Last minute BreyerFest

The excitement of recovering Lee Jones has worn off, and I am back to feeling sick again. Fortunately, I have a could good guest posts lined up. This one comes from Erin Verscheure and tells the story of her unexpected - and awesome - trip to BreyerFest. Thank you, Erin!

Last Minute BreyerFest 

by Erin Verscheure

I wasn’t supposed to be in Kentucky. Not because I didn’t want to, but non-plastic collecting life called, and I had to answer. Then, with a swift turn of events two days prior, the only reason I wasn’t ‘Festing’ had to be canceled. A friend offered me up her extra bed, and her extra wristbands as I had some serious FOMO watching everyone make the annual trek to the Horse Park.

Now, if you know me, you know that I am not a spontaneous person. I am a Type A, over-planner, so considering just hopping in my car alone, and driving six hours was daunting. My anxiety was telling me sternly that next year is perfectly acceptable. This time however, my anxiety did not get to call the shots. I ditched my office job for the afternoon and hightailed it southbound down I-75 to Kentucky.

Friday was a blur of fast food, traffic slowdowns, and second guessing this insanity, but that all fell away when I stepped foot onto the marshlands that are the Clarion’s new carpeting. Nothing like seeing friends, hunting for hidden gems, and getting lost once or twice to really dive back into the fun. The Clarion is a whole ‘nother beast when mixed with light spirits!

Saturday was stacked, as I was planning to leave before the raffle on Sunday to allow for an easier trek home. We, like everyone else, threw money at the chance to bring Quadriga home, but the odds were not in our favor for this one. Hopes were high as the two of us headed to the Live Auction. I will say we fought valiantly, but alas, it was not in the cards for this year.

We are never ones to dwell, but tensions and disappointments were felt that night as we headed to the Clarion with pockets full of mad auction money. Nothing like rage buying after a long day in the rain and humidity. Being such a late add, I didn’t have any SR tickets, which was beyond weird, but I was thankful for the extra funds in my pockets, especially with the many variations this year!

Sunday we started out fresh and ready to go. That was to be our ‘tourist day’ filled with museums and the live, breathing version of equine. Around 9AM we swung by the raffle tent to buy tickets for Hippodrome, when we decided to peruse the silent auction one last time. We had our eyes on the two test pieces; a glossy bay pinto Hamilton Stagecoach Surprise, and a glossy pinto Wedgwood Cleveland Bay Rotating Draft Surprise. Bids were still within budget so we threw up our hands and wrote down our names. 

Noon came, and the clipboards were picked up. Then began a live bidding portion to prevent guarding of bids, and it started with the Hamilton piece. Shaking, I stepped forward, and waited for others to join me as I knew I would be outbid. No one else came, and the next thing I know I’m praying for the credit card gods to complete the charge without difficulty. 

In my daze, my friend was also winning her Cleveland Bay! To say I was shocked is an understatement. He is my first test piece, and my goal this year was to take something home from the auction, even when I couldn’t attend in person. To have us both walk away with something was just the icing on the cake of this fantastic, spontaneous weekend.

Leaving was tough. It was the longest walk back to my car, but not for the reason you think. Despite my great parking spot, I was stopped so many times by friends, both old and new, saying goodbye and congratulating me on my win. Many hugs were exchanged, and the test piece got his licking punch card stamped more times than I can count. 

My cup is so full, and it is because of this hobby. Thank you to each and every one of you for making it the best thirty six hours I have had in a very, very long time.