Breyer Horse Collectibles

The first Breyer Horse, #57 Western Horse, was released in 1950. Since then, Breyer Horses have emerged as the most popular collectible for horse lovers, both children and adults alike. I received my first Breyer Horse at seven years old and have been a devoted fan ever since.

Breyer Horses are produced using a very intricate process. An original model is created by an artists who sculpts it from clay. The clay model is used to make a steel mold and melted cellulose acetate is injected into the molds. Then the models are cooled and assembled.

The finished models are painted with airbrushes, but the smallest details are hand-painted. The hand-painted details are never exactly the same from horse to horse, meaning each Breyer Horse is truly a one-of-a-kind. One mold is used to produce horses that will be painted several different color variations. There may be a bay, a pinto, an appaloosa and more, all with the same body shape. The model number of the Breyer Horse is based on their color, not their body shape.




Beginning in 1960, a rear inside flank of each Breyer Horse was marked with a raised Breyer stamp, which includes the  country in which that horse was produced, the production year, and a copyright, as well as the company’s name. Breyer Horses produced in the 1950s were identified with stickers or tags.

Breyer Horse models are made in five sizes. Traditionals are the original sized Breyer Horse at a scale of 1:9. Classics are sculpted to a scale of 1:12—they are aimed at younger enthusiasts and are intended for both play and collection. Ponies are also in a 1:12 scale, but are designed specifically for littlest collectors—age three to five years old. They even have brush-able manes and tails. Little Bits are even smaller at a 1:20 scale. Paddock Pals are in a 1:24 scale and come with riders and removable tack. Stablemates are produced in a 1:32 scale and come in play sets with other horses and accessories.