Real Life Breyer Horses: 2015 Kentucky Derby

This Saturday, 20 of the most promising three year old Thoroughbreds will gather in the gate and gallop towards the finish line in the 141th annual running of the Kentucky Derby. These exciting two minutes have long kept people all around the world on the edge of their seat, and this Saturday is sure to be just as exciting and intense!

Churchill Downs in Louisville Kentucky is the home of the Kentucky Derby and has rolled out the welcome mat for 141 years and welcomed fans from all over the world to come and see their favorite horses and their new favorites to be race for the roses. This 10 furlong race, or 1 1/4 mile, is the first jewel in the Triple Crown of horse racing, consisting of three different races. The Kentucky Derby is among the most prestigious races anywhere in the world and has long been known to capture the attention of even the most casual of racing fans. These exciting two minutes set the precedent for not only 20 horse racing careers but also the entire racing sport for years to come.

This year is filled with favorites and long shots, familiar jockeys, trainers and owners and everything in between. People have been taking bets and making their predictions for weeks now, but if there’s anything we know about the Kentucky Derby, is that anything can happen and even the most unlikely horse can end up in the winners circle.

Do you have a pick for the Kentucky Derby? Saturday is sure to be exciting and who knows, maybe the next winner will make his way into the record books and be on his way into Golden Oak Stables. You never know!

~Stacy

Email Stacy: Stacy@GoldenOakStables.com

Breyer Horse New Releases: Let’s Go Riding-Racing

Spring is here and any horse lover can tell you that tis the season for horse racing in the Bluegrass! Some of the most important races take part over the next few weeks and with those races come the chances for history to be made. Breyer collectors have long had the chance to add famous race horses to their stables, but now you can saddle up in your own silks and gallop off towards the finish line.

Horse racing is often referred to as the sport of kings, but anyone can participate along with a little help from Golden Oak Stables. Dreams of saddling up your own horse and racing against other talented race horses has always been a fantasy for so many! Names like Secretariat, Man O’War and Citation bring up memories of amazing athletes unlike no other, now you can give your models a head start into the history books for themselves.

Let’s Go Riding Racing is the perfect way to start your own horse racing history with everything you’ll need to get yourself into the winners circle. The set begins with a stunning bright chestnut Thoroughbred mare. Her bold coat shimmers and shines as she races towards victory. Her two white socks and small white snip give her a sweet look that is sure to catch attention in the paddock. Her female jockey is decked out head to toe in bold blue and pink silks that accent her chestnut coat in a lovely way. She comes with a set of racing tack all her own and a saddle blanket and face mask that match her jockey’s silks in the same blue and pink satin.

Are you ready for the winner’s circle? Time to load into the gate and head off with Let’s Go Riding Racing!

~Stacy

Email Stacy: Stacy@GoldenOakStables.com

Real Life Breyer Horses: Rolex Three Day Event

The Kentucky Horse Park is beloved by so many Breyer collectors of it’s yearly pilgrimage of collectors all over the world of Breyerfest. There’s another pilgrimage of sort that brings horse lovers of all types to the Kentucky Horse Park a little earlier in the year. One that brings people from all over the world to watch and participate in another kind of horse fan together, the Rolex Three Day Event.

The Rolex Three Day Event, or RK3DE is the pinnacle of eventing for  not only North America but also for the Western Hemisphere! Being the only four star event in either, the RK3DE has a following unlike no other and is beloved by horse lovers all over the world. The event as many know it started unofficially in 1978, when the United States won the right to host the eventing world championships under Bruce Davidson’s masterful ride at Burghley in 1974. Four years later the first world class three day event came to the recently opened Kentucky Horse Park and competitors from all over followed. In the years following it developed into a yearly world class event, finally becoming a four star event in 1998.

Today the Rolex Three Day Event is the largest event held at the Kentucky Horse Park, Breyerfest falls a very close second, and people travel from far and wide to be a part of it. Watching world class athletes compete in such an up close and personal level is something that hardly any other event or venue can provide for just about any horse fan. Visitors get to experience Olympic level competition up close and personal, and see their favorite athletes in person!

Do you have any eventers in your stable? What models from Golden Oak Stables do you think stand a chance at the winner’s circle at the Rolex Three Day Event?

~Stacy

Email Stacy: Stacy@GoldenOakStables.com

Breyer Horse Accessories: Quilted Stable Blanket

Warm weather might be around the corner, or have already arrived, for so many, but horses still need to be kept warm if the weather gets cool. Golden Oak Stables has a myriad of ways to keep your models warm, and safe no matter what time of the year. Even better, there’s a new, and very stylish one, that has just made it’s way in!

Keeping your horse protected with a blanket from the elements and weather is something real horse owners know about all too well. Real horses need to be blanketed in times of bad weather and cold temperatures so that they stay warm and safe both in the pasture and stable. Horses are hardy animals, but require some extra protection as the weather turns poor, and a blanket can often do just the trick.

Just like real horses, Breyer horses sometimes need a little extra protection. Keeping your model dust free and safe from bumping into his neighbor on the shelf is the perfect job for a model horse sized blanket. Blanketing your model can keep your horses clean, dust free and protected from many bumps and bruises. They can also be very stylish, and make any collection light up!

The Quilted Stable Blanket is a wonderful addition to the 2015 Breyer lineup and is as stylish as it is effective. This beautiful blue plaid stripe blanket has been created to look just like the full size counterpart so many real horses wear every day. With green and white accents and bold blue strapping, this blanket is sure to stand out in a crowd. For even more protection, the blanket comes along with a matching full hood, that will protect your model wherever he might need to go.

Do you blanket your model horses? Now is a great time to start!

~Stacy

Email Stacy: Stacy@GoldenOakStables.com

Breyer Horse Riders: Nadia Schooling Rider

Young or old, we all can appreciate the role of schooling when it come to getting experience as an equestrian. Lessons are a vital part of building a bond between horse and rider, and any rider will tell you, that time in the saddle is some of the most important you can spend on horseback. Now, you can add a sweet schooling rider to your stable to help your horses exercise and learn along with creating the fun of your own lesson stable!

Nadia comes to Golden Oak Stables with a bright attitude and a fun demeanor that is perfect for any horse at your barn that might need a little more time with a rider. She’s ready to saddle up and hop on for a trip out to the schooling ring at a moment’s notice and get your horse ready for the next show ahead. She’s also ready to learn a few new skills of her own and is looking for the right horse to teach her the ropes, who in your stable would take on a rider like this?

She’s dressed dapperly in a turtleneck striped long sleeve shirt that will keep her comfortable in almost any weather. Over that she layers a quilted riding vest made of a beautiful metallic material and lined in a beautiful bright pink fabric. A pair of riding jeans keep her casual and comfortable all day long and she isn’t complete without her tall black riding boots and of course, her helmet! Safety first!

Nadia is ready to come to your stable, which horse will you have waiting for her?

~Stacy

Email Stacy: Stacy@GoldenOakStables.com

Breyer Horses Limited Editions: Jubilation Mule

The mule is a breed type all of it’s own and unique as it is beloved. Many equine lovers fondly call the mule their favorite breed with great pride, but they are truly something else. Now, Golden Oak Stables brings you a mule unlike no other that will get your 2015 collecting off to an exciting start with a mule model that is already becoming a collector favorite.

Mules are unlike any other horse in the world, because truly, they are only half horse! Created by crossing a donkey and a horse, mules have found their way into the hearts of so many horse lovers as strong and steady work horses who’s sure-footed nature is unlike any other. These strong and sturdy equines are known all over the world for their work behind a tractor or plow, pulling carts, carrying supplies through rough terrain and for being amazing trail horses. Many mules also have warm spots in their owners hearts as beloved family horses.

New for 2015, Jubilation is a mule that has found his way into collectors hearts already! Created on the beloved Brown Sunshine mold, Jubilation is stunning example of the breed with his bright bay pinto coat. His four high white socks make him flashy and unique and his large white belly spot is sure to stand out anywhere. His bay coat has been shaded in shades that vary from deep red to black, giving him the most beautiful look. He is calmly depicted at a slow walk, giving whoever his rider might be a smooth and steady ride.

Unlike no other, the mule is a breed that is unique as can be, now you can add this unique breed to your stable and get down to some heavy work with it’s help!

~Stacy

Email Stacy: Stacy@GoldenOakStables.com

Breyer Horse Tack: Pack Saddle with Panniers

Ready to head out to the range? Breyer has a new and exciting tack set that is not only beautifully made but a unique addition to your tack room that will have you tacking up for a day out on the trail.

Golden Oak Stables loves to fill your stable with tack and accessories that will excite the imagination! With this fun new set, you can bring the realism of a long trek down the trail to your stable and head on out for a journey! Treking across long trails and difficult terrain is hard for any experienced horse person. Often trail riders choose sure footed mules for these long treks because of their sturdy nature and their rugged ability to navigate rough terrain.

The Pack Saddle with Panniers set will fit the Traditional mule in your stable as well as most other Traditional scale horses in the Breyer lineup. The set starts off with a leather halter and lead rope that will help you guide your horse through the rocky terrain of the trail. A wooden saddle tree that sits on cinching to keep it snug and safe as the road gets rocky. Two canvas panniers attach to the wooden saddle tree to keep all of the camping and treking gear that you might need handy and ready for you to spend your days and nights out on the trail.

Ready to tack up? Your trusty pack mule, or horse, will be ready to tag along with this beautiful set!

~Stacy

Email Stacy: Stacy@GoldenOakStables.com

Breyer Horse Live Showing: What To Bring To A Show

Entering your first model horse show can be intimidating, but with a little preparation you can be as ready as the pros to bring your horses out for a day of friendly competition. The right things at your disposal can help your day move smoothly and give you all the confidence you need to put your horses in the ring.

Planning for the big show day is of course, the most important step in any live show lovers plan. Picking horses might seem like the best way to plan, but also planning for what you might need throughout the day will help you not to stress and to put your horses in the best light possible.

Important Things To Bring:

1. A copy of the live show packet

2. Blank tags in case your model loses one or you want to add a new horse to your show string

3.  Any reference material you will be using for the show or may use including collectors guides and breed books

4. Extra packing material, in case a new horse comes home with you

5. Pens, a notebook, and business cards if you have them, to connect with new friends

6. Sticky Wax, pliers can come in handy for performance showers

7. A bit of acrylic paint and a brush for last minute touch ups

8. Food, snacks and a plan for lunch (Be sure to check out nearby restaurants)

9. A folder to keep any winnings in

10. A special notebook or chart to keep track of all of your placings for the day

Do you have anything in your live show kit that you couldn’t live without? What makes your live show day go smoothly?

~Stacy

Email Stacy: Stacy@GoldenOakStables.com

Breyer Horse Live Showing: Packing For A Show

Model horse showing is one the most exciting aspects of the model horse hobby and beloved by so many collectors from the first time they place a model in the ring. The excitement and fun of a show can make for a great time, but a little preparation can go a far way when it comes to model horse showing, and can make a day far less stressful and much more fun!

As soon as you decide to attend a model horse show, it’s a good idea to print out all of the forms and information and give it a good read over. From there you can take a look at the class list and start planning for which horses you’ll be bringing to the show. Choosing and packing your show string is the most important part of your show preparation and doing it with care can make your show day run seamlessly.

The first thing you will want to do is dust or give a warm water bath to all of your models that are dusty. Models, just like real horses, are expected to be clean and tidy in the ring. Next, take a look at the show rules and see what type of identification your horses will need. Most shows use tags or cards to identify horses on the table. It is very important to follow the instructions fully for tags or cards as this is how a judge will mark your horse’s placings down.

Once you have your horses chosen, cleaned and marked, you’ll want to start packing. Sturdy boxes or plastic totes are great options for transporting, just make sure that your container will travel easily for you. Wrap each model in a soft cloth or Pony Pouch to prevent them from rubbing against the horses next to them, and make sure not to overstuff your container or you’ll risk breakage! Once everyone is snug and well packed, all that’s left to do is wait!

Are you prepared for live showing? Golden Oak Stables has Pony Pouches and a myriad of models to get you started, and with a little prep, you can be in the winner’s circle!

~Stacy

Email Stacy: Stacy@GoldenOakStables.com