OK so my top 10 choices in no particular order are:
- Spirit
- Clydesdale Stallion/Mare
- Proud Arab Stallion/Mare
- Zippo Pine Bar
- Othello
- Five Gaiter
- Huckleberry Bey
- Goffert
- Semi-Rearing Mustang
- Western Prancing Horse
Spirit
This is my super out-there suggestion but I actually think would be a really fun model. It's something completely different and why not? I don't think its a likely suspect though, but I do like to go out there with one suggestion!
Spirit was last part of the range in 2020 so hasn't been released in five years.
Clydesdale Stallion/Mare
I cheated a bit by combining both of these into one model! But I don't find much distinction between the two. This is a popular old Breyer mould that would be a super cool surprise model. I think either of them would be a great choice.
The Clydesdale Mare was last used in 2023 and the Clydesdale Stallion was last used in 2024. But a recent release hasn't meant a mould isn't used before!
Proud Arab Mare/Stallion
My number one choice is definitely the Proud Arab Mare but I can see the Proud Arab Stallion being used as well. PAM is a popular Breyer mould and although she has been used for BreyerFest before it has been some time so I think she could be a great choice.
The Proud Arab Stallion was released as an auction model in 2020 and last used in a larger run in 2015. The Proud Arab Mare was released as an auction model in 2023 and was last used in a larger run in 2022.
Zippo Pine Bar
Zippo Pine Bar is a lovely mould and a real favourite. He also suits a variety of different colour ways which makes him a great choice for a surprise model.
He was last used as a release in 2022 so we've had three years since he's been released.
Othello
Othello is a really popular Breyer model and has recently been shrunk down (and people loved that)! He is a characteristic Breyer mould and I think would be a great choice for a surprise model.
Othello was used in 2024 but as above this doesn't necessarily mean he won't be out of the running.
Five Gaiter
My initial thoughts for the surprise model this year was the American Saddlebred Stallion (Clock Horse), but he is being released as a regular run release this year so I don't think he will be, the same can be said of the Western Horse. So what does that leave me with? The Five Gaiter! Another well known Breyer mould and another model that would look great in a variety of colour ways.
The Five Gaiter mould was last used in 2022.
Huckleberry Bey
This is my number two after the Proud Arab Mare. This is a poster model for Breyer and would be an incredible surprise model. I think he is a great choice and it would not surprise me if he was this year's model.
He was last used in 2023 although this was a crystal, he hasn't been part of the regular run range since 2013 so it is definitely time for a new Huck!
Goffert
Another model that is just made to be a surprise model. Like Huck I almost want to say that he already has been a surprise but he hasn't! You can just see him as one so I think a great choice.
However, Goffert was used in 2024 so maybe a no go, I definitely think he will be used at some point though!
Semi-Rearing Mustang
Another model that you can just see as a surprise model. I actually think this guy is unlikely as he is being released a lot over the last few years including his shrinkie release as part of the Deluxe Collector's Club. But I'm going to put him here anyway!
Again he was used in 2024 but hasn't been released as anything limited since the 2018 Vintage Club so I think a fair bet!
Western Prancing Horse
Again I was thinking about vintage moulds that would make really nice surprise models and I thought about this guy! He is a lovely model and would look really nice in a variety of colours. An unusual choice but one I think would work well.
Again the downside of this choice is he was used in 2024. But he's so cute that I want him to be so I am putting him here to try and manifest it into existence!
What are your top 10 choices? Share them below!
