Breyer horses are at the top of the model horse spectrum. Each one is beautifully hand-crafted and life-like, and touched in the production process by often as many as 20 different artists and artisans. For the horse-lover, Breyer model horses are THE horse toy. In fact, they are beyond toys.

Breyer horse models are made to-scale and, except in the case of some of their special runs or fantasy horses, are made to look as realistic as possible. The company also sells an utterly vast variety of models in different breeds, colors, and collector sets. Because of their incredible quality, Breyer horses have lasted since their inception in 1950 and have garnered a huge following among model horse collectors as well as horse lovers who want to be surrounded by sculpted models of their favorite animal. Collectors of Breyer horses are so committed that a whole world of Breyer model horse shows has sprung up.

In an attempt to keep their huge collection of model horses fresh and exciting, every year Breyer not only produces some brand new models but also retires a few. The retired Breyer models of course become instantly worth far more money for those who have them, and you can readily find a few of them on sale at eBay or at online model horse auction sites. Many models change hands through re-sale and auctions, also. But for other people, they keep hold of their precious “retired” models and revel in the fact that they are part of the lucky ones who have them in their possession.

Amazingly, Breyer never set out to create collectors’ items or even toys. The Breyer Molding Company was a plastics manufacturer in Chicago, Illinois. In 1950, it was commissioned by the drug store chain F.W. Woolworth’s to make a model horse to adorn a mantelpiece clock. This model #57 Western Horse was so well-made that people began contacting Breyer and Woolworth’s to see if they could buy JUST the horse. A living legend was born.

The collections that Breyer offers include:

• The TRADITIONAL Breyer collection makes up the “world’s ‘most asked for’ horses since 1950″ group. These are all hand-painted and each one is slightly one of a kind and realistic. These are sculpted in 1:9 scale.

• The SPECIAL RUNS consists of Breyer horses commissioned by a select group of retailers. These horse models are collectors’ dreams and are almost always limited production runs. The US Equestrian Team Foundation and Tractor Supply Store have commissioned special runs and equine film star, Spirt, is one of the models.

• The CLASSICS are specially designed for authentic and imaginative play for younger collectors; they give them realistic horses and superior collectibility. These are created at a scale of 1:12.

• The WIND DANCERS are butterfly fantasy horses, and each one is made to embody a different one of the four winds. Breyer says they are “fun, spirited, and gossamer-winged, with brushable manes and tails. Their ethereal wings flutter in the breeze as they float on the gentle winds of the earth, bringing adventure and excitement to those who believe.”

Breyer also creates other accessories especially targeted at younger collectors.