Breyer Animal Creations
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Model horses, collectibles |
| Founded | 1950 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Model horses, animal figurines, porcelain horse collectibles, scaled horse accessories |
| Owner | Reeves International, Inc. |
| Website | breyerhorses |
Breyer Animal Creations—commonly referred to simply as Breyer—is a producer of model horse figures, established in 1950 and currently operating as a subsidiary of Reeves International, Inc. The company primarily manufactures model horses crafted from cellulose acetate, a type of plastic, while also offering other animal figurines, porcelain horse collectibles aimed at adult enthusiasts, and scaled accessories related to horses such as stables, barns, and grooming tools.
History
Originating in Chicago in 1950 under the name Breyer Molding Company, the brand first gained prominence after being commissioned by F.W. Woolworth to produce a horse figure (#57 Western Horse) designed for a mantel clock. The success of this model led to the creation of Breyer Animal Creations. In 1984, ownership transferred to Reeves International, which over the following twenty years transitioned the company’s emphasis from toy distribution toward manufacturing. Today, Breyer’s products are distributed through independent dealers and their official website. While initial production took place in the United States, manufacturing has since relocated to China.
Production processes
Breyer models are produced using molds comprised of two or three parts; once cast, the halves are assembled and any seams are smoothed out. Coloration is applied through stencils or airbrushing techniques, with detailed features such as eye whites, brands, and markings meticulously hand-painted. Occasionally, variations in paintwork occur, resulting in rare and highly sought-after editions. For instance, the widely recognized mold known as the Proud Arabian Stallion (PAS) typically displays a dappled gray coat, but less common versions featuring black manes have become especially prized among collectors.
Collector value of products
The rarity of a model plays a crucial role in determining its collectibility and market value. Models are deemed rare if they were produced in limited quantities or if few examples remain available. The most coveted pieces are the one-of-a-kind (OOAK) models, which are often awarded as prizes or sold at charity auctions during Breyerfest events, attracting significant interest from collectors.
Collector Clubs
Established in 2012, the Breyer Collector Club offers members access to specialized groups such as the Vintage Collector Club, Stablemates Collector Club, and The Premiere Collection. Membership perks include exclusive limited-edition models, special sales opportunities, giveaways, unique events, and the annual publication Just About Horses magazine.
The Premiere Collection issues three new premium sculptures each year alongside an additional Stablemates model—either an original design or a miniature version of a popular Traditional scale figure. Members also receive an exclusive original sketch of the first Premier model released.
The Vintage Club maintains a limited membership focused on both classic and contemporary models with four annual releases that come with Certificates of Authenticity.
The Stablemates Club introduces six new models annually, including a gambler’s choice figure and reissues of original designs from the 1970s.
BreyerFest
Since its inception in 1989, BreyerFest has been held every July at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. This three-day gathering draws collectors from around the globe for exclusive model sales—including editions available only at BreyerFest—model competitions, and educational sessions covering painting techniques, customization skills, and judging criteria. Esteemed trainers and notable horses frequently appear as guests of honor, adding prestige to the event.
The festival features live auctions where unique Breyer models can fetch thousands of dollars alongside silent auctions offering rare collectibles. Attendees receive exclusive Traditional or Stablemate-scale "Celebration" models themed each year to commemorate the event, fostering brand loyalty and supporting ongoing business development.
World Equestrian Games
In 2010, Breyer took advantage of the FEI World Equestrian Games hosted in Lexington, Kentucky—marking the event's debut outside Europe—by launching a special 2010 Games Stablemates Collection. This assortment included eight miniature horse figures, each representing one of the competition's disciplines: jumping, eventing, dressage, reining, endurance, driving, vaulting, and para-dressage. Alongside this, Breyer introduced a large Traditional scale model named Esprit, exclusively sculpted for the Games by Kathleen Moody.
See also
External links
- Breyer Horses Official Website