Horse Illustrated Magazine

PEQUANNOCK, NJ — BreyerFest: Against All Odds spotlights heroic horses and horsepeople with tales of triumph over adversity who have defied expectations and difficulties to become real-life stories of equine empowerment. Now in its 35th year, BreyerFest will take place July 12-14, 2024 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington – and online – with a robust virtual broadcast you won’t want to miss!

From Celebration Horse Athenian Lady, the one-time neglected rescue who made her name with multiple World Championship titles, to Alan A Day’s Work, a jumping mule who proved his mettle at horse shows, to virtual guest Blue Zeus, a blue roan Mustang who once roamed Wyoming’s Red Desert, fans will be inspired by unique stories of the hundreds of horses attending BreyerFest for meet-and-greets, photo ops, autograph sessions, equine entertainment, and demonstrations.

North Carolina-based Amanda Delgado was overwhelmed when she received an email from Breyer about her mare Athenian Lady. Hearing that Breyer thought Athena’s transformation made her the ideal candidate for Against All Odds’ Celebration Horse rendered her speechless. “I just started crying. It was surreal,” said Delgado, who is thrilled to share Athena’s courageous story with BreyerFest attendees.

From live horse demonstrations and autograph sessions to horse and human special guests, Against All Odds promises memory-making moments for a lifetime. Get to know rare Swedish Gotland Ponies from the largest herd on the continent. “So few rare breeds have success stories,” said Leslie Bebensee, whose Kokovoko Farm in Kentucky is home to 27 Gotland Ponies.

Special guests, such as Lauren Reischer, 25, who was born with Cerebral Palsy, will share their transformative journeys with horses. As Director of Development at Special Olympics New York (SONY), Reischer raised money to help create the Summer Show Series for the program’s equestrian athletes. Reischer still spearheads the SONY equestrian program, cultivating the next class of riders with disabilities. A Board Member of GallopNYC, the therapeutic riding organization where she learned to ride, Reischer personifies triumph over adversity.

“BreyerFest showcases the best of the horse world, and we’re honored to spotlight guests that are so inspirational for our 35th anniversary,” said Jaime Potkalesky, Breyer’s Director of Events. “There is so much to see and do for horse lovers, and for families who want to enjoy a fun-filled weekend in the country. BreyerFest welcomes people of all ages.”

On Friday and Saturday nights, the spotlight will shine on BreyerFest’s Celebration of Horses equestrian spectacle, produced by Sylvia Zerbini and featuring a dazzling cast of talent, including special guest Guy McLean of Australia. Included with all tickets, virtual attendees can livestream the show from the anywhere in the world.

Ever-popular returning attractions include workshops, seminars, free Stablemates model painting, live music, model horse shows, a kid’s jump competition and select films from the EQUUS Film Festival. DockDogs are back for an encore, with a lineup of eager canines that love to run, jump, and swim. Get your running shoes on for BreyerFest’s Never Say Neigh-ver 5K on Sunday morning, July 14th.  Limited edition Breyer models and more will be available for purchase, and the Vendor Marketplace will feature additional equestrian artwork, books, clothing and more.

The choice is yours! Attend BreyerFest in-person at Kentucky Horse Park or online at BreyerHorses.com. Tune into virtual content —live or on your own time—and feel like you’re there in Kentucky. All online ticket holders can access BreyerFest seminars and shopping—Virtual Marketplace and Virtual Artisans’ Gallery included—plus the evening Celebration of Horses show. Recorded seminars will be available to view again after BreyerFest weekend into the summer.

So saddle up and shop your tickets! They’re just a click away . . .

◆ BreyerFest 2024 Tickets

◆ A Preview of BreyerFest Guest Horses

◆ Special Guests

— Edited Press Release

About BreyerFest® 

Now in its 34th year, BreyerFest is a 3-day equine extravaganza bringing more than 30,000 fans together with 300+ live horses and thousands of model horses at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington each July. From model horse shows and hands-on workshops, to real horse demonstrations and equine celebrities, BreyerFest is the hub of the model horse hobbyist world—where creative animal lovers of all ages celebrate their passion. A hybrid event with online ticket options, enthusiasts from over 100 countries now livestream BreyerFest virtually from everywhere in the world. 

Discover everything straight From the Horse’s Mouth in the BreyerFest First Timer’s Guide, also available for Virtual First Timers.

About Breyer Animal Creations® 

One of America’s most iconic toy brands, Breyer Animal Creations is a division of Reeves International, Inc., a family-owned, NJ-based toy manufacturer and distributor that took home the nation’s Horse Industry Vision Award in 2021.  Celebrating its 73rd anniversary in 2023, Breyer has championed the horse and animals for decades. Breyer’s dedication to creating authentic, realistic model horses for play and collecting inspires a vibrant, devoted international community that considers Breyer far more than a brand. 

Learn more at www.BreyerHorses.com. 

Thanks to CareCredit for our 2024 equestrian coverage.