized that I did not have a hotel (I have lived within an hour of the park since I moved to Kentucky) and my car was not a great vehicle (That seems to be a theme with me..).  I also did not know what to expect at all. 

On Thursday before the event, I was watching a video where it showed the NPOD line and I was like OMG....The line is starting already?! I posted about it in a group and I got no response.  I asked my dad what I should do. He shrugged and said that it was my event and I was an adult, do what felt right about it.  So I packed up my car in record time, grabbed the friend, and went down the KHP.  I pulled right in and got an amazing parking spot and was literally 25th in line.  I did not sleep that night and talked to everyone that I could.  I was extremely apprehensive, yet excited.  I learned about the Clarion in the line and ended up going there later that weekend.  That Breyerfest was completely overwhelming and I was lost completely.

In 2013, I did ride my horse so my Breyerfest was completely different and I was more nervous as my horse had been retired for several years already and I was scared that he would hurt himself or would fall as he was having some odd balance issues at the time due to arthritis. But that was the Breyerfest that I spent literally $25 and had a blast! I am still looking for pictures and videos of me there, if anyone has some to share with me!

2014, I had literally just had my youngest and last child.  I was informed by doctor and husband that I was not to go to Breyerfest and I said ok. I sold my 3 day ticket and was going to actually behave. However, after sitting around in the hospital after my c-section, I decided that I needed to escape while my husband was still on paternity leave. I bought several single day tickets and tried to escape.  However, husband and the two kids followed me because I was not allowed to go alone. I did not spend much more, but I had a special run ticket, I went to the Clarion, and had an absolute blast!

In 2015, I had started pushing Road To Breyerfest more and more.  A friend at the time decided to help me and I learned about the event while she monitored the group and planned events.  I learned more and more about how things at the event worked and then even started learning about Stone's Equilocity as well.  I pushed the group and really started to help people.  I purchased two tickets to get the special runs and boy, I was excited.  This was the year that I really knew what I was doing and I was able to help people in advance.  However, once I got to the event, I was actually terrified! I do have severe social anxiety and people were starting to know me by name and I was like OMG, hide me please! However, I worked through it and had a great time!

2016 was similar to 2015 and I still pushed for the group to help others learn about the event. I helped toms of people, had a lovely meet up with my friend helping and hit up a few of the other things that happened.  I was still excited and happy! But I was still apprehensive when I actually got to the event.

2017 was the year that I volunteered for the first time.  I had never been so excited and nervous at the same time! I had no idea what to expect, but I just helped the people in the group and continued on with that.  When more information came in, I actually ended up borrowing a car to make sure that I could get to Breyerfest and not have any issues. I was so nervous! But I was beyond excited! Once at the event and volunteering, I had an absolute blast and met even more people that loved the event, model horses, and I met some that I could help while at the event.  Not only did I help people while volunteering, I but I helped grow the group when I was not volunteering. But after the event, I was exhausted and in my mind, I was unsure that I wanted to do it again next year.

Next year came and well, I put in my application to volunteer and bought a ticket for 2018.  My exhaustion had left and I was truly looking forward to the event once more! I was picked to volunteer and was beyond excited.  The group had grown by leaps and bounds and now I covered not only Breyerfest, but Equilocity and all of the outside events that surrounded that one weekend in the year! By the end of the event, I was beyond exhausted.  I had a blast, but my schedule was almost too much more me and I even ended up with Heat Stroke on Saturday.  I was so dazed that I drove home with Heat Stroke and all of my family went crazy because well, my car was crappy and I apparently did not answer the phone. But I told my family that I might not go the next year.

However, here it is 2019 and guess what?! I have purchased my tickets and am already planning a meet and greet or two. So this year, I am excited once more, despite having insane vehicle issues (It likes to shut off while I am driving and some times, it doesn't come back on! But I am trying to fix it before the event, although 45 days does not give me much time unless I do a quick fix.), I am getting excited to head to Lexington and hang out with my friends and group members! I have been planning outfits and shoes and even which bags to take and blankets to take to sleep in my car during the Ninja Pit ordeal. How do I feel now? I am excited! I am anxious. But most importantly, I need a vacation!

I hope that this timeline helps you with how you feel about Breyerfest as the event grows closer and I hope that I will see you at Breyerfest!

A Small Bit About This Breyerfest and All The Others

Roadies, I have thought long and hard on making this post and while I was still not convinced at the end of the day that I should make it, I was driven by one response that I received to an incident that happened earlier in the main group.  Hopefully, no one really noticed the huge kerfuffle that occurred while I was tending to my child and the other admins were busy, however, I do feel that I need to address the gist of what happened with the Model Horse Community and what it means to this group.

First and foremost, Road To Breyerfest is a positive group.  We strive to share and maintain a purely positive atmosphere where many people will feel comfortable at all times, even when asking the hard questions.  However, this is hard to do when there is a topic that stirs the emotions of many people.  The topic is that of the Breyerfest theme this year.  In the beginning, we were told that this year, we were honoring those horse heroes both from the past to the present.  However, some people seem to have become upset with how the special runs were named.  I want to address this as purely the person that I am in the hobby.  Remember, I am a fan and a hobbyist just like you.  I am not affiliated with Breyer so I do not know what they hold in their minds and meetings.  That being said, I do want to say that while I would love to see more actual horse heroes honored, I do enjoy that these Special Run models were named after Super Heroes.  And the reason why I feel this way is purely silly, so bear with me.  Growing up, Super Heroes are our heroes! It does not matter if it was Iron Man or Rin Tin Tin, we knew them as heroes. I know that I rooted for the Black, for Black Beauty, and many more horse icons that we all grew up with over the normal Super Heroes, but then again, I am a horse obsessed person.  The names of these runs bring back my childhood a bit and I can remember the way that it felt the first time that I was allowed to touch a police horse.  Do you remember that time of your life? It was absolutely magical to me. 

However, coming from a semi military family, I do wish to feel a bit more reverence towards the heroes part now that I am grown up.  The raffle models are more appropriately named and I have seen the trend towards the guest horses that they have been placing on the website.  Most of those horses have overcome something to be a better animal. So while I see that, I can understand why the Special Runs are named for Super Heroes.  Besides, this is a fun event so my best advice as always is to RELAX! This is a hobby and supposed to be fun.  While I do this full time and be a stay at home mom, I know full well how this hobby can become a job.  But even I am taking my own advice this year.  I am relaxing, except for getting my car ready. Let's remember that while Breyer picks the theme, they also release models that they want to release and name them what they want to name them.  We have absolutely no control over that! So, please, take a breath and relax.  Let's have fun this year!

A Few More Releases!

 First, we have the Open Show Grand Prize model, Victory.  This lovely palomino pinto on the Yasmin mold is certainly eye catching!

 Next, we have Triumph, the Live Show Reserve Grand Prize model.  This few spot Appaloosa is on the ever popular Indian Pony mold

 For those that participate in the 5K on Sunday, Breyer has released the Medallion and Tshirt that you will receive.  These are quite lovely this year!

And last, but certainly not least, is our second release for the Pop Up Stores!  This lovely Classic sized model is in honor of the RCMP and their performance of the Musical Ride!

Breyerfest Tips

Breyerfest is an amazing adventure for those that get to go, from the very young to the ones that are not interested in horses at all! There is usually something for everyone there and there is more than you can see in one weekend.  This post will be all about Breyerfest and not the surrounding area at Lexington since I know that we cannot even cover the entire area in one weekend at all!  These tips have been taken from the members of the Road To Breyerfest Facebook group and range from newbies to the hardcore Breyerfest warriors! I hope that this helps you in your Breyerfest journey!

*Make sure that you drink plenty of water.  Kentucky in July is hot and humid and you might get dehydrated faster than you realize.  Some members, including myself, prefer to take refillable bottles since there are water fountains to fill them up at or even the bathroom sinks, if you are that hardcore.  Drinks are expensive at the venue, however, there is usually a lemonade vendor that sells a large cup that offers half off of refills for the life of the cup. 

* Relax and know that you will not be able to take in everything in a single weekend.  Some of the best advice from Breyerfest warriors is to step outside of your comfort zone and talk to people.  You might meet a new friend, find a new model that you have been looking for, or even learn something new about the hobby that you might not have never known.  Talk to those in the line around you, hobby people are quite amazing in how friendly they are!  Even the newbies that have been dragged there by horse loving children have something to say! Make sure to take the time to relax while there, check out the museums and take in the air conditioning, if you need to.  If you need to, go pet a horse and maybe chat with their owner about them.  Horse people love to talk about their horses and horses in general and most are ready and wanting to learn about the model horse hobby!

*Don't stand in lines.  This is a big one that I have been preaching since my first year going and I have seen so many people saying it as well.  The only line that you are really required to stand in is the Special Run line.  Make sure to pick up your celebration horse and the stablemates when the lines are less and you might even be able to chat with the people that work for Breyer.  I have learned so much about them and well, I have had fun talking about the hobby with them as well!

*Take a stroll around the park, if the crowd gets to you!  Yes, the Covered Arena and the Big Barn will be crawling with activity, but the rest of the park might be quiet if you need an escape from the bustle of people.  If people watching is your thing, make sure to take a seat in the shade and relax where it is not so hot. 

*Be patient. It might not seem like this should be on the list, but I believe that it deserves a place.  For the last few years, I have had vehicle issues at the event and I know that some times I get stressed out and want to snap at people.  This might be happening to many others and the best thing to do is smile at at least one person a day during Breyerfest.  That smile might make their day and you might never know.  If you find some people getting cranky in line, perhaps they are not used to the heat or the lines might cause social anxiety.  There are a ton of reasons and I cannot possible list them all, so my best advice is to be patient and to be as friendly as possible.

*When going to the Clarion, take a small notebook and make notes of the rooms that you want to go back to or which room sold which model.  I know from personal experience that I have overlooked a model and was told it was in a certain room.  The Clarion is a maze and by the time that I made it there, I lost out on a purchase that I wanted.  But for me, buying a model is not always the best part of Breyerfest.  The best part of Breyerfest for me is meeting my friends and making new ones!

*Make sure to check out the Road To Breyerfest Facebook group for more helpful hints in the files and on the wall as we share this quite often before Breyerfest.