To Dance, to Dream

As I was seated on the couch in my hotel room this evening, movement on the terrace below caught my eye. It was a young girl. She was cradling something in her arms and dancing slowly across the tiles.

A model horse!

 Obviously she is a BreyerFest participant with what is probably a new acquisition or else a beloved old favorite. She glided dreamily around, lifting the model horse up, then gathering it to herself for a hug, while swirling around the terrace.

When she gave her pony a kiss on the nose, I felt a kinship and tenderness toward this girl whom I have never met. I, too, know how much you can love a model horse, and how that plastic pony is sometimes a substitute for the real thing, perhaps the closest to owning a horse that girl will ever get.

And I smiled.

BreyerFest 2012 - Friday

BreyerFest opened this morning at 7:00 AM for their open show. People stood in long lines to get in, and sales tents were mobbed. I missed all that. Deliberately. I am perfectly content to stroll in several hours after it opens - there is nothing I want that badly that I'd go camp out in line to get! (Must be gettin' old...)

So, I slept in, got up and worked online and read, and then headed out at noon. Because two major horse shows are being held at Kentucky Horse Park along with BreyerFest, the place was PACKED. I knew this and anticipated parking a long way away and hiking to the entrance. But to my surprise, the park had golf carts ferrying people to and from the parking lot! I ended up on the back bench of one, facing out and with nothing to keep me from slipping off and falling onto the pavement. And the woman who drove it went at a good clip! But hey, it was an adventure and I survived by grabbing onto the sides and holding on for dear life.

I headed straight to the covered arena where the vendors' fair was being held concurrently with demonstrations in the arena. The arena is huge! And, since the theme for BreyerFest this year is British Invasion, naturally the Union Jack is flying.

 The arena is encircled by a concourse. Well, actually it is horseshoe shaped with a stage (where the flag is displayed in this photo) at the end and two entry gates for horses. Seats also line the arena, and then there is a concourse behind the seats for vendors. And it was packed with goodies!

 I go into overload just looking at this photo.

 Stations like this rim the entire arena, and there are thousands of pieces to peruse for sale. (Just for the record, I didn't buy a thing, but if that woodgrain Brahma Bull is still there tomorrow, I will give it a second look!)

Events run all day in the arena. In keeping with the British theme (as well as the Olympics being held in London) there was a fascinator contest. A Breyer horse had to be displayed somehow in the fascinator. 

 I counted 100+ entrants, including at least ten men and boys!

 This gal was spot on in her impression of Princess Beatrice at last year's royal wedding. (Although I doubt there was a Breyer tucked into the real Princess' hat!)

After the fascinator contest we were treated to a medieval jousting demonstration by the men from the TV show, Full Metal Jousting.

What a pretty horse! I could not determine the breed, but it was a very quiet animal. It patiently walked around and around the arena while the host (his rider) spoke to us. He did an excellent job of explaining the sport. I only knew a little about jousting before the demo took place. (Still have a lot to learn.)

 Two men competed against each other and also demonstrated various aspects of the sport. They occasionally handed roses out to audience members, usually choosing a little girl. It was cute to see them ride over to the seats, bend over, and give a rose to a befuddled and suddenly shy child!

After some preliminary activities (ring spearing at a full gallop, spearing a bale of hay painted with a bulls-eye, etc.) the riders prepared to actually joust. I now know why knights had squires - they needed help getting into their full armor! Each knight had two men assist, and because of the big horses, they needed special platforms to stand on. Knights were dressed this way because, once the armor was on, they could barely move - it was stiff and it was heavy.

 Jousting consists of running full tilt at each other with long spears at the ready, and hitting the other knight at full gallop with them. The knights are nearly blind because of their helmets, and have to drop the reins to hold their spears. I cannot imagine riding blind at full tilt and not having any way to control my horse.

The spears used in the demonstration were wooden, and nearly every time they snapped upon impact with a loud CRACK. They made five or six runs at each other, garnering points for each run.

 This poor guy ended up with the hilt of a spear embedded between a joint in his armor on his thigh. I think it must've hurt - it sure looked nasty and I'll bet he got a good bruise where it penetrated his armor.

Next up was a drill team from Kentucky; in fact, they are the Kentucky state champions.

 Nine girls galloping about the arena while riding intricate patterns.

All the while holding a flag as they went. One time in high school, I was asked to carry the flag in a pre-horse show parade around the arena while riding Cee, and then stop and hold it during the Pledge of Allegiance. I had a sling to steady the flag, but controlling a horse and keeping that flag in place was tough. My arms hurt when I was done.

 These girls had my full admiration for being able to do it at a gallop and for a sustained amount of time!

Gypsy Vanner horses were on display next. They're descendants of horses European gypsies used to pull their wagons.

 The lighter horse is a blue sabino two year old filly. She was lovely - her mane, tail, and feathers looked fluffy and soft.

The announcer kept talking about how gentle Gypsy Vanners are, but this one was not an advertisement for his breed. He reared and circled, and his handler kept yanking on the lead rope to control him, causing the horse to throw his head up and back. 

 At one point, I wondered if the horse was going to leap into the stands!

The announcer said we would see eleven Gypsy Vanners, but only eight made it into the ring. This next one kept rearing and causing trouble in the warm-up ring (I could see it from where I was sitting) and actually got loose! It took several minutes to catch him. I think the lady in the dress was supposed to lead him around, but she ended up having a man lead the horse while she trailed behind.

Speaking of trailing behind, just look at that mane and tail! Stunning!

Despite their beautiful looks (and several others in the arena who were behaving well) I am not sure I buy the "gentle giant/friend of children" sort of description of the breed.

At this point, I decided to get some lunch/dinner and head over to the host hotel and wander the room sales. I happened to notice the name of the street that the hotel is on:

 Too funny!

A highlight of the trip was reuniting with my friend, Cindy Neuhaus, and catching up a bit. She lives in St. Louis and her husband went to the University of Illinois. About ten years ago, Cindy developed her own line of china horses. They're really nice, and the one I own won its class yesterday at Breakables (qualifying for NAN.)

Cindy has been experimenting with an ancient Chinese method of firing fine china called "Raku." Each piece is one of a kind. I had wanted one, but wanted to pick it out in person. Here it is (and Cindy, too.)

 We took it outside to see the colors in full sunlight - wow! If you've ever seen a swirl of oil on water in the sun, that's sort of what it looked like. I am really happy with this piece.

For BreyerFest, people throw open their room doors and have sales items all over tables and shelves for sale. You see all kinds of pieces for sale, plus horse books, paintings, jewelry, and things for real horses, too. Plus, you get to meet new people or chat with longtime hobby friends.

Terry Richards (from Rockford, Illinois and Antina's mama) and I had a chance to catch up, too. I bought a woodgrain Jolly Cholly for a rock bottom price from her and a dark red Lady Phase that had belonged to Marney Walerius. When Marney died, Terry was asked to sell her collection, and since I knew Marney, I wanted a piece from her collection (it, too, was rock bottom - $15!)

 The mini horse was included in the price of the ticket and came in a Breyer-blue pouch. (Kathleen Moody, another friend who is also LDS, sculpted it.) I ran into old friends Susan and Gene Taylor and bought a bitty bridle and a saddle pad from them.

I also exchanged the necklace that I'd bought in June at the gift shop in the park - three of the crystals fell out. So I returned it and took a chance on another. I coated the crystals on this one with a layer of clear nail polish - hopefully it will act as an adhesive and keep the crystals intact.

And, believe it or not, I ran into Linda Walters. Good grief, I still have her address memorized from the 1970s! (And it hasn't changed!) She's a very shy, reticent woman, never married, who is nervous around others but dynamite when she writes. She published The Model Horse Journal for years and I eagerly awaited each journal. Every hobbyist subscribed - it was THE connector for all of us, to each other and to the hobby.(No internet back then, and long distance phone calls were costly!) Linda and I used to correspond back and forth, too. 

Linda remembered me, but was too shy for a picture. (I wasn't surprised.) We had a good chat and she gave me her phone number. She still lives with her parents, although they are elderly and need her to care for them. She also operates an antique shop - that's her card in the picture.

I wrapped up the day by chatting with Beth Dickinson for over an hour, continuing our conversation from the previous day at Breakables.

Overall, day two in Kentucky went well. I am tired, but it is a happy tired. Old friends coupled with horses, both real and model, make for a good day.

BreyerFest 2012 - Thursday

After a week of preparation, I left for BreyerFest today. And I left in a pouring (and very welcome) rain.

 So thankful!!

 We are in an extreme drought (two months!) - the corn crop is lost and probably the soybeans, too, so this rain is a blessing, even though it is too late for the farmers.

 My show tubs get preferential seating - no trunk for them! I want them in air conditioning comfort. :D

The rain had actually stopped by the time I reached Indianapolis, but about an hour after I made it to Lexington, the skies cut loose! I sat in my car at the Clarion Holiday Inn North, waiting for it to let up some before bringing my pieces into the show hall.

 Breakables is a show that Breyer sponsors at BreyerFest. It actually was started by hobbyists who wanted a place to show their chinas. Breyer only does a few porcelains and resins, but a few years later, graciously offered to sponsor the show and make it an official part of BreyerFest. I think this is the fourth year Breyer has done so. It has become the largest all-china show in the world.

There are five shows-within-the-show, and I entered three: Americanware, Europeanware, and Original Finish/Cold Cast Porcelain. And, the show was double-judged - halter and collectibility. (Collectibility is my focus in my collection.) My hope was to win a ribbon or two but I did not anticipate doing more than that.

 I felt a little sheepish as I laid out my pieces - they seemed pretty modest in comparison to the other showers' tables. And in attendance were many people who are the biggest names in china collecting: Kristina Lucas Francis (California) and Lesli Kathman (Tennessee) being two of them. Gulp!! Donna Chaney (England) poked her head in to watch a bit (non-exhibitors were not allowed in the show hall) as did Karen Gerhardt (Colorado; the woman who hosted the first Breakables.) And the woman whose table was next to mine was from Puerto Rico -  exhibitors were from all over.

Look who else was there! Beth Dickinson! My penpal since the time I was 12 and she was 10. We are still in contact after all these years. She hails from Pennsylvania. I didn't get pictures, but I sat with Brenda Metcalf and Marilou Mol, and chatted with Liz Strauss and Jackie Arns, too. Lots of long-time hobby friends.

My hopes of winning a ribbon seemed feeble at best but... I wasn't just there for the ribbons. I enjoy collecting, and it is ALWAYS fun to see others' collections!

Like Sue Stewart's, from Texas. This mammoth piece is from Europe. Look how it dwarfs the others on her tables. For perspective, those pieces are traditional Breyer sized.

A view looking from my show table across the exhibit tables. The exhibit tables are in the center of the room, and the shower's tables are on three sides of it. The fourth side had the buffet tables (they provided snacks and a light supper), the silent auction table, and tables to hold the ribbons and awards.

To my surprise, I won the very first class I entered (which was also the first class of the show!) My Hagen-Renaker Sherif won the Arabian Foal class. That qualified him for NAN (the North American Nationals) and a chance at the division championship. (If he won that, he'd be in contention for the Grand Championship of the Americanware show.)

Breakables was an incredibly fast-paced show. Since I was showing in three rings, being organized was a plus and I was grateful that I'd thought ahead and planned my entries well. And to my delight, not only did I win that class, but my pieces won many other ribbons - more than just that one or two I'd hoped for! Because the show was moving so quickly, I gave up recording wins then and there, and simply kept the ribbons and NAN cards with the models when I packed them up. I'll sort them out when I get home and unpack. I know I qualified at least 10 pieces for NAN.

My Performing Misty won her class and was Reserve Champion Pony in Americanware.

But little Sherif was my big winner.

He won Champion Foal in Americanware and then Reserve Grand Champion of the Americanware show! Not bad for a little piece I paid $6 for at an auction! The red porcelain bust was the award for Grand and Reserve. I think it was sculpted by Lesli Kathman. 

The show ran about seven hours. I had thought to stay and wander through the Artisan's Hall or look at the room sales afterward, but I was too tired. So I loaded my car and headed to the DoubleTree Inn and crashed. 

I am still glowing that I did so well.

BreyerFest Bound!

I have packed the tubs for Breakables - looking forward to leaving Thursday morning for Kentucky!

Shrinkies and Oozies

Some documentation from Haynet (the big hobby email group) on shrinkies and oozies. I have one shrinky that I know of - my dapple grey 5 Gaiter - and no oozies. However, whenever someone posts that a particular model in their collection is shrinking or oozing and I have that piece, I go check mine out. From what is listed below, I have the PAF in rose grey, the Rocky, and some Adioses from the era, but after looking them over, none of them are shrinking or oozing. (And I admit  that I did the smell/lick test for the vinegar odor/taste.)

I did notice that my rose grey PAM and PAF are both bigger than their counterparts in other colors and am wondering what that means, if anything. But everyone else, except for the dapple grey 5 Gaiter, are as they should be.

Here is the thread from Haynet:

After over two years of dusting, cataloguing, and conga'ing I have
identified in my collection about 24 (out of 1700) shrinkies. Nearly all of
them are from 1988 (including the complete set of 4 Black Horse Ranch SR
Indian Ponies, and all three glossy alabaster Family Arabs from a vendor
reissue) and a couple from 1990 (including a RR Rugged Lark and a Sears SR
Dapple Grey Lady Phase). I hesitate to try to replace these as I wonder if
the whole darn batch might be bad. They are now in quarantine in my music
room (smells like a salad whenever I walk in there).
> 
> Thought? Comments? Sympathy?
> 
> Adrien Synnott
-------------
Probably going to be a lot more out there from that era. We just received a Black Horse Ranch Indian pony that is also a shrinkie. Buyer did indicate the condition. We had some Adios molds from around those years bought on ebay - turned out some were shrinkies too. Luckily none have been "oozies".
>
> Bette McSparron
> 
-----------


From what I remember, Reeves was using different plastic back then. I remember getting my BHR Indian Ponies and the (was it small world?) Hanoverians and they were different in feel and smell even new. The IP's were greasy feeling. Reeves recalled and replaced the Hanoverians which refused to stand. I sold all of them years ago. I remember some of the Sears/Penneys issues that had that same greasy feel and weird warping to them that I also got rid of.
I have a select few of the models back in my collection, like the alabaster and black hanoverians, but I do keep an eye on them. I have never had an oozie and frankly, don't want one. I am not sure of the chemical reaction taking place in the shrinkies, but in all honesty, I don't want to handle or have models that may be toxic (like the old PVC Barbies that are degrading). If the fumes are that strong, gosh only knows what you are subjecting yourself to on a daily basis.
Pretty ponies or not, something is not right with that plastic.
Lori Ogozalek


-----------


My batch of BHR Indian ponies are "oosies" like crazy -but so far only the
leopard appy is a shrinkie. Adrien, do you have them quarantined because of
the smell, or do you think it might be "catching" ? ;-)

Beth Rappleyea


-----------


Shrinkies and Oozies are both the result of cellulose degradation. The
first sign is the vinegar smell, which is from the acetic acid being
released. This eventually leads to shrinkage and, in more severe cases,
oozing. This has become a serious threat to film collections and is
certainly something that Breyer collectors need to be aware of.

I have noted shrinkage in Breyer models from different eras, but the vast
majority have been among those produced in the late 80's and early 90's.
Several, but not all, of my models produced in that timeframe have shrunk.
Two of my three BHR PAS's are noticeably shorter, as are my leopard appy
Fighting Stallion and dapple grey Five Gaiter. I also have a rose grey PAF
that developed a sticky feel to it. My most severe case is a buckskin
"Rocky" POA... an oozie.

Unfortunately there is no way to reverse the degradation process. The best
way to prevent, or at least slow the process, is to display models on
shelves in cool, dry conditions. Heat and moisture will trigger the
process, and enclosed conditions will accelerate it. That's what happened
to my POA... it was bagged and stored in a hot storage building. If you
MUST store your models, check them often and be aware of the vinegar smell.

I don't think it's contagious because other models which have stood next to
my shrinkies for years are fine.

Penny Lehew

HR Nativity Mule

Another model that I ordered from Gerry Bowman was the HR Nativity Donkey. It is TINY; perhaps Mini Whinnies sized. I paid $16.00 for him, so I was surprised at his size.

He arrived in the box with the golden HRs yesterday.

Gold Hagen Renakers

I bought some very unusual Hagen Renakers this week from Gerry Bowman. I had seen them on her website for a while, but not really thought about buying them. Last week I decided to investigate them, and wrote Gerry an email asking if they were factory made HRs or customs. She responded,

From: Gerry Bowman <gerry.littleshoppe@gmail.com>
To: Lynn Isenbarger <lisenbarger8@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, July 2, 2012 10:59 AM
Subject: Re: Question

Hi Lynn,

Yes, they are HRs.  They are painted with 14 karat gold, and done at the factory.  I only ordered a few of each piece, and when I did gold was $500 an ounce.  We cannot make anymore because of the price of gold now, they would be 4 times the cost.  I do not advertise them anywhere, because I just have a few left.

They are very "cool" and rather rare because there are so few.

Hope this helps,

Thanks and take care,
Gerry

 These are the three I bought. 

The Golden Arabian in the front was $17.50, the Golden Seabiscuit (back right) cost $18.50, and I paid $25.00 for Running Horse Three.

Two had bases; the Running Horse Three did not. I wonder why?

They're part of the Feng Shui page:

Feng Shui pronounced fung schway. Feng Shui is an ancient art of arranging your surroundings to attract positive life energy so that it flows smoothly, unblocking any obstructions in your body and environment. Feng Shui evolved from the theory that people are affected for better or worse by their surroundings.

The symbolism of Feng Shui presented in the exquisite workmanship of the lovely Hagen Renaker Miniatures. Little-Shoppe Miniatures Product List HR Horses Feng Shui Contact Us Email Us Miniatures to Create Wealth The Horse of Success is depicted in a dominant stance, with two front hoofs swung in mid-air which denotes to ultimate power and glory! The Horse is a strong Feng Shui symbol of agressive wealth accumulation as well as authority, status and strength. This Feng Shui animal makes a perfect decor item for career men and women, as well as those who seek more wealth luck. Golden Skywalker - FS32841 -- $42.50 Golden Arabian FS20491 -- $17.50 Full of spirit, strength and vitality, the horse represents nobility, speed and endurance. Golden Seabiscuit FS40051 -- $18.50 Golden Pony Colt FS3360 -- $19.75 Golden Stallion FS33491 -- $21.50 Golden Colt SOLD OUT Running Horse One FS3357-1 $25.00 Running Horse Two FS3357-2 $25.00 Running Horse Three FS3357-3 $25.00 Friendship and loyalty are symbolized by Man's Best Friend. Golden Greyhound FS33431 -- $20.00 Golden Poodle FS821 -- $18.00 Golden Afghan FS30631 -- $20.00 The hen laying golden eggs signifies surprisingly outstanding yield in your endeavours such as business pursuits, career, sales and even your personal wishes such as getting a great spouse. It is also a good representation of riches and abundance. This hen is especially recommended to be placed in the West of your office, bedroom or living room to bring you plenty of outstanding opportunities. Hen w/ Golden Eggs -- FS40031 -- SOLD OUT The rooster brings good fortune and joyful events in Feng Shui. Although it is not a bird of threat, but it is its character that made it useful in feng shui. It has a strong, abled, confident and protective character. Golden Rooster -- FS2039 -- $16.25 Golden Beckoning Cat FS40041 -- $15.00 Wealth cats are often seen in restaurants and shops in Chinatown. It is a must for those in business to bring in more customers and sales. It attracts money luck, business, prosperity and opportunities. Its paws beckoning signifies wealth arriving. This item is extremely suitable to be placed at your work desk for salespersons, or living rooms or at cashier. Golden Sitting Cat FS33291 -- $14.00 Elephants bring you descendant luck, good governance for executives and protection for their owners. They also take away troubles and is a protective symbol. They are used to represent loyalty, wisdom, longevity and elegance. They are symbols of good luck and excellent fortune. Golden Elephant -- SOLD OUT Golden Mama Deer FS2022 -- $16.50 The Deer is synonymous with wealth and job income. The Chinese word Deer is pronounced as Lu, which sounds like wealth. The Chinese God of longevity is seen accompanied by a deer to symbolize the trinity blessings of good fortune, wealth and longevity. Golden Papa Deer FS1891 -- $17.50 The turtle produces wonderful results to enhance career luck, longevity and health, wealth luck, family luck and education luck. Golden Turtle -- FS33211 -- $10.75 Money Frog became the holy creature that protects against misfortune and promises to bring to any household bigger enrichment in wealth. We're talking about creating abundance in wealth for serious Feng Shui practitioners. Golden Frog -- SOLD OUT Sometimes the Money Frog will have a throne on its head to signify its king's authority of creating wealth. Money Frog became the holy creature that protects against misfortune and promises to bring to any household bigger enrichment in wealth. We're talking about creating abundance in wealth for serious Feng Shui practitioners. Golden King Frog -- FS3442K -- $11.75 Symbols of fertility for those who are wishing for babies in their lives, also bring luxury and financial security to children and mother. The pig brings extremely good fortune to households and its presence signifies prosperity, wealth, abundance, fertility and reasonable success in all affairs. This item is targeted for those who intend to gain smoothness in acquisition of wealth and abundance. It would also bring you the good possibility of a big fat salary for those seeking for a new career. Golden Pig -- FS8471 -- $13.50 The crab represents speed, agility and quicksilver thinking. Its quite scary-looking pincers is brute strength and vigor personified, while its sideways skittle shows the crab's cunning, manipulative strategist side. For anyone in the midst of career success or scholarly pursuits. This item should be placed on a work desk. Golden Crab -- FS33621 -- $13.50 Dolphins are magical creatures. Their energy will lift you out of a stuck mental condition and inspire you to change your life. They help you to think more freely and creatively. Tap into the power of the Dolphin. Place these Dolphins in your entrance or in the children and creativity area. They can also be placed in your office to help you out. Golden Dolphin -- FS9651 -- $13.50 Fish represent success and keeping them in a pond or aquarium is said to bring good luck. Symbols of fish or artwork containing fish may be placed in the study or office to bring success and good fortune in business. Golden Koi -- FS3377 -- $9.75 The turtle is the symbol for long life and the baby turtle is the symbol of new beginnings and good luck for your decendents and your children. A sweet combination of Hagen Renaker Miniatures. Mama & Baby Turtle -- FS3321 -- $12.50 "Su" Chinese Girl FS5001 -- $80.00 Creativity and children live together in the same part of your home (according to feng shui) because they share the same energies. Creative people and children are both free to express themselves, no matter what other people may think. And when they are around, fun is always nearby. "Le" Chinese Boy FS5002 -- $80.00