The World of Breyer: Sharing the Magic of Horses

What better time than the holiday season to celebrate the magic of Breyer® Model Horses? Breyer Animal Creations® as a company has spread joy and inspired dreams among horse lovers young and young-at-heart since its serendipitous inception in 1950. For many of us here at Dover Saddlery, the first horse we ever owned was a Breyer creation. We played with the model horses, lined our shelves with them, named them and loved them—and we’re willing to bet many of our customers have fond memories of their own Breyer collections, too.

A Breyer Christmas Ornament is shown. A brown horse facing to the left is hanging from a red ribbon.

Every year, as Breyer’s Holiday Horse makes its debut in all its festive finery, we feel that same spark of wonder and excitement we had as children whenever a new model horse was introduced. We take pleasure at gifting Breyer model horses to the children in our lives, treasure keepsake Breyer Christmas ornaments, and let our imaginations delight in the intricacies of the latest Breyer stable or horse transport.

From the detailed recreations of the world’s most famous competitive equines, to breed-specific models, to fanciful unicorns, and the annual Halloween Horse—Breyer never disappoints. Each lifelike model horse tells a story. Hundreds of accessories, figurines, companion animal models, play sets, and craft kits round out the Breyer experience, all supported by a wide network of Breyer events, model horse shows, clubs and more. And to think, Breyer as we know it today was formed by a happy accident!

#57 Wester Horse produced by Breyer in 1950. The horse is light brown with a gold colored western saddle and bridle. It is being viewed to the side with the horse facing left.
Breyer’s #57 Western Horse

The story began in Chicago, Illinois with Breyer Molding Company filling industry needs as a plastics manufacturer. F.W. Woolworth Company commissioned a special order to accent a mantelpiece clock—it was the #57 Western Horse—and no one could predict how that single commissioned model would lead to a thriving specialty business with a worldwide following of fans of all ages. Woolworth’s clock made its debut in 1950 on the shelves of the department store, and the Breyer Molding Company was soon flooded with requests from people who wanted to purchase just the horse! The Breyer Molding Company’s business focus thus changed forever, taking on the goal of making the world’s finest model horses.

Each model horse is created in resin based on an artist’s highly detailed and creative sculpture. It is painted to reflect authenticity, quality and realism, all with the goal of delivering the most high-quality toy or collectible the world has to offer. To hold a Breyer model horse in your hand is to enter the magical world of horses—no matter how young or how old you may be.

Click here to shop our wide selection of Breyer Horses and Accessories.

Do you have a favorite model horse? Or, pictures of your Breyer Horse Collection? Share them with us on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @doversaddlery!

Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Equestrian in Your Life

A bay horse touching foreheads with a grey pony to form a heart shape for Valentine's Day.

Searching for the perfect gift to show the horse lover in your life just how much you care this Valentine’s Day? We’ve got you covered. Whether you are gift shopping for an equestrian loved one, a four-hoofed Valentine, or treating yourself, our 2020 Valentine’s Day gift roundup features a range of swoon-worthy gifts to fit every budget.

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Stocking Stuffers for Horse Lovers

The holiday season is fast approaching and here at Dover Saddlery we know that finding the perfect gift for the horse lover in your life can be hard. That’s why our 2019  Holiday Gift Guide is our favorite one yet. We’ve brought all of our old favorites (and some new ideas too) together in one place to make it easy for you to find that perfect equestrian gift.

And if you’re looking for a little inspiration, we’ve listed our top 5 stocking stuffer ideas below.

Happy gifting!

Kelly Herd Horseshoe Collection Necklace

If jewelry is on your horse lover’s list this year, our beloved horseshoe necklace is sure to please, and its petite size make it perfect for a stocking stuffer!

Personalized Hand Painted Ceramic Ornament

If you’re feeling sentimental, a personalized ornament painted by artist Nola Watkins is just the ticket. Beautifully crafted with your personal message, this stunning ornament is a keepsake piece that your horse lover will adore. And best of all, it fits into a stocking perfectly!

Tory Leather Company Sleigh Bell Door Hanger

In our neck of the woods, nothing reminds us of the holidays more than the sound of sleigh bells. Whether it’s a quiet midnight ride through the woods or a rendition of “Jingle Bells”, everyone loves the sound. Give your favorite equestrian the joy of sleigh bells all year long with our adorable sleigh bell door hanger. Perfect for stockings!

SSG® Winter Rancher Gloves

Rancher gloves are the perfect stocking stuffer for the horse lover in your life working long (and cold!) hours out in the stables. Whether you’re mucking stalls or out for an afternoon ride, these gloves can keep up.

Dover Saddlery Gift Card

Overwhelmed with choices and not sure what to choose? No problem! If you can’t decide on the perfect stocking stuffer, give the gift of choice with a Dover Saddlery gift card. We guarantee that your favorite horse lover will be thrilled.

Best Holiday Gifts for Horse Lovers

It’s Christmas in July at Dover Saddlery and we’ve rounded up our favorite holiday gifts!

English rider in the saddle leaning down to hug her grey horse's neck.

It’s never too early to start your holiday shopping. This year, beat the winter rush and start shopping at Dover Saddlery now for gifts that any horse lover, rider, and equestrian will adore. To make your holiday shopping easier, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite items, whether you’re looking for stocking stuffers or show-stoppers — we even added a few ideas for your non-horsey friends and family. So, get in the holiday spirit early and take a look through our top 15 holiday gifts for horse lovers! Now, check out our 2019 updated gift guide here for tons of fantastic holiday gifts for the equestrians, pets, and loved ones in your life.

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6 Gifts to Celebrate Dad on Father’s Day

Dad standing next to young daughter on bay pony for Father's Day ride.

We love the beginning of summer for a lot of reasons – longer days at the barn, warm weather, and great summer riding attire – but one of the best parts is celebrating Dad on Father’s Day. Whether your dad is a serious horseman, a casual rider, or simply your biggest fan on show days, we’ve picked some of our favorite products that Dad is sure to love this Father’s Day.

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10 Mother’s Day Gifts That Mom Will Love

Two grey horses touching noses.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to show Mom just how much you care with a thoughtful gift that she’ll love! If you’re struggling to find a gift worthy of the horsewoman in your life, Dover Saddlery is here to help. We’ve picked 10 gifts that are sure to make any mom smile, whether you’re looking for covetable riding apparel or the perfect accessory for Mom to rock outside of the barn.

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Dover Saddlery’s 2019 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Searching for a gift that will win the heart of your favorite equestrian this Valentine’s Day? Look no further: Dover Saddlery has made it easy this year by rounding up our favorite gift ideas; whether the special someone in your life has two feet or four! Our 2019 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide has gifts we know you’ll love for a range of prices that will fit any budget. Take a look through our top 10 gift ideas – we hope your heart skips a beat!

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Blue Ribbon Gifts: Dover Saddlery’s 2018 Holiday Gift Guide

Blue Ribbon Gift Guide Banner

The holiday season is underway and that means it’s time to start thinking about your gift list! This year we’ve pulled together a handy 2018 Holiday Gift Guide to make shopping for the equestrians in your life simple and easy. We even have a few gifts your non-horsey friends will enjoy, making it easier to get your one-stop-shopping done with Dover Saddlery. Take a look at our top twenty Blue Ribbon Gifts for the 2018 Holiday Season.

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Perfect Holiday Equestrian Gifts for Every Budget

equestrian gifts
The holidays are upon us! Amidst all the excitement of spending time with family and horses, eating great food and admiring the holiday decorations, make sure you set aside time to get your holiday shopping done. The holidays are all about giving, so we want to offer you a collection of gift ideas in various price ranges to help you pick the perfect equestrian gifts this season for the rider or horse in your life. Use this gift guide to help you select equestrian gifts for the other horse lovers in your life, or share it with your family and friends to help them pick something for you! Continue reading