Colour Me Custom - Stock Horse

During BreyerFest I offered ten 'Colour Me Customs' for sale through Chestnut Ridge. The idea was the buyer would pick from ten different bodies and then select the base colour, pattern and white markings for their model.

The first to sell (and very quickly) was the G3 Stock Horse. The buyer chose for the base coat to be bay, the pattern to be a blanket spotted and the white markings to be 'surprise me'. After some prepping I got to work trying to find a good reference picture for the model.

I came across a lovely bay blanket spotted with really unusual markings on his legs. I thought he would look lovely and fulfil the surprise me option for the markings really well. I also liked the blanket and spots, I always like a bit of less is more for blanket spotted models and thought this would work perfectly.

I started by using masking fluid to mark off the bulk of the blanket and some of the markings. This would save me time in having to do eight million white paint layers over a large patch of the model and also allowed me to add depth to the colour of the spots.

She was painted to a lovely bay using airbrushed acrylics, pigments and pastels. Once I was happy with her base colour I gave her a good seal and got her ready for THE PEEL.

Once all the masking fluid was carefully peeled off I then started to add detail to the markings. Going over each one adding mapping and hairing so they had a more realistic finish.

I then started work on her dark spots, finishing off the spots on the blanket and adding lots more over her body. The reference horse had those shadow style spots that are dark spots not on the blanket so I made sure to add those.

I finished off the details, sealed her, added some gloss to the hooves, eyes and nostrils, signed her under one hoof and then sent her off to her new home.

I was so happy to see that her new owner absolutely adored her, I don't offer many commissions because I worry so much that the buyer won't be happy but this was honestly so much fun to do. I'm thinking about offering this service again before Christmas with some different models (maybe 20 this time?). So if you'd like to have a go at ordering one of these keep an eye out! Hopefully they will be coming back in the autumn.

Rainbow Unicorn

Towards the end of my pregnancy I had horrible pregnancy insomnia, often sleeping for only a couple of hours each night and spending the rest of the time desperately trying to get comfortable and living with my own thoughts.

It was whilst I was in this state of sleep deprived insanity that I decided I really wanted to paint a rainbow pinto model with gold mapping around the markings. So of course, like any sensible person, I decided to give effect to my sleep deprived desired and create said model. I had a prepped Magnolia unicorn and thought that would be the perfect victim for this particular project.

I started by finding a reference of a real pinto horse whose markings I liked. This actually took longer than you'd think it would as I was very particular about having the right balance of white and colour. I wanted an approximate 50/50 split so you got a really nice hit of colour but it was balanced against the white.

Once I found the reference I then started by blocking out the white with Maskol. Once the Maskol had dried I then measured the horse and used a pencil to mark out approximate divisions so that each block of colour would be around the same width. 

I then started on the airbrushing, working from red on the head down to purple on the tail. There was a bit of a delay whilst I had the baby, spent a week in hospital and then managed having a newborn at home but we eventually got there, finishing off the last few airbrushed colours last week. I decided that the mane and tail would be purple but added some pink fading into the purple on the tail to give it a bit more depth.

Once the airbrush rainbow colours were done and a layer of sealant had been applied to protect the paintwork from being scratched I started THE PEEL. I carefully removed all the Maskol to reveal the pinto pattern. This was the moment of truth, would it look as good as I hoped? I was absolutely delighted with how it turned out, it worked so well! The colours had faded into each other perfectly and because they'd been applied over the Maskol rather than each marking being hand painted they all lined up and the model really flowed.

Once all the Maskol was removed I then used a gold acrylic to go around each of the markings, creating mapping. I used the same gold for the horn and hooves as I didn't want to add too many colours to an already colourful horse! I also hand painted the purple mane as for some reason I'd put Maskol on the mane but then decided I actually wanted it purple. I suppose technically it should have only had colour where the markings touched but I mean we are painting a rainbow unicorn we don't have to follow colour pattern rules exactly!

I finished by giving her a gold and purple eye and then adding some glitter to the mane and tail. This was mainly because the purple on the mane had come out incredibly matte which didn't match the rest of the horse so I felt it needed something to create some continuity. 

She was signed and gloss added to the hooves, eyes and horn and is now ready to find a new home.

Unfortunately she's not perfect, the primer cracked at some point around the head and I didn't have the mental energy to strip her completely. Thankfully it's on her non-show side so she should be great for photoshowing. I was also not happy with the shade of red, it was a lot more of a deeper blood red than it looked. I'm definitely going to do another one at some point with different markings and will pick a different red. Because of these issues she has a reduced price of just £25 which honestly is a bargain because she's so pretty!

Sale link: https://chestnutridge.co.uk/products/youll-be-in-my-heart

I definitely want to use this technique again to create another rainbow unicorn but I also think it would be fun to create other colour combinations and different markings. Now to prep a few more of the unicorn bodies I have so that I can create a whole army of pinto unicorns in different colours! I think a blue, pink and purple one would look gorgeous <3

New Arrivals

 The herd is ever growing and never shrinking. It grows and grows and I wonder, where will I put all these horses? The answer is I do not know. I have no solutions. Only horses.

This week it has expanded further as I have added 10 new models to my collection. Many of these were prizes at Celebration of Breyer Live 2025 but there is also a gorgeous new OF that came as part of a job lot for resale and I decided to buy for myself.

First up we have CRS Xing Fengsu. This model is Tiger's Eye and was the chase model from the Breyer Mini Whinnie Unicorn Surprise - Series 2

Second we have CRS Shivaji. Shivaji is Breyer Stablemates Blind Bags Peruvian Paso in grey.

Third we have CRS Smash and Grab. This is Moonstone who is also from the Breyer Mini Whinnies Unicorn Surprise Series 2 blind bags

Fourth is CRS Sneaking Suspicion which is Pyrite from that same Breyer Mini Whinnie surprise bag.

And finally CRS Snorri the Seal - the final model from the MW Surprise Bags

Next we have CRS Soft Target. This model is 'Snowdrift' from the Breyer Fire and Ice Unicorn Surprise bags released this year.

This is CRS Sophie's Choice, he is from an older set of Breyer Unicorn Surprise bags, he is the model 'Sky'

I was doing well for Peruvian Pasos! This is CRS A Spoon Full of Earth (Spoon). Spoon is another Breyer Stablemate Surprise Bag model.

And now we have my favourite from the batch. This is CRS Spycatcher. This is the Breyer Wapiti model, I love the modified tail on this model, it is so gorgeous and the main reason I kept him.

Finally we have CRS Look Up Child (Lawrence). Lawrence was one of six custom Breyer Stablemates that I painted as champion prizes for Celebration of Breyer Live 2025. I was lucky enough to win a champion and take Lawrence home. He is a custom Breyer G2 Standardbred to a max white, painted by myself.

So which is your favourite out of the new additions? Can you work out the naming theme I was using for the OFs?

Celebration of Breyer Live Prizes & Raffle Prizes

I am very proud of myself in that I got everything for the show finished tomorrow. My horses are all packed, certificates are all cut out, prizes are all painted. Everything is packed and sorted. All I need to do is collect the food this evening and we are all good! This is a level of organisation I don't normally achieve so I'm feeling quite smug about it.

With less than 24 hours to go I thought I would share with you some of things that I've created for the show.

We are going to start with the section champion prizes. Each section champion will get a custom Breyer stablemate. I tried to pick slightly unusual colours for each one. I haven't decided which section will get which and will just pick random ones on the day. I know the MFT is definitely the most popular (I actually thought about painting another because I wanted to keep him so badly)! Let me know which one you want to win!

Anyway, here they are :D

First up is a Breyer G4 Paradressage to a bay blanket spotted (probably a pintaloosa). This mould works so nicely as a stock horse and I love this colour on her.

Next we have the only decorator in the bunch. I mean I had to do at least one unicorn! This is the Breyer G5 Warmblood Mare (unicorn variation). She has been painted to a black and pink unicorn. She actually has pink shading in her coat if you look carefully. Her hooves and horn are in a metallic pink paint.

Next we have a G2 Standardbred. This guy has been painted to a max white overo. I love how pink he is! You just know this horse is going to be a nightmare in the sun! He's a really unusual colour and something a little bit different for your show string.

Fourth is another extensive white pinto. This is a G2 Saddlebred that has been painted to an extensive splash white. I went with purple for her ribbon to pick up the blue in her eyes.

And now everybody's favourite, this is a Breyer M1 Missouri Fox Trotter that has been painted to a gorgeous shaded black sabino. I picked a reference I'd saved because of the horse's face marking. Although the horse in the reference was bay I went for a faded black instead and then copied the markings. I adore a black sabino and this guy is to die for, he is just gorgeous. He's definitely the one I want to win!

The final prize is a G3 Stock Horse that has been painted to a silver dapple with white markings. I wasn't too sure about this girl at first but I'm actually really happy with her. The shading is just beautiful.

I have also painted two models as prizes for the raffle. The first is a Breyer Paddock Pal, although I went with a very simple shaded black colour for this guy I thought it was quite cool to offer a custom Paddock Pal. You don't see many custom Paddock Pals around so I thought this would be a fun thing for someone to win.

Secondly, I wanted to offer a painted resin or pewter micro. I was going to do another piece but I had already decided I would probably sell this girl and thought instead I would offer her for the raffle. This is the Maggie Bennett Escape Foot Callie pewter. She has been painted to a lovely dun colour with no white markings.

All of these models will be available at Celebration of Breyer Live tomorrow. I always like to go all out for the shows I run and this one has been no different. Which one would you like to take home?

2025 Photo Show Placings So Far

I know it's a cliché but how is it already August? How are we well into the second half of the year already? Madness!

Anyway to celebrate the way time just keeps on coming, and coming, and coming I decided to share some 2025 photo show wins with you!

Don't worry I'm not going to share every single placing (we'd literally be here until 2026), instead I thought I would just share some 1st places and champions.

Most of the shows I enter are through OMHPS. If you aren't using this platform I would honestly give it a go. It's made photo showing so easy and so much fun!

Next Generation Show

Name: CRS Secret Santa
Class: Part Arabian/Desert Breeds - Patterned
Placing: 1st Place

Name: CRS Dance Class
Class: Decorator Foal - All
Placing: 1st Place

For Those Who Need It Most

Name: CRS Phoenix
Class: Marwari
Placing: 1st Place & Section Reserve Champion

March Arabian, Other Light, and Deco Show

Name: CRS Valentine
Class: Arabian Stallions, Colours Other than Grey
Placing: 1st Place

Name: CRS Black Devil
Class: Deco Colts and Fillies, Pattern and Solid
Placing: 1st Place

Name: CRS na Leth-aonan
Class: Deco Solid Stallions
Placing: 1st Place

Not a huge batch as I haven't entered many shows this year, but an unusual bunch! Probably not the horses from my collection that you'd think would have done the best! It's so interesting how different the placings in photo shows and live shows are and how much of a difference photography can make.

The Sea, The Sea and the Model Horse

Did you know that I have themes and systems for naming my model horses? You didn't? Well now you do! With over 2,500 models it can be very hard to come up with new stable and show names for each model so finding themes or systems to use has made life a lot easier. One of my favourite themes is books by my favourite authors. One of those is Iris Murdoch. So today I thought I would share with you all of my models named after Iris Murdoch novels.

Make sure to let me know which is your favourite Murdoch work in the comments below. I suppose you could also just let me know which your favourite model is as well! You never know they might match!

Under The Net

Show Name: CRS Under the Net
Stable Name: Ronny
Make: Breyer
Mould: Shire
Artist: Deborah Brown

The Flight From the Enchanter

Show Name: CRS Flight From the Enchanter
Stable Name: Andreus
Make: Breyer
Model: Andreus
Year Produced: 2015

The Sandcastle

Show Name: CRS The Sandcastle
Stable Name: Sandcastle
Make: Breyer
Model: Farm Animals Play Set
Year Produced: 2005-2008

The Bell

Despite this being one of my favourite Murdoch novels I apparently never had a horse called The Bell. I've re-added to my names list so that we can rectify this! I'm glad I did this Blog post and realised the gap.

A Severed Head

Show Name: CRS A Severed Head
Stable Name: Sever
Make: Schleich
Model: Duck
Year Produced: 1999-2010

An Unofficial Rose

Show Name: CRS An Unofficial Rose
Stable Name: Rose
Make: Breyer
Model: Horse Sense 2nd Edition
Year Produced: 2008

The Unicorn

Show Name: CRS The Unicorn
Stable Name: Lion
Make: Breyer
Mould: Roy
Artist: Deborah Brown

The Italian Girl

Show Name: CRS The Italian Girl
Stable Name: Italy
Make: Breyer
Model: Best of British - Shire and Corgi Gift Set
Year Produced: 2015-2017

The Red and the Green

Show Name: CRS The Red and the Green
Stable Name: Romeo
Make: Animal Artistry
Mould: Thoroughbred Stallion

The Time of the Angels

Show Name: CRS The Time of the Angels
Stable Name: Gabriel
Make: Breyer
Mould: Peruvian Paso
Artist: Deborah Brown

The Nice and the Good

Show Name: CRS The Nice and the Good
Stable Name: Denali
Make: Animal Artistry
Mould: Fuzby Foal

Bruno's Dream

Show Name: CRS Bruno's Dream
Stable Name: Bruno
Make: Breyer
Model: Horse Sense 2nd Edition
Year Produced: 2008

A Fairly Honourable Defeat

Show Name: CRS A Fairly Honourable Defeat
Stable Name: Honour
Make: Schleich
Model: Duck
Year Produced: 1999-2010

An Accidental Man

Another apparent missing work!

The Black Prince

Show Name: CRS Black Prince
Stable Name: Edward
Make: Breyer
Model: Stablemates 4-Piece Gift Collection
Year Produced: 2007-2008

The Sacred and Profane Love Machine

Show Name: CRS The Sacred and Profane Love Machine
Stable Name: Smokin' Doubledutch
Make: Breyer
Model: Smokin' Doubledutch
Year Produced: 2015-2016

A Word Child

Show Name: CRS A Word Child
Stable Name: Chatto
Make: Schleich
Model: Ewe
Year Produced: 2014-2019

Henry and Cato

Another missing work, although I do have models called Henry and Cato!

The Sea, The Sea

Show Name: CRS The Sea, The Sea
Stable Name: Cravas
Make: Breyer
Model: Indian Pony
Year Produced: 2013-2015

Nuns and Soldiers

Show Name: CRS Nuns and Soldiers
Stable Name: Guy
Make: Animal Artistry
Mould: Dartmoor Stallion

The Philosopher's Pupil

Show Name: CRS The Philosopher's Pupil
Stable Name: Patrick
Make: Breyer
Model: Best of British Irish Draught
Year Produced: 2015-2017

The Good Apprentice

Another missing one! I didn't do a good job of doing this did I?

The Book and the Brotherhood

And another one....

The Message to the Planet

Show Name: CRS The Message to the Planet
Stable Name: Markus
Make: Breyer
Model: Best of British Shire & Corgi Set
Year Produced:2015-2017

The Green Knight

Show Name: CRS The Green Knight
Stable Name: Knight
Make: Schleich
Model: Tinker Mare
Year Produced: 2015

Jackson's Dilemma

Show Name: CRS Jackson's Dilemma
Stable Name: Snowman
Make: Breyer
Model: Snowman
Year Produced: 2013-

Something Special

Show Name: CRS Something Special
Stable Name: Fabien
Make: Breyer
Model: Fabien
Year Produced: 2015

Sartre: Romantic Rationalist

Show Name: CRS Sartre
Stable Name: Sartre
Make: Animal Artistry
Mould: Dauntless

Show Name: CRS Romantic Realist
Stable Name: Alaria
Make: Animal Artistry
Mould: Fuzby Foal

The Sovereignty of Good

Show Name: CRS The Sovereignty of Good
Stable Name: Sovereign
Make: Breyer
Mould: Rivet
Artist: Deborah Brown

The Fire and the Sun

Show Name: CRS Fire and the Sun
Stable Name: Dahlia
Make: Animal Artistry
Mould: Venus

Metaphysics as a Guide to Morals

Show Name: CRS Metaphysics
Stable Name: Metta
Make: Breyer
Model: Stoneleigh Surprise
Year Produced: 2012

Existentialists and Mystics

Show Name: CRS Existentialist
Stable Name: Sgt. Reckless
Make: Breyer
Model: Sgt. Reckless
Year Produced: 2012-2014

The Three Arrows

Show Name: CRS Three Arrows
Stable Name: Musketeer
Make: CollectA
Mould: Clydesdale Foal
Artist: Deborah Brown

The Servants and the Snow

Show Name: CRS The Servants and the Snow
Stable Name: Severus
Make: Safari
Mould: Dressage Horse
Artist: Deborah Brown

The Servants

I think I decided to not go with this one as I already had The Servants and the Snow

Acastos: Two Platonic Dialogues

Show Name: CRS Acastos
Stable Name: Acastos
Make: Schleich
Model: Head Up Goose
Year Produced: 1984-1988

A Year of Birds

Show Name: CRS A Year of Birds
Stable Name: Poem
Make: Schleich
Model: Head Up Goose
Year Produced: 1984-1988

Poems by Iris Murdoch

Combined with the above one to give the goose a stable name!

I hope you enjoyed this look at all my models with names under a single theme. And I've enjoyed realising that I missed some texts and need to go back and add three more models!