Mould Focus: Semi-Rearing Mustang

Today we are going to be taking an in-depth look at the Semi-Rearing Mustang mould. I'm going to be focusing on the Traditional scale mould but of course we will make sure to mention the Stablemate scale mould as well!

About the Mould

The Semi-Rearing Mustang mould was sculpted by Chris Hess and was introduced in 1961. It is Breyer mould #87 and is one of the earlier Breyer moulds. Despite being an older mould it is still really popular today and perfect competitive in the show ring.

The original models had the Breyer Moulding Co Stamp which had the USA stamp added post 1970. 

Some earlier models also have a slight variation in the front hoof with it appearing 'flat' rather than rounded.

The first model released was Diablo, The Mustang. He was alabaster in colour and came with a few variations including a red eye version and a no grey version that was almost completely white.

The most recent release is 'Beowulf' the 2024 Halloween Horse who was a decorator colour.

San Domingo - Regular run release (2007-8)

Good Breed Choices

There really is only one good breed choice for the Semi-Rearing Mustang which is well...Mustang! However, there is a lot of variety and 'types' within Mustangs which means you can be a bit more creative than your generic 'North American Mustang'

I show all of my realistic finish models as North American Mustangs

Fun Foals Collector's Event - Regular run release (2009)

The Regular Run Models

As above, the first release was model #85 which was an alabaster colour. Described by Breyer as 'albino' it had three variations including one which was almost completely white. This model was released from 1961-1966.

The second regular run release, also released from 1961-1966 was model number #86 which was Diablo again but this time in a grey appaloosa colour. These models have a lot of variation in their finishes making them a great choice for collectors who love to get lots of variations!

Number 87 was another Diablo, this model was produced from 1961-1986 and was buckskin in colour. There are a couple of variations of this model including a chalky model produced in the mid-1970s.

Number 88 is our final Diablo, produced from 1961-1970 this model was glossy charcoal. Again his colour had lots of variations from a proper black charcoal to models that appear almost grey or brown.

Another notable model for variations was Gawani Pony Boy's Kola a bay pinto model produced from 1999-2002. This had a huge number of different variations with different Native American symbols.

One of my favourite colour ways on this model is Rarin' To Go produced from 1994-1995. This model is grullo (although appears almost roan) with heavy contrast in his coat.

Another favourite of mine is the Fighting Stallions Set which came with a Fighting Stallion and was released as part of the JCPenney Holiday Catalogue in 2004. This model is grulla in colour. I loved this set as I think the two models are just perfect together as a pair and it made such a cool concept.

The most recent regular run release is Beowulf who was the 2024 Halloween horse. This model had a glossy red finish with a decorator werewolf pattern that glows in the dark. 

Diablo - 2014 Vintage Club release

Limited Models

The first limited release model to be produced was the number 86 Mustang produced for the Model Horse Congress in 1978. This model was solid black with no white markings.

Another favourite of mine is Amerigo which was produced for Equitana USA in 1996. This model was limited to 1,000 pieces and was palomino tovero. He has really striking blue eyes with heavy pink shading around his eyes. A variation of this model was also produced for the raffle with his coloured patches replaced in gold. This is a super cool piece and was limited to just two pieces.

Descaro is another of my favourites. This was a BreyerFest Special Run of 950 pieces available at BreyerFest 2004. He was a glossy bay roan and has the heavy contrast shading that I absolutely love on this mould.

The most recent limited model is the 2018 Vintage Club exclusive Tanner. Tanner was a black pinto vintage colourway with war paint. His colour was chosen by popular vote and I think you'll agree is a great choice.

Beowulf - 2024 Halloween Horse

The Real Rarities

There are few OOAK models on the Semi-Rearing Mustang mould, but it is worth noting that there are lots of rarer variations on the earlier models that are highly collectable.

OOAK models include:

• 2019 Test Piece - Glossy dapple black
• 1994 BreyerFest Live Auction - Chestnut
• 1996 BreyerFest Live Auction - Chestnut pinto
• 1998 BreyerFest Live Auction - Glossy black
• 2001 BreyerFest Live Auction - Grey
• 2003 BreyerFest Live Auction - Buckskin Pinto
• 2006 BreyerFest Live Auction - Pinto Copenhagen
• 2009 BreyerFest live Auction - Grey decorator with umbrella design
• 2010 BreyerFest Live Auction - Chestnut pinto
• 2014 BreyerFest Live Auction - Dapple grey
• 2015 BreyerFest Silent Auction - Blue pinto
• 2019 BreyerFest Live Auction - Chestnut sabino
• 2021 BreyerFest Live Auction - Bay brindle
• 2023 BreyerFest Live Auction - Grulla tobiano

My favourite of these is definitely Stormy Weather who was released for the 2009 auction. He is a simple grey mustang (the same as the Fun Foals event model) but has red umbrellas added. He is just so unusual!

Another real rarity is the Frankenstein Horse produced for the Velvet Rope Event in 2008. This model was limited to just 21 pieces and is green in colour with bolts on his neck! A really cool concept piece.

Which is your favourite model on the Semi-Rearing Mustang mould? Let me know below!

Celebration of Breyer Live - Section Champion Trophies

A while ago I shared with you the Supreme trophies for Celebration of Breyer Live. Well I'm really excited to say that the section champion trophies have arrived so I also get to share them with you! These trophies are a favourite of mine, the flat glass trophies with an etched pattern. I agree it's not very creative of me to just be using the same trophies every single time but I like what I like!

I went for a slightly larger size for section champions this year (I normally go for the smallest size) as I really wanted to go all out with the prizes at this show and offer something really amazing. 

Each trophy is made from glass with an etched design of a horse head in a shield. They have a little metal plaque that says champion.

There are six sections at this show and there is one trophy for each section champion.

The six sections are:

• OF Traditional Breyer
• OF Stablemate Breyer
• OF Other Scale Breyer
• CTF Breyer
• Collectability
• Custom Breyer

So there are plenty of opportunities to be taking one of these beautiful trophies home. 

I can't wait to share with you a few more prizes and sneak peaks of items available to win at the show over the next few weeks!

My 20 Best Custom Models

 Today I'm sharing my 20 best custom models with you. All these models are custom finish model horses. These include simple repaints as well as horses that have had more detailed resculpting. I tend to favour a simple repaint over a more dramatic custom and that can definitely be seen in my top 20 models.

I also definitely have an artist preference! If you've followed my Blog for a while you'll definitely realise that I'm a girl who knows what she likes and collects what she likes! Afterall isn't that the most important part of collecting?

These models have been determined by their average point score from live shows. To work this out I take their total points and divide it by the number of shows that the models have attended.

1st Place

Stable Name: Heredites

Show Name: CRS God's Nectar

Colour: Palomino

Breed: Shetland

Make: Heredites

Artist: Deborah Brown

2nd Place

Stable Name: Spartacus

Show Name: CRS I Am Spartacus

Colour: Bay Sabino

Breed: Thoroughbred

Make: Breyer

Artist: Deborah Brown

3rd Place

Stable Name: Paddy

Show Name: CRS Irish Shockwave

Colour: Grey Pinto

Breed: Cob

Make: Breyer

Artist: Dorn Carran

4th Place

Stable Name: Jac

Show Name: CRS Jack Naylor

Colour: Bay

Breed: Thoroughbred

Make: Breyer

Artist: Deborah Brown

5th Place

Stable Name: Zane

Show Name: CRS San
Franciso Sundance

Colour: Palomino

Breed: Polo Pony

Make: Breyer

Artist: Deborah Brown

6th Place

Stable Name: Seigfried

Show Name: CRS Sundance Sassoon

Colour: Champagne Dun Tobiano

Breed: Mule

Make: Breyer

Artist: Deborah Brown

7th Place

Stable Name: Adam

Show Name: CRS Baywatch

Colour: Bay Leopard Spotted

Breed: Knabstrupper

Make: Breyer

Artist: Kim Burd

8th Place

Stable Name: Don John

Show Name: CRS Don John

Colour: Brindle

Breed: Mustang

Make: Breyer

Artist: Deborah Brown

9th Place

Stable Name: Lion

Show Name: CRS The Unicorn

Colour: Chestnut

Breed: Belgium Draught

Make: Breyer

Artist: Deborah Brown

10th Place

Stable Name: Suspense

Show Name: CRS Suspended Animation

Colour: Grey

Breed: Connemara

Make: Breyer

Artist: Deborah Brown

11th Place

Stable Name: Dust

Show Name: CRS Star Dust

Colour: Decorator

Breed: Unicorn

Make: Unknown

Artist: Catriona Harris

12th Place

Stable Name: Cato

Show Name: CRS Not Now Cato

Colour: Bay

Breed: Polo Pony

Make: Breyer

Artist: Deborah Brown

13th Place

Stable Name: Lotus

Show Name: CRS Lotus Flower

Colour: Decorator

Breed: Unicorn

Make: Peter Stone

Artist: Sophie Lightfoot

14th Place

Stable Name: Lisa

Show Name: CRS Mona Lisa

Colour: Bay

Breed: Mecklenburg

Make: Breyer

Artist: Deborah Brown

15th Place

Stable Name: Sana

Show Name: CRS Sana Zahrah

Colour: Bay Blanket Spotted

Breed: Araloosa

Make: Breyer

Artist: Deborah Brown

16th Place

Stable Name: Rocker

Show Name: CRS Off Your Rocker

Colour: Decorator

Breed: Decorator

Make: Breyer

Artist: Dorn Carran

17th Place

Stable Name: Warden

Show Name: CRS Der Gruftwatcher

Colour: Black

Breed: Percheron

Make: Safari

Artist: Catriona Harris

18th Place

Stable Name: Lyla

Show Name: CRS Lobelia

Colour: Chestnut Leopard Spotted

Breed: Appaloosa

Make: Breyer

Artist: Frances Stevens

19th Place

Stable Name: Milly

Show Name: CRS A Descent Into The Maelstrom

Colour: Buckskin Pinto

Breed: Tinker Pony

Make: Breyer

Artist: Deborah Brown

20th Place

Stable Name: Sally

Show Name: CRS Serenity

Colour: Chestnut

Breed: Haflinger

Make: Safari

Artist: Catriona Harris

Which is your favourite out of these models? Have I managed to introduce you to a few new artists you may not have thought about before for your models? I hope so! There are some really lovely little models here and for all that I do love a Deb Brown custom there are some nice examples from a few other artists as well.

Breyer 2025 Range Now Available to Pre-Order

 The Breyer 2025 range is now available to pre-order at Chestnut Ridge. 

Birthday at the Barn Mini Whinnie & Accessories

These models are due in stock May 2025 and as we now have a confirmed delivery date we have decided to offer pre-orders so that you guys won't have to wait a second to get your paws on some amazing new model horses.

Mini Whinnie Castle Surprise Sherman Morgan Shrinkie

We have a great selection of models with the majority of the new products being available (I decided against adding the new dolls instead focusing on having a variety of horses).

Brilliance Gift Set

As always every order you place at Chestnut Ridge comes with a super cute free gift. What will you get? I don't know! you will have to wait and find out.

Big Lex

We also offer plastic free shipping on Breyer new in box models and all Chestnut Ridge orders are fully carbon offset.

75th Anniversary Western Horse

Don't forget we offer loads of customer rewards, with every purchase you get the opportunity to win free Breyer horses, vouchers and even free show entries for our live shows! You can also get loyalty points which means that you are actually saving money by buying new models (trust me on that one, it definitely makes economic sense).

Power and Precision

We will be at Mrs. P's CTF Live in May and will hopefully have the horses by then so if you would like to pick them up in person do let me know. This will also be a great chance to feel up the blind bags (if you pre-order blind bags and want to pick them up at the show we will let you pick which ones you want). Sadly you can't feel the Mini Whinnie Barn Surprise models but you still get to stare at the boxes and use your intuition to pick the one with the chase piece.

Mini Whinnie Barn Surprise Thoroughbred

Which models will you be ordering first? I know I will getting my paws on the barn surprises again! But I also really want the Western Horse, he is just gorgeous.

Deluxe Horse Gift Set

My 2025 BreyerFest Surprise Model Predictions

BreyerFest is in just a few months time so it is time for my BreyerFest 2025 Surprise Model predictions. These are based on the completely arbitrary system of what I think, which means nothing and is usually very wrong! But let me know what you think below, do you agree with my predictions? Or have you got a better idea than me!

OK so my top 10 choices in no particular order are:

1. Spirit
2. Clydesdale Stallion/Mare
3. Proud Arab Stallion/Mare
4. Zippo Pine Bar
5. Othello
6. Five Gaiter
7. Huckleberry Bey
8. Goffert
9. Semi-Rearing Mustang
10. Western Prancing Horse

Here is a breakdown of why I have chosen these moulds (also note I cheated by combining two moulds into a single one)!

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!

Celebration of Breyer Live 2025 - Supreme Trophies!

I am so excited about these trophies! I wanted to do something really different this year, I looked through lots of different options and in the end settled for these unusual acrylic block trophies. I normally go for glass or your standard plastic gold trophies so these were definitely something different.

Unfortunately I did mess up a bit as I typed the wrong number and chose the wrong colour for the Supreme Champion trophy! I wanted the blue and gold colour which matched the blue and yellow theming for the rest of the show, but I don't think I ruined it, the gold is very nice.

The Supreme Champion trophy is the largest and then the two reserve trophies are the same size. They are made from transparent acrylic which means to photograph them well they do need to be on a plain black drop (hence the blanket)! I chose a trophy symbol as the two horse ones both had broken legs (although I could have done the Chestnut Ridge logo but decided against it). 

Do you like them? Prefer them over glass/plastic normal ones we do? I'd love to know your opinions!

If you want to order similar ones for your show they are from cookiesandkoalas on eBay.

My Best OF Models

Previously I shared with you all my favourite ARC models, today I am going to be sharing my favourite OF models.

These models are all Original Finish plastic models, they are mainly Breyer but there is a little Stone in here as well.

The models have been sorted by their average point scores based on their live show placings.

1st Place

Stable Name: Lacie

Show Name: CRS Lilypad

Colour: Grey

Breed: French Trotter

Make: Breyer

Original Model: Best Friends

2nd Place

Stable Name: Bobby Jo

Show Name: CRS Hick Billy Hick

Colour: Dun Pinto

Breed: Paint Horse

Make: Breyer

Original Model: Bobby Jo

3rd Place

Stable Name: Sultan

Show Name: CRS The Blackout

Colour: Bay

Breed: Arabian

Make: Breyer

Original Model: Sultan

4th Place

Stable Name: Bushka

Show Name: CRS Bushka

Colour: Bay Pinto

Breed: Icelandic

Make: Breyer

Original Model: Bushka

5th Place

Stable Name: Pisces

Show Name: CRS Na h-Lasgan

Colour: Decorator

Breed: Decorator

Make: Breyer

Original Model: Pisces

6th Place

Stable Name: Diesel

Show Name: CRS Rob Roy the Highland Rogue

Colour: Grulla Pinto

Breed: Paint

Make: Breyer

Original Model: Diesel

7th Place

Stable Name: Shiloh

Show Name: CRS Jinkx Monsoon

Colour: Bay Pinto

Breed: American Warmblood

Make: Breyer

Original Model: Shiloh

8th Place

Stable Name: Frutella

Show Name: CRS Frutella

Colour: Bay Pinto

Breed: Abaco Barb

Make: Stone Horses

Original Model: Piccadilly

9th Place

Stable Name: Hermosa

Show Name: CRS Black Widow Dawn

Colour: Black Pinto

Breed: Campolina x Kladruber

Make: Breyer

Original Model: Hermosa

10th Place

Stable Name: Hamlet

Show Name: CRS Human Race Dependency

Colour: Chestnut

Breed: Miniature

Make: Breyer

Original Model: Hamlet

11th Place

Stable Name: Croi Damsha

Show Name: CRS Siol Ghoraidh

Colour: Buckskin

Breed: Connemara

Make: Breyer

Original Model: Croi Damsha

12th Place

Stable Name: Marble

Show Name: CRS Milan

Colour: Bay Pinto

Breed: Working Hunter Pony

Make: Copperfox

Original Model: Marble

13th Place

Stable Name: Hickory Hills Wall Street

Show Name: CRS Alissa Summers

Colour: Chestnut

Breed: Donkey

Make: Breyer

Original Model: Hickory Hills Wall Street

14th Place

Stable Name: Tunbridge Wells

Show Name: CRS Maitri Daydream

Colour: Bay Roan Sabino

Breed: Show Cob

Make: Breyer

Original Model: Tunbridge Wells

15th Place

Stable Name: Cadno

Show Name: CRS Kenya Michaels

Colour: Bay

Breed: Connemara

Make: Copperfox

Original Model: Cadno

16th Place

Stable Name: Leech

Show Name: CRS Giant Leech

Colour: Bay

Breed: Connemara

Make: Breyer

Original Model: Sable Island Horse

17th Place

Stable Name: Della Robbia

Show Name: CRS Christmas Dreams

Colour: Decorator

Breed: Decorator

Make: Breyer

Original Model: Della Robbia

18th Place

Stable Name: Italy

Show Name: CRS The Italian Girl

Colour: Black

Breed: Shire

Make: Breyer

Original Model: Shire and Corgi Set

19th Place

Stable Name: John Henry

Show Name: CRS A League of Their Own

Colour: Bay

Breed: Thoroughbred

Make: Breyer

Original Model: John Henry

20th Place

Stable Name: Patrick

Show Name: CRS The Philosopher's Pupil

Colour: Chestnut

Breed: Irish Draught

Make: Breyer

Original Model: Irish Draught

Which is your favourite of these models? I definitely have a thing for Connemaras!