This article provides a guide to the scale sizes of Breyer model horse toys.
Breyer is the most popular and best selling brand of miniature horse toy figures. Breyer model horses are available in a range of five different sizes. All five sizes are accurately scaled to the average size of the real horse breeds that each one represents.
The largest size is known as the traditional size. This size is 1:9 scale and is approximately twelve inches long by nine inches tall. It is the most popular size of Breyer horse toys by far; in fact, many new releases and special tack accessories are available only in this scale. It makes sense that collectors would gravitate towards this larger size because the closer the models are to actual size the easier it is to see and appreciate the beauty of the horses athletic bodies and flowing manes. Hobbyists want their models to be adored and appreciated and that is much more likely to happen with larger, more visible models.
The next largest size is known as the classic size. This size 1:12 scale, also known as the dollhouse scale, and is approximately nine inches by six inches. Accessories and tack are available for this size, but not as much as the traditional size. Like the Traditional size, there is a great selection Breyer model horses in the Classic size. While more hobbyists collect the Traditional size, Classic is also very popular. The slightly smaller size has the advantage of being able to display these models in smaller spaces. It also helps when it comes to storing them away or transporting them. The trade-off is the smaller the horse the less visible the finer details.
The middle size is known as Paddock Pals. Paddock Pals are 1:24 scale and are approximately six inches long by five inches tall. Single horses and play sets with riders and removable tack are available in this size. Paddock Pals are popular horse toys that promote pretend play with attractive, colorful play sets. This is a great place for young horse lovers to start collecting their favorite breeds.
The second-smallest size is known as Stablemates. Stablemates are 1:32 scale and are approximately 4 inches long by 3 inches tall. Horse and rider sets, horse and foal sets, and play sets are available in this size.
The smallest size is known as Mini Whinnies. Mini Whinnies are 1:64 scale and are merely one and a half inches by one and a half inches. A variety of Breyer model horse sets are sold in this size. These smaller sized horses are mostly used as kids horse toys and are not usually sought after by collectors. The main benefit of this small size is they are very affordable. In fact, you can purchase these horses in sets of 4 or more horses for even bigger savings.
Regardless of what size Breyer model horse you prefer, hobbyists enjoy owning, trading, buying, selling, collecting, exhibiting, photographing, re-making and repainting their model horses and horse toys. Once you have chosen the size, series, and year of model horses that you wish to collect, you are ready to go find your first horse and start enjoying the hobby.
Click here to download our free horse toys guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.
So you love model horses and those awesome Breyer horses have won your heart with their realism and beauty. If you want to begin a collection, here are five ideas to help get you started.
1. Choose a theme for your collection of Breyer horses. There are many options out there. Choose a breed or color, or even the year the models were produced. Whatever it is, with this selection made, you will be well on your way to a specialized and really interesting collection, rather than a random assortment. Try to make sure it is not so narrow as to allow you no room for expansion. Perhaps “draft horses” might be a better theme than “black Percheron stallions”, which is so highly specific that you may find yourself with a complete collection with just one item. Don’t forget about accessory items as well. These help you display your beautiful collection in realistic settings.
2. Let others know of your interests. Talk about why you’ve chosen to collect this special color, or unique model year. Friends and family will enjoy hearing a few interesting facts (don’t bore them with long-winded details, though!), and with this knowledge, they will probably keep your collecting theme goals in mind if they decide to purchase a special gift for you. This prevents well-meaning givers from bestowing a beautiful Arabian when your collection is focused on draft horses, for instance.
3. Join a hobby club. This is a great place where you can “talk shop” in detail for long periods and no one minds in the least. Other hobbyists will have some great stories to share as well. You will get to see some really cool collections assembled by experienced collectors. At a club, you’ll learn where to find great model horses, how best to display your collection of Breyer horses, and what events are absolutely you-don’t-want-to-miss-it opportunities.
4. Subscribe to a model horses collector’s magazine, or better yet, the official newsletter published for Breyer horses. This is a great way to learn fun facts and stay up-to-date on the latest deals. You can also find collector’s forums online.
5. If you are seeking special deals or searching for rarer pieces, try to frequent small, little-known places, as well as bigger stores. Go into shops that you wouldn’t expect to carry model horses. You’d be amazed at what turns up at yard sales and second hand clothes stores. You can also search the internet for your special model horses.
Once you’ve built up your collection of Breyer horses, it’s time to show off. There are many ways to do this. You could, of course turn your house into a series of museum exhibits and charge admission at the front door of your home. But if you are not ready for such a major step, there are still great opportunities out there. For instance, you can participate in photography contests and compete with other collectors for the most realistic pose (this is where all those cool accessory items really come in handy). Or you can exhibit your collection at shows and advance through various levels of competition right up to the North American Nationals.
Click here to download our free model horses guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.
