Almost wordless Wednesday

The High Flying Haflingers drill team was one of the featured acts at this year's BreyerFest. Most people saw them ride in the Covered Arena, but I was fortunate enough to see them at the Breed Barn, as well. Here are a few of my pictures from that performance. Enjoy!

Parade of drafts

While I was at BreyerFest, I took in two separate showings of the Kentucky Horse Park's Parade of Breeds, both of which were heavily focused on draft horses.

I'm not a big draft horse fan, but I still enjoyed both shows. This was the first time I'd ever seen an American Cream...

love those eyes!... 

or a Suffolk Punch.

This mare was as broad as she was tall.

She was ridden bareback with a driving bridle. I'm sure this was because there are no saddles that fit her unique physique!

The Clydesdale was also exhibited bareback.

I don't usually think draft horses are cute, but this one was. Look at that face. So cheeky!

The Belgian was exhibited in hand.

He was a really tall boy and new to the Parade of Breeds.

He did great. 

I'm always on the lookout for new performance ideas and tack reference pictures, so I sat up and took notice when this Percheron trotted into the ring.  

He wore the kind of  medieval costume that is not authentic but popular at exhibitions and festivals.

I have a galloping draft that I like to show in performance. 

I've always wanted to make him a costume like this, but his big mane is a significant obstacle.

The Shire also wore a fun costume...

 but again, it included a full neck piece.

There's no way to fit that over a big, flowing mane.

But then...

I saw the Shire's second costume. 

 This one is perfect for Liam. Woo hoo!

Because I am still a horse crazy, ten year old at heart, I will always love the Parade of Breeds. I'm really glad I got to experience it again (twice!). Thank you, BreyerFest!

NaMoPaiMo needs you

On Friday, Fabian and I drove to Elizabeth, Colorado to visit a dear friend who is no longer a part of the model horse hobby. 

NaMoPaiMo came up during our conversation, and even though I had not intended for this to be a donation gathering mission, I left Jane's house with a box full of prizes.

Breyer body assortment donated by Jane Schneider

I did the same thing to my BreyerFest roommate.

Medallion assortment donated by Sandra Gibson

Apparently, I have no self control when it comes to hustling my friends for a good cause.

Donated by Sandra Gibson

I consider my readers to be my friends, so today I'm asking everyone to consider donating to NaMoPaiMo

Resin donated by Zane Lahdenranta

I am primarily looking for hobby related paint-ables, such as resins... 

Marwari Unicorn resin sculpted and donated by Airen Chandler

and medallions.

Van Gogh medallion, sculpted exclusively for NaMoPaiMo by Kylee Parks

However, I'm also accepting other nice horse related prizes.

Horse coloring book by Christina Riley

Love these!

Tote bags donated by Ondřej Moučka

If you are interested in donating, please get in touch with me at NaMoPaiMo@gmail.com. I want this to be the biggest and best hobby happening of the year, and I can't do it without help!

Delayed gratification

One of my BreyerFest shopping goals was to buy a nice, painted resin by an artist whose work I didn't yet own. For various reasons, that didn't happen.

So, I saved my pennies and waited.

And waited and waited.

Several months later, Kristen Cermele posted pictures of her in-progress Lynn Fraley Adderly pony. Just like that, I knew I had found my BreyerFest pony.

Beep came home yesterday.

She is as cute... 

as she is spotty. 

I am absolutely delighted with her. 

Thank you so much, Kristen, for fulfilling (finally!) my BreyerFest wishlist.

NaMoPaiMo is coming

Tomorrow is the first day of December, which means NaMoPaiMo is only two months away.

NaMoPaiMo 2017 was a big success, but I expect 2018 to be even better, with more painters, more ponies and more prizes... including this amazing limited edition medallion!

"Van Gogh" was sculpted exclusively for NaMoPaiMo...

by none other than Kylee Parks.

The majority of the Van Gogh medallions will be awarded to event participants who best exemplify the spirit of NaMoPaiMo. However, I will also be selling a small number of painted pieces by some of the hobby's best finishwork artists. All proceeds will benefit NaMoPaiMo, of course!

Thank you, Kylee, and congratulations! You are the first champion of NaMoPaiMo 2018!