PEQUANNOCK, NJ — From equine stars to “pony cars,” BreyerFest: DRIVING FORWARD is the fast track to family fun with something for everyone. The annual celebration returns to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, July 14-16, 2023. A mecca for Breyer model horses, the real horses that inspire them, and horses lovers of every age, BreyerFest’s unique “hybrid” format—attend in-person or virtually online—gives fans anywhere in the world the chance to experience the 3-day jam-packed event.

BreyerFest 2023’s theme, Driving Forward, is a tribute to how horses have shaped human history. From the days of charging chariots to journeys aboard a clanking chuckwagon, from leisurely drives along country roads to a thrilling, sleek sulky racing around a track, horses have driven us forward. This year’s Celebration Horse, international Combined Driving superstar Bravour 54, is the bay KWPN gelding who helped make owner Misdee Wrigley Miller the first woman to win Gold in Combined Driving at 2018’s World Equestrian Games. As part of her four-in-hand team, they earned the United States its first Gold Medal in the sport. Meet them and other celebrity horses at BreyerFest!

Whether you attend BreyerFest in-person or virtually, keep From the Horse’s Mouth handy. This First Timer’s Guide is a must read for everyone—the portal to all that’s happening! A guide to the in-person event and a guide to the online event are both available.

From the live horse demonstrations—see an American Sugarbush Harlequin Draft (What’s that? Find out!)—to meet-and-greet sessions with equine stars, there are photo ops abound. Take selfies with a rare Norwegian Fjord reminiscent of Sweetwater’s Zorah Belle (aka “Zoobie”), the first Fjord to represent the USA in any discipline. Now a Breyer model horse, Zoobie competed in the 2019 FEI Combined Driving Pony World Championships in Hungary.

BreyerFest is a bonanza of workshops, seminars, and contests (enter your diorama!). The cherished fan-favorite Breyer model horse shows have classes for kids to adults—even novices! Just sharing a moment painting a Stablemates model in the Craft & Activity tent on-site together with other guests imbues a special meaning to a perk included with every ticket.

Then, grab a seat for Friday and Saturday evening’s spellbinding Celebration of Horses spectacle in the Alltech Arena, produced and directed exclusively for Breyer by the world-famous Sylvia Zerbini, who again stars with her liberty horses and a dazzling cast of talent. Virtual attendees can watch it livestream both Friday and Saturday. Fun fact! Over 30,000 people come to the Kentucky Horse Park to experience BreyerFest in-person. Online, ticket holders from more than 100 countries attend virtually—a production feat Breyer first pioneered in 2020. BreyerFest’s online event is hosted by the beloved Kimber Goodwin.

“Our company is committed to visioning the horse world in timeless ways as we embrace new generations and old,” said Breyer’s Vice President, Marketing, Stephanie Macejko, who personally greets BreyerFest fans at Kentucky Horse Park’s front gate on opening day—often from the back of a horse. Her words have clout. Breyer won the nation’s Horse Industry Vision Award in 2021.

The ultimate family fest, Breyer’s gateway to horses holds endless intrigue. Yes, someone did say “Pony Cars!”  This July’s BreyerFest will delight the “alternate horsepower” enthusiasts of the family with a first-time car show featuring Ford Mustangs®, Pony Cars, and trucks! Ever-popular are returning attractions like select films from EQUUS Film Festival and Sunday morning’s BreyerFest 5K—the Sulky Sprint—happening in-person and virtually. No one ever leaves BreyerFest empty-handed with the shopping opportunities galore! All Limited Edition models, warehouse finds, BreyerFest merchandise and Breyer regular line products will be available at each BreyerFest Store location throughout the park.

DockDogs fans are in for a treat. Those incredible canines that love to run, jump, and swim are an added attraction this year. Meanwhile, music lovers will be tapping their feet to the sounds of top local bands, which change daily.

July 14-16th is trotting toward you! Attend BreyerFest in-person at Kentucky Horse Park AND online at BreyerHorses.com.

Considering online? Tune in to content—live or on your own time—and feel like you’re there at the Kentucky Horse Park. From live broadcasts with guest horse owners, hobbyists, and fans to the all-day coverage of equine demonstrations in the Covered Arena, you can enjoy the best of BreyerFest from the comfort of your home.  All online ticket holders get access to BreyerFest seminars and shopping—Virtual Marketplace and Virtual Artisans’ Gallery included—plus the evening Celebration of Horses show.

Giddy up and get your BreyerFest tickets!

◆ On-site tickets for the Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington: $30-$90
◆ Virtual tickets, for anywhere on Planet Earth: $25-$65

Check out a sneak peak of the guest horses.

— 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. 

The post BreyerFest®: Driving Forward is July 14-16 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The U.S. Children’s Team and the U.S. Junior Jumping Teams were led by Chef d’Equipe DiAnn Langer, while the two U.S. Young Rider Jumping Teams were led by Anne Kursinski.

“We really look forward to this team event here at Deeridge and the Palm Beach Masters. The sponsorship that goes on at this event is just phenomenal,” said Langer.

“I’m very proud of both of these teams. Everyone rode great, and the horses are fantastic. This competition is able to give them this team experience, which we unfortunately don’t have as much access to team competition like they do in Europe at this age, so the focus here is to give them this opportunity, which is really exciting,” said Kursinski.

U.S. Children’s Jumping Team

The U.S. Children’s Jumping Team came out on top as they faced three competitive teams in the Palm Beach Masters $3,500 Bainbridge Children’s Team competition. With a score of eight faults after the first round, the team of Stephanie Garrett, of Wellington, Fla.; Brooks Hull, of North Fort Myers, Fla.; Sara Pezza, of Newburgh, N.Y.; and Laurel Walker of Dallas, Texas, entered the second round tied for second with two other teams.

Known as the “American Eagles” team during the competition, Pezza rode a clear in the second round on Dundalk, Elan Farm’s 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding. “My [first] round was challenging, but it was good to be able to go back in for the second round and do better,” said Pezza.

Walker also rode a clear aboard Biaggi, her 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, in the second round. “It’s such a new experience to be on a team and have to work together,” said Walker. “To be around riders like Brian Moggre and Beezie Madden, who I’ve looked up to for years, is just amazing.”

Garrett aboard Fani Puigroq, Postage Stamp Farm, LLC’s 13-year-old Warmblood mare, had a rail. “I’ve looked up to so many people who have come here for this competition, and it’s amazing to feel like we’re do the same thing and competing as team just like they are,” she said.

Hull aboard Gorky, Audrey Robison’s 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, also had one rail. “I was really glad to have the opportunity because it is a building block for my bigger dreams and goals,” said Hull. “It’s really going to help me in the long run.”

“Our Children’s team [athletes] from the past few years all aged out this year, so [this is] a brand new group coming on,” said Langer. “For them to step up and jump this height at this time in their career is amazing. I’m so proud of them, and their parents for getting them here, and their trainers for making it happen. I can’t tell you how proud we are of them and how excited for the future with them.”

Full Results

U.S. Junior Jumping Team

Two U.S. Junior Jumping Teams took to the ring to compete in the $8,000 Junior Team Competition against four other teams and won the gold and silver medals. The top-placing “Star Spangled” team of Virginia Bonnie, of Upperville, Va.; Mimi Gochman, of New York, N.Y.; Hallie Grimes of Houston, Texas; and Siena Vasan, of Upperville, Va., accumulated eight faults and held the second-place position heading into the final round.

The following combinations put in double-clear performances in the second round:
– Grimes aboard Leasure Z, Can We Keep It? LLC’s 13-year-old Zangersheide stallion;
– Vasan aboard Tokyo d’Ellipse, Palm Ponies LLC’s 13-year-old Selle Francais gelding; and
– Gochman aboard Street Hassle BH, Gochman Sport Horse LLC’s 14-year-old Selle Francais gelding.

Gochman said it was a huge privilege to be picked for this team. “Stevie jumped amazing!” she said. “He always tries his best and is game for anything. I’ve been with him for three years now and we’re a good couple.”

Grimes had just lost her grandmother, so it was a tougher week for her. “But the team really rallied behind me, and I know she was up there rooting for me,” she said. “Competing on a team adds a whole new dynamic to this sport, and I am so excited to have this experience and hopefully represent the U.S. in future competitions.”

Vasan said her horse was just phenomenal. “He just came off of a break and for him to come out and jump a four and clear for me is just amazing–he just tried his heart out,” she added. “I really enjoyed all the comradery with the girls and getting to be a part of this week.”

Bonnie and Efodea, Nina Bonnie’s 11-year-old KWPN mare, also put in a strong showing, jumping clear and adding one time fault for the drop score. The “Star Spangled” team finished on a score of eight faults.

“It’s such an honor to participate on a team here and get to know all the other kids,” she said. “It’s a different animal than the normal, everyday showing. It’s a really great thing to experience when we’re so young.”

“We were so privileged to be able to field two [junior] teams this year, and this team is just extraordinary,” said Langer. “They are such a great group of riders, and they have a big future in front of them. The experience they are getting is priceless, and I look to see all of them on a senior team in the next few years.”

The U.S. also brought home second place with the “Stars and Stripes” team of Kathryn Hall, of Versailles, Ky.; Maggie Kehring, of Woodside, Calif.; Violet Lindemann Barnett, of San Francisco, Calif.; and Madison Rauschenbach of Newburgh, N.Y.; finishing on a final score of ten faults.

After accruing just five faults as a team in the first round, Barnett rode It’s Real Love vd Smis Z, Sloan Lindemann Barnett’s 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare, to jump double-clear.

Hall, aboard All In 9, her 12-year-old Holsteiner mare, jumped clear with just one time fault. Kehring and Cole Haan—the Kehring Family’s 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding—and Rauschenbach and Gillette B—her nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare—put in strong efforts in the second round with an unlucky rail for both.

Full Results

U.S. Young Rider Jumping Team

Both U.S. Young Rider Jumping teams produced strong performances during the $10,000 Enviro Equine Young Riders Team competition to ultimately secure first and second place in the class, respectively. The winning “Stars and Stripes” team featured quality rounds from Natalie Dean, of Palo Alto, Calif.; Isabella Russekoff, of Greenwich, CT; Coco Fath, of Fairfield, CT; and Sophie Gochman, of New York, NY.

Dean and Maestro Vica van de Ark, an eight-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by Marigold Sporthorses, LLC, led off the team effort, producing a clear round, and setting a strong tone for their teammates to follow.

“It’s really fun to be able to ride on a team and cheer your teammates on,” said Dean. “I knew Sophie because we competed in Belgium together this past fall, but I didn’t know Coco or Isabella that well at the beginning of this week. It was really fun to get to know them and then ultimately be there cheering each other on and to get the win.”

Russekoff guided Balou’s Fly High, a 13-year-old Oldenburg stallion owned by Suave Pony, LLC, to the team’s second clear round of the day, keeping them ahead of their fellow U.S. competitors and the Canadian team also vying for a solid finish.

“I love rooting for everyone on the team and being a part of that atmosphere,” she said. “It makes you want it more when you’re competing as part of a team.”

Fath piloted Exotic Sitte, a 10-year-old Belgian Sport Horse gelding owned by Coco Fath & Hillside Farm LLC, to the team’s third clear-round effort in the first round, ultimately allowing for her teammate, Gochman and Carola BH, a 2007 KWPN mare owned by Gochman Sport Horses LLC, to forgo contesting the first round track, as the team moved forward to the second round on a score of zero.

“This course really felt like a team competition course,” said Fath. “I thought there were a lot of elements that would typically be asked during a team competition, which is really exciting. I was also looking to make the time because it’s something that’s been a struggle of mine, and my horse was incredible. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

The U.S. Young Rider “Stars and Stripes” team ultimately captured the win after Dean produced a second double-clear effort in the final round, followed by Russekof and Fath, who both concluded the competition with a rail apiece to finish on a team total of eight faults. With their victory sealed on their final score of eight faults, Gochman also did not need to contest the second round.

“I love anchoring–it’s super fun,” said Gochman. “It is actually kind of stressful to watch my teammates go. In my last two team competitions, I haven’t ended up needing to ride, which is actually great because it means that I am part of a really great team. It’s just a huge honor to be asked to represent your country on a team like this.”

“I think they all have a very big future for sure, and this is only just the beginning,” said Chef d’Equipe Anne Kursinski. “I want to thank the sponsors, Deeridge Farms, and the Jacob’s family for hosting this competition here. It’s an incredible opportunity. I think all of these riders have very bright futures and have the talent and drive to go as far as they want to go.”

The U.S. Young Rider “Star Spangled” Team featured solid rounds from Emma Catherine Reichow, of Menlo Park, Calif.; Alexandra Pielet of Highland Park, Ill.; Alessandra Volpi, of Woodside, Calif.; and Daisy Farish, of Versailles, Ky..

Reichow and her own Forever Alve, a 10-year-old KWPN mare, were the first combination in the ring for the team and added only four faults to their score. Pielet rode Helene VE, a 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare owned by Co-Pielet, LLC, as the second pair on course, and produced the team’s first clear round effort.

Volpi and Taiwan du Landey, a 13-year-old Selle Francais gelding she co-owns with Michelangelo Volpi, followed Pielet’s efforts and crossed through the timers with the team’s second clear round in hand. Farish and her longtime partner, Great White, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Farish, had a single rail down as the anchor combination, moving the team into the second round on four faults. Reichow, Pielet, and Volpi each added four faults to their second-round scores, while Farish produced a double clear effort for the team to finish on a total of 12 faults for second place overall.

Full Results

Stay up to date on the U.S. Young Rider Jumping Team, Junior Jumping Team, and Children’s Jumping Team by following USA Jumping on Facebook and Instagram. Use #USAJumping, #FEINationsCup, and #PBM2020.

Further Reading

• U.S. Junior Team Takes Bronze at FEI Jumping Junior Nations Cup™ Tianjin CSIOJ in China

The post U.S. Youth Teams Sweep Top Podiums for Second Consecutive Year in Palm Beach Masters CSI Team Show Jumping Competition appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.