Eva's BCC entry

When it comes to the BreyerBest Customs Contest, Eva Mathews believes in going big. There are no single horse, single doll and single tack set entries for Eva. Every year, her set-ups get bigger, better and more involved. Take a look at this year's entry!

Eva writes: This display captures an moment in time of a real horse event taking place at Arlington National Cemetery. The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment known as "The Old Guard, is taking a fallen soldier to his final resting place.

For over seven decades the Caisson Platoon has provided horse-drawn caisson funeral services for all five branches of the military.The caparison horse walks for Army and Marine funerals because they were the only units that had mounted cavalry, but they are also used for state funerals. 

The wagon is hitched with three horse teams: wheel, swing and lead team. The soldiers ride on McClellan saddles in a postilion position on the near horse (left) side. They go off at a 21 pace count behind the Chaplin at a funeral.

The Caisson Platoon horses have a very distinctive look with their army style "buzzed cut" manes, short tails and shiny black hooves. 

This black horse team was re-sculpted in a style similar to bronze western artist to give that distinctive army strong look and to show the serenity of the moment. 

One additional horse known as the section horse is ridden...

and the caparisoned horse follows the casket to symbolize the fallen leader who will never ride again.

Eva customized eight horses for this entry: the six horse caisson harness team, the ridden section horse and the caparisoned riderless horse. 

She also dressed seven dolls...

and made so much tack.

The wagon was built by another artist, but the base/display case is her work, as well.

Congratulations, Eva. Even by your standards, this is a remarkable achievement. I hope it finds its way to Arlington, but only after it goes to Kentucky. Good luck at BreyerFest!