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!
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