Stablemate painting party

In its own way, BreyerWest is a model horse painting party. 

Tara and Heather Jackson-Lain

The Stablemate painting booth is open all day every day, and by the end of the weekend, hundreds of people have painted hundreds of model horses.

photo by Heather Malone

And some of these horses are shockingly good.

model by Maggie Bennett

Last year, the powers that be created the first ever BreyerWest Stablemate Painting Contest. Entrants were given a blank stablemate, a paper towel, craft paint, a floppy paintbrush and ninety minutes to paint a masterpiece. I didn't participate, mostly because I'd made other plans, but also, I didn't think I was a contender. This year, I decided I didn't care about that. Even though I didn't have a chance of winning, I wanted to paint anyway, just for the sheer fun of it. When the time came, I took my seat at the entrants' table.

While we were waiting for the event to begin, I asked the people around me to show me their painting plans. This is Angelo's...

and this is Tara's.

The waiting went on and on. Some people got fidgety.

Others starting trash talking the competition.

Finally, it was time to start.

photo by Heather Malone

And just like that, the room got real, real quiet.

photo by Heather Malone

This year's contest had been shortened to just one hour, and let me tell you, those sixty minutes flew by. I managed to get paint on my Olive green Icelandic pony, but that was about it.

When the hour was up, we were asked to place our completed models in one of three classes: Realistic,

Unrealistic...

and Fandom.

Everyone came up to the tables to view the models and take pictures.

Then the winners were announced. First place in the Realistic category went to Maggie Bennett.

Here's a better look at her amazing little dapple grey.

Tiffany Purdy's red dun placed second...

and Tegan Davis' Quagga got an Honorable Mention.

Melanie Miller was victorious in the Unrealistic category.

She used the paper towel provided to each competitor to create this amazing pinata horse.

Celeste Alvarez-Plitz was second with her very bright and very awesome Icelandic pony.

photo by Heather Malone

Onto Fandom! Kim Szudlarek was the winner in this one.

Here's a look at the other side of her model.

Tara Reich placed second.

Her entry - and her outfit! - were inspired by Bob's Burgers.

Love those jorts!

The integrity of this contest was slightly marred by a cheating scandal. Fortunately, the offenders were quickly identified and loudly disqualified.

photo by Erin Corbett

This is such a fun event. I'm really glad I participated, and I hope it remains on the BreyerWest Sunday schedule forever.

photo by Heather Malone

And hey! At least I finished one Painting Party model this year!