September 2, 2011– For 22 years, Breyer Animal Creations? has hosted one of the most popular events in the horse world? BreyerFest! This family festival combines model horse collecting, more than 300 real horses, and horse lovers who travel to BreyerFest from all 50 states and as far away as Russia and Japan. BreyerFest is the second best attended event held at the Kentucky Horse Park each year (second only to Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event).
This year?s theme was FairyTails and highlights of the event included BreyerFest Celebration Horse Pecos and his owner/trainer Matt McLaughlin, and Australian horseman Guy McLean, both of whom thrilled the nearly 7,000 attendees who packed the arena to enjoy their daily performances. Other headliners included the All American Cowgirl Chicks, Mark Peterson and Dusty and Priefert Ranch Equipment?s wheel horse, the mighty Kong.
BreyerFest is much more than a fun family festival. Each year, Breyer hosts two raffles, a Silent Auction and a Live Auction during BreyerFest from which a portion of the proceeds are donated to a wide variety of equestrian organizations. Recently, based on funds raised during BreyerFest 2011, Breyer awarded 18 organizations with unrestricted donations including Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue, PATH (formerly NARHA), the Grace Foundation, People Helping Horses, and the Hooved Animal Humane Society, among others. Grants ranged from $1,000-$5,000.
?We are proud to support these organizations through BreyerFest,? said Tony Fleischmann, President of Reeves International, Breyer?s parent corporation. ?The organizations that we support are on the front lines doing the hard work ? rescuing, sheltering and re-homing abused and abandoned horses and other animals and creating opportunities for people to improve their lives through equine-assisted therapies. Giving back to the horse industry in this way gives meaning to all that we do at Breyer.?
BreyerFest is also host to a large Trade Fair, three days of exciting and diverse equine performances, dog agility, four model horse shows, craft activity tent, petting zoo, pony rides and a multitude of seminars and workshops. Its casual and welcoming atmosphere provides attendees with an opportunity to have a hands-on experience with horses that few other equine events are able to replicate.
The real horses that inspired the Breyer ?portrait? models were well-represented at BreyerFest this year. Blazing Colours Farm?s palomino pinto sabino Thoroughbred stallion Sato and owner April Wayenberg traveled all the way from Ontario, Canada to attend BreyerFest while Nancy & Joe Latta?s Amandalusian Farm brought 12-time National Champion Andalusian stallion Kripton Seni II all the way from California! Jan Sharp and her 7/8 Arabian pinto TS Black Tie Affair delighted audiences as did Missouri Fox Trotter Grand Central who filled in for his late grandsire Prince Jester.
Next year?s BreyerFest is themed BreyerFest British Invasion, a celebration of all things British in honor of the 2012 London Olympics. BreyerFest British Invasion will be held July 20-22, 2012 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.
About Breyer Animal Creations?
Breyer Animal Creations? is the home of one of America?s most iconic toy lines. Breyer has made authentic, realistic model horses and accessories for play and display for more than 60 years. Today, Breyer also makes equestrian-themed products from jewelry to fine porcelain. Breyer is owned by Reeves International, Pequannock, NJ. Breyer can be found at fine tack and agricultural stores, and toy stores everywhere. To learn more about Breyer, visit www.BreyerHorses.com.
