It's Friday, I'm a Judge! Traditional Collectability #7

Welcome back to another Friday judging clinic! Let's talk traditional collectability today. 

As always, my personal judging history and credentials can be found on my About Me page.

This week, we're concentrating specifically on Regular Run collectability. This is an area I often think gets overlooked at shows, at least in the regions I show in, where most everything is double judged! In those cases, it's really easy to pick a top six without even considering the regular runs on the table. So, today we'll be looking at how to evaluate regular runs against each other - particularly atypical examples of the run. 

Horse A: Hwin - Regular Run - 2017-2019 - Chalky variation

Horse B: Sweetwater's Zorah Belle - Regular Run - 2023-current - Chalky variation

Horse C: Bet Your Blue Boons - Regular Run - 2009-2011

Think carefully - how would you place this class? Keep in mind the collectability judging criteria - age, rarity, desirability, and condition. 

Monthly Round Up! August Additions (+ July Stragglers)

It's the first Wednesday (Thursday) of the month, so let's take a look at what I added to the collection in August! 

So when I posted my BreyerFest Haul I fully expected to not have any other July additions, so I made it the monthly additions post. Then Breyer threw us for a loop and released the Deluxe Club Stablemate Kiana in July rather than the typical September/October. I could have added her to the BreyerFest post, but it didn't feel right, so I saved her for the August post instead! I have two Deluxe Club accounts, one in my name and one in the name of one of my cats. I pulled the matte Kiana on my account, and the glossy on my cat's. I think he has all the luck! 

August is a Stablemates Club month! This month's release was Touché, a lovely bay leopard Appaloosa on the G4 Trotting Warmblood mold. She was a 50/50 glossy matte split, and like Kiana I was lucky to pull one of each! This time, my account pulled the glossy and my cat's pulled the matte. The Thorin pin was a ridealong with one of my orders.  

I had one goal in mind for the Second Chance sale, since I pulled all of the variations I wanted at BreyerFest. I conga Gilen, but I didn't put Birke and Ribe on my Special Run preference list. I figured with the variations announced, there would be plenty left over for the Second Chance sale online, and I was pleased to be proven right! 

August also brought the next Premier Club release - Flapjack and Waffles! They're probably my most anticipated Premier release this year - Carmen went straight to a friend who wanted her, and while I like Georgina and she'll be staying, a pony and donkey duo is much more to my tastes. We've desperately needed new longears in the traditional lineup for a while, and we've now gotten the new mule and donkey in the space of a year. 

I didn't plan to buy a Stone this month. Then Stone surprise dropped $99 Ice Cream themed Chips. If there's one thing about me, it's that I am kind of obsessed with ice cream. Another thing about me is I am equally obsessed with lemons. And wouldn't you know it, but there was a Lemon Ice Cream chip in the drop. Unfortunately, I was broke after BreyerFest, and I resigned myself to letting it go. I noticed the day after the drop he was still available. I was talking with my friend Mel and mentioned it and she was like, "you need him, he belongs with you." And because Mel is an exceedingly generous friend, she loaned me the cash to pick him up. So, now I have a little Lemon Ice Cream Chip in my collection!

I mentioned in my BreyerFest haul post that my Uff Da and second Hygge were delivered to my friend who purchased them on my behalf (I don't trust the service in the Alltech with something as important as my online exclusive BreyerFest purchases. I got burned the year Buggy came out.) I met up with her to grab them and also see The Lion King musical. It was a good day! 

Finally, we have another grail for the year. I arranged to buy a Pancho from my friend Jane, and at the same time purchased the complete 70s Stable set at the same time. We had talked about the Pancho at Big Orange Bash this year, and she graciously allowed me to start time payments after BreyerFest to pick them up at Happy Kamper. She threw in the shipping box for the G1 buckskin Quarter Horse Mare as a bonus. August was definitely the month of generous friends! 

It's Friday, I'm a Guest Judge! Woodgrain Collectability by Kelly Weimer

For this month's guest judging post, we're looking at collectability once again! I asked my friend Kelly Weimer (yes, one of the Kellies Corner Kellys!) if she'd be willing to write a post for me, and I'm thrilled that she took the time to talk about some of her favorite things - vintages and decorators! 

Woodgrain Collectability

by Kelly Weimer

Hi! I’m Kelly Weimer and I’ve been collecting Breyers since 1978 when I received a palomino Family Arabian Stallion. Currently, my collection of roughly 3,500 models has a focus on Breyer rarities and unrealistic colors. I first became interested in Collectibility when my mom’s uncashed check for the 1984 Just About Horses Sorrel Saddlebred Weanling was returned because the run was sold out. What do you mean I can’t have one?! There were only 1,000 produced? Why does it cost more on the secondary market? Since this experience, I’ve been interested in the ebb and flow of desirability and factors which influence Collectibility.

I’ve been showing since the late 1990’s and have been an active judge since the early 2000’s. I’ve judged several North American Nationals, BreyerWest, BreyerFest Children and Youth, BVG, Island Time, and countless other shows in Regions 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9!

I am a co-author of the Breyer Animal Collector’s Guide 5th Edition (2007), Breyer’s Just About Horses Vintage Point, and I co-host Kellies’ Corner archive room segments during BreyerFest.

Lastly, I’m a co-host of Are You Kitten Me Live, a repeat NAMHSA Member Show of the Year (2022-23, 2023-24, and 2025-26) which has cumulatively raised $47,550 since 2022 for Wayward Whiskers, a cat rescue in Greensburg, PA!

For this class, we are judging three vintage Woodgrains on collectibility. Woodgrains are a very fragile finish that Breyer produced beginning in the late 1950s. There are a few more recent examples, but all three of these models were produced before 1970.

How do I judge Breyer collectibility? I use the same criteria used at NAN: age, rarity, desirability, condition, and the judge’s overall impression.

Horse A: #951 Woodgrain Five Gaiter, “Commander,” 1961/62-1965

First up is a Woodgrain Five Gaiter, one of the easier Woodgrains to find, perhaps second only to the Family Arabians and the Fighting Stallion. However, this particular example is in impeccable condition, has very nice graining, and retains a Tenite sticker.

Horse B: #948 Woodgrain Morgan, 1963-1965.

Next is a Woodgrain Morgan. While the Morgan is not the most desirable mold among collectors, it is one of the hardest Woodgrains to find. This example is also in very good condition.

Horse C: #P945 Woodgrain Fury Prancer 1959/60.

Last is a Woodgrain Fury Prancer, another difficult-to-find Woodgrain. This particular example has some bubbling in the finish and a few touch-ups that may not be obvious in the photos, but are present in person. Despite those issues, he’s a very scarce model. It should also be noted that the Woodgrain Prancer did not come with a saddle or reins, so those accessories are not actually missing.

Find Kelly's placings under the jump. ↓

The BreyerFest Files: The 2026 Experience

 📂 The BreyerFest Files📂

The infamous Clarion carpet - IYKYK

The BreyerFest posting is coming to an end for this year. 

We love a reference to The Good Place in the morning

There's still a lot I've yet to talk about, and photos that didn't have a place. 

But nothing left is substantial enough for an individual post, so let's put it all in one! 

In addition to showing my own models at NAN this year, I also proxied five OF models for my friend Tif. She lives out on the West Coast, and at first she was just looking for someone to ship her models to who could bring them to Kentucky rather than shipping them to her hotel or taking them on the plane. This is something I've done for friends before, so I offered. Eventually, she realized she'd only be in Kentucky for BreyerFest itself, and would I mind showing the models for her? And of course I said yes. Three of the five I showed got top tens, and I was so happy to message her that her babies were doing well! 

A nice reminder for BreyerFest week, courtesy of a roomie's fortune cookie

We had a full Airbnb this year  - we squeezed nine humans into the house this year! The house was very spacious, had TWO laundry rooms, and the location was perfect. I think we all agreed we'd like to rent the same house next year if possible. 

My favorite housemate!

I had to specify nine *humans* because we had a tenth housemate - my friend's service dog, Clifford! He's the best boy. 

Rooming with friends means you get absurd pictures - like holding ALL of your NAN rosettes at once in a closet. 

Floor time at the Open Show is mandatory

One tradition I'm glad we've carried over to this year is floor time at the Open Show. Luckily this time, it wasn't because we were all overwhelmed, but we were waiting for the final callbacks to wrap up! I'm lucky to have such a fabulous group of plastic pony friends! 

The best grilled cheese sandwich you will ever have in your life

One of my favorite places to eat in Lexington is Ethereal Brewing Public House. I first went there for lunch with friends in 2024 (after seeing the Cocaine Bear), and I sincerely have not stopped thinking about the grilled cheese and tomato bisque since. I didn't get to go last year, but I did badger my roommates into making time to go this year! Thank goodness for the Open Show ending at a reasonable time! 

Just a girl and her glossy Oseberg

Sometimes, when you get the Special Run variation you want direct from Breyer (and that you would have refused to pay market value for) you end up with a Renaissance painting of you hugging it taken by your friend.  

Crank and Boom ice cream is not to be missed!

One of my other favorite places to eat in Lexington - if you haven't made it to Crank and Boom yet, put it on your list! It's the most amazing handcrafted ice cream places, and they source their ingredients locally! 

I got in a brief moment of Park Time between Old Friends and my Sunday volunteer shift. I browsed the Collector Club tent, did a quick Store run because there was no line, and bought some extra Sunday raffle tickets. Of course, I ended up stuck in the Covered Arena during the thunderstorm, but it was fun to see the impromptu dance party in the ring!

Just a girl who got to volunteer for the first time

After the storm, I had my last volunteer shift. It was the closing shift, so I got to pick up my volunteer model directly after! I had every intention of leaving for home directly from the park, but since we had the Airbnb through Monday I opted for carpooling to the park, then packing the car and leaving after one last group dinner at the Airbnb. This ended up being a blessing in disguise, as my car battery decided to die right when I was about to leave! I did not plan for buying a brand new car battery in Lexington, but it was better it happened when I had people around versus on the road. 

BreyerFest bucket list item checked off

I originally meant to have more of the Old Friends photos in this post but I ended up wanting to share too many photos, so it got broken up into its own post. I did leave this one here though. I really was so happy to finally go! 

Recovery days be like

No BreyerFest experience is complete without the recovery day. I always take the Monday after BreyerFest off - this year I spent that Monday in bed with a box of Cheez-Its (I also definitely took multiple naps!) It's a long week, but one I wouldn't trade for the world. Can't wait to do it again next year. 

It's Friday, I'm a Judge! Breed: Shire

Happy Friday everyone! We're back for another breed judging clinic. 

As always, my personal judging history and credentials can be found on my About Me page.

This week, we're looking at a Shire class. Before we look at our entries, let's refresh our memory of what a Shire should look like: 

• Accepted colors: Black, brown, bay, gray. Roans acceptable in mares and geldings but not stallions. White patches on the body are not acceptable.
• Mares should have a more feminine appearance.
• Long and lean head, with long slightly arched neck in proportion to the body. Large, well set and docile eyes, and slightly Roman nose. Deep shoulders, short and muscular back. 
• Forelegs straight as possible down to pasterns, hocks not too far back and in line with hindquarters. Round, deep and well-sprung ribs. 

Breed standard courtesy the Shire Horse Society https://www.shire-horse.org.uk/breeding-shire-horses

Let's take a look at our class!

Shire gelding

Horse A: Shannondell

Shire mare

Horse B: Clydesdale Mare

Shire stallion

Horse C: Othello

Think about your ABCs - anatomy, biomechanics, and conformation and condition. Who fulfills the breed standard the best? When you're ready, my placings can be found under the jump. ↓

The BreyerFest Files: The Field Trip to Old Friends

📂 The BreyerFest Files📂

I crossed off a Lexington bucket list item this BreyerFest. I finally made it to a tour of Old Friends. 

Old Friends is a retirement home for Thoroughbred racehorses, and is home to several famous names.

I'll Have Another

I've been meaning to make it to a farm tour - ANY farm tour! - since I started going to in-person BreyerFest in 2022. 

Lava Man

Usually, I'm either too busy, or have other plans made, or just no one else to go with (since many of the tours are group things). 

Game On Dude

This year, my friend Amanda posted in our Airbnb group chat that she wanted to take an Old Friends tour, and if anyone would be interested. I told her I had time on Sunday morning, but she'd be responsible for handpicking my Breyer Store models in addition to picking up my Special Runs. 

Green Mask

Eventually, a group of four of us decided on a Sunday morning tour. We'd be able to complete the tour and have time for the two of us with volunteer shifts to get back to the Horse Park! It was also nice as we were able to avoid the traffic issues getting into the Park that morning. 

Big Brown

It was such a lovely morning feeding the horses treats and learning their stories. I can now say I've fed three Kentucky Derby winners!

Friends who think alike! 

The draw for Amanda and I was of course Silver Charm. We joke that we share a brain cell, and we both (independently) decided to bring our Silver Charm models. 

Silver Charm

It was such a privilege to meet (and pet!) the famous boy! He's 32 years old this year, and Amanda and I both felt very "now or never" about meeting him. It meant that the precious little free time I had to spend at the Park this weekend was gone, but I think it was well worth it. 

I'd definitely love to visit Old Friends again - I missed out on Cozmic One this time, and I'd love to see a Zenyatta baby! I think I'm going to end up being one of those people who spends the whole week in Lexington every year. There's just so much I still want to do, even after years of attending BreyerFest in person (Keeneland breakfast, anyone?) 

The BreyerFest Files: Volunteering

📂 The BreyerFest Files📂

I'm a firm believer in giving back to the hobby. Volunteer your time, volunteer your knowledge, donate items to a show's raffle, help with setup or breakdown for shows and swap meets. Hobbies are communities, and they are shaped and supported by the people within them. 

This year, I was fortunate to spend most of my BreyerFest week volunteering. 

I've been volunteering at NAN since 2022. In both 2022 and 2024, I was a steward, meaning I was responsible for checking entries in each class to be sure they were registered in that class, alerting the registrar when horses were missing from the class so they could be entered, and rounding up the judges for each class. This year, I got a title upgrade! I was the Assistant Head Steward, which means I was in charge of keeping the clipboards organized and stewarding classes as needed. Tuesday mostly felt like I was chained to the Steward's table - the judge's sheets needed filled out for that day, so I was constantly scribbling the information needed on them. 

Wednesday was a little easier - with the time waiting for performance to finish on Tuesday, we were able to get all of Wednesday's sheets filled out and in order. Which was good, since Wednesday NAN has to end earlier than the other days - we were able to load clipboards for the next classes as fast as they were returned. I even had time to steward a few of the classes on Wednesday, which helped keep things moving. 

I also had a secret volunteer position for NAN, which you'll only know if you 1) saw the NAN program and 2) read the NAN program. That's right, I contributed articles for the NAN program! I was asked to edit a portion of my documentation post for the program, and I additionally created two judging clinics. Not to worry if you didn't attend NAN - those posts will be freely available to everyone. My two August judging clinics are the ones that appeared in the NAN program. 

This year marked the first year I volunteered for Breyer. I had applied once before in 2024, without success. I decided to try again for this year, and I was thrilled to be selected! I had two positions over the weekend. I was a Docent and a Seminar Assistant. Well, I was supposed to. My Seminar Assistant shift ended up being approximately 45 minutes due to the last seminar on Saturday being canceled. I ended up swinging back over to the ticket booth where I had been previously that day to finish out that shift as a Docent. 

I found the experience to be very rewarding overall. The majority of my Docent shifts were at the ticket booth, and it was nice but also scary to be the first face people associated with the event. I spent a lot of time directing people to model pick-up and assuring them that they could leave the park and come back without scanning their ticket, but I also got to recommend people my favorite things to do at BreyerFest. I got to watch kid's faces light up when they were given a surprise blanket for their horses (and even hand some out myself!)

Would I volunteer again? Absolutely. Would I volunteer for multiple events across the week where I'm also showing five days? Perhaps not. Both volunteering experiences were very rewarding, and I have no regrets about them, but it was a hard week, with little time for sleep or shopping or decompressing. I did get to have some fun experiences (more on that next week!), but I was a little stressed to my mental limit by the end of the week. Luckily, next year is not a NAN year, so I'll likely apply to volunteer at BreyerFest again. 

The world is quiet here.