Collecting model horses & animals made by Breyer Animal Creations can be both an enjoyable hobby and an investment, if you take the time to really look at the "horse shaped objects" you begin to acquire.  Most new to the hobby collectors cue in on one thing only:  the Breyer name.  If the model horse/animal has a Breyer logo, any Breyer logo, then many of these "newbies" will snatch it right up assuming that it will increase in value as time goes by. 

At the same time many antique dealers/flea market vendors know this and will price models made by the Breyer company at a premium, regardless of their condition or collectibility value.  Dealers will simply tag/mark the models "Breyer" and charge a high price for them because of that fact.

It is up to collectors themselves to do their homework and know which models are which and which issues of specific models are more desirable than others.  As a longtime collector myself, I offer the following advice to new Breyer enthusiasts or those wishing to get involved in one of the most dynamic and colorful collecting hobbies out there today.

1.  Get Expert Help:  specifically, a guide to Breyer models. 

There are several good ones out there, from simple price guides to more indepth volumes.  I personally prefer 'Breyer Molds & Models:  Horses, Riders & Animals' by Nancy Young.  Ms. Young's book not only provides excellent color photographs of the models described but also includes an in-depth "notes" section for each individual model release and for the molds in general.  This is the specific reason I use this book as my bible.  I enjoy delving into the history of each mold Breyer has produced and Ms. Young has taken the time to research thoroughly all the details *special runs, test models, etc* of Breyer's production history. 

2. Condition IS Everything!!

Just because a model is marked with the Breyer logo doesn't make it an instant high dollar item or hot collectible.  Models, especially those from the early years of Breyer's production era, must be evaluated according to what shape they are in.  Avoid buying models with large or extensive rubs to their paint, chipped or rubbed eartips, broken ears/legs or yellowing to any white areas. 

Also, if you are looking at models in person at a yard sale or antique dealer, don't be shy about asking to take a closer look at them.  Pick them up and give them a good sniff:  models that smell musty/moldy or of cigarette smoke are a must avoid.  The former can result in mildew spots arising on the paintjob & devaluing the model, the latter is a turn off to most collectors *although cigarette smoke smell can be remedied to a degree if the model is one you really want to purchase*.

Look for the Breyer logo on any model you examine in person.  This is another instance where your collector's guide will aid you.  The Breyer company has used a variety of mold marks throughout its production history and they are good, quick indicators for new collectors that you are looking at the genuine article. 

3.  Collect What YOU Like!!

The point of any collecting hobby really is that we like items and want to collect them.  Look for models that speak to you personally, that have colors/markings that are attractive to you or that have special meaning *historical, breed groupings, etc* for you. 

Also be aware that most collectors' tastes will change over time and this is one aspect of the model horse hobby that I find most interesting.  My own collection now differs far greatly from the one I had as a child *even the one I had in the mid '90's....lol*.  If you find that you aren't as fond of the models you have on your shelf now, then be open to finding ones you do like and perhaps selling or trading some of those that no longer spark your interest. 

Many collectors do this to increase/change their collections, myself included.  There are collectors in the hobby with so-called "black hole collections" that never sell a model once they acquire it.  If you have the display space and the funds to do this, and it appeals to you, then go for it!  The thing to remember with collecting is that there is no right or wrong way to go about it.  Do it because you like it!!

I hope this short introduction to collecting Breyer Animal Creations models is helpful to you.  There are many online model horse groups that are a wealth of information *on all aspects of the hobby* and advice *from longtime collectors*, just do a search for model horses or Breyer and you'll be amazed!  Model horse collectors are a gregarious and open group and we love to talk about our "plastic ponies".  Take the time to see what the hobby is all about and you might just find yourself getting hooked too!

-A. Marczi