A photo of Pete the cat

Pete's Toy Box: Breyer

Breyer Horses Freedom Series | Love and Hope 2 Unicorn Set | Benefiting Make a Wish Foundation | Unicorn Figurines | 9" L x 7" H | Model #62124

By: Breyer

Pete's Expert Summary

So, the human has brought home… statues. Statues of horned horses, no less. I'll grant them this, the Breyer brand implies a certain level of quality; these are not the flimsy plastic refuse one finds in a cereal box. They are apparently hand-painted by no fewer than twenty artisans and cast in some special "resin," which to me sounds like a fancy word for "not fun to chew." One is large, one is small, and they are both splashed with colors that would make a rainbow look understated. While their alleged craftsmanship might warrant a passing, disdainful glance from a cat of my refined taste, their complete and utter lack of movement, scent, or crinkle makes them profoundly useless. They are art, apparently, and exist to be "admired." I can admire my own reflection in a puddle of spilled water, and it's far more dynamic.

Key Features

  • Meet Love & Hope Breyer’s mission of Hope continues with the introduction of Love, our brightly colored unicorn mare, and her equally brilliant unicorn foal, Hope. Together they represent the heartfelt love a mother has for her child and visions of hope for a beautiful life.
  • A Wish Begins with Hope and Hope Begins with You! Five dollars of every limited-edition Love & Hope model purchased supports Make-A-Wish, a global non-profit organization whose mission is to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. When a wish is granted, a child replaces fear with confidence, sadness with joy and anxiety with hope!
  • PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: Package contains (1) Breyer Freedom Series Unicorns. Mare and her Foal. Freedom Series 1:12 Scale. Measures approximately 9.75" L x 7" H. Recommended for ages 4 years and older.
  • HAND CRAFTED DETAIL: The world's 'most asked for' horses since 1950. Each individual Breyer model is prepped and finished by hand and then turned over to the painting department for hand painting and detailing. In all, some 20 artisans work on each individual model horse, creating an exquisite hand-made model horse that is as individual as the horse that inspired it.
  • TRUE EQUESTRIAN ART: Breyer models begin as beautiful horse sculptures created by leading equine artists that are then cast into a copper and steel mold. Each model is created one at a time from the original mold, which is injected with a special resin selected by Breyer for its ability to capture the depth of detail, delicate feel and richness of color in our models.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The object was placed on the mantelpiece, a high-altitude territory I generally reserve for silent judgment and surveying my domain. The human called them "Love" and "Hope." I call them Intruders One and Two. From my perch on the armchair, I watched, my tail giving a single, irritated flick. The light from the window caught their polished, resin hides, casting garish splotches of pink and blue onto the wall. They stood there, frozen in a saccharine pose of maternal affection, their single horns pointing at the ceiling like silent accusations. They did nothing. They smelled of nothing but cardboard and the human’s hands. Later, under the cloak of twilight when the house was still, I made my ascent. A fluid leap from armchair to side table, a delicate bound to the mantel. I was now face to face with the silent duo. I extended a paw, claws sheathed, and gently tapped the larger one, "Love." It was cool, hard, and unyielding. It offered no satisfying wobble, no playful resistance. It was an insult in equine form. I circled them, my gray fur a shadow against the white paint of the mantel. The human’s words about "wishes" echoed in my mind. A wish, to my understanding, is the silent, desperate plea for the wet food can to be opened ten minutes ahead of schedule. I could not see how these inert figures could possibly facilitate such a miracle. I lowered myself into a crouch, my yellow eyes narrowed, trying to understand their purpose from a tactical standpoint. They were not soft enough for a nap. Not light enough to be batted into the glorious abyss behind the sofa. Not edible. They were, in essence, a monument to stillness. And yet... as I stared into their painted-on eyes, a new thought began to form. This wasn't a toy. This was a test. The human had placed these immovable, uninteresting objects in a prime location to gauge my reaction. Were they a distraction? A decoy to keep me from the truly valuable prey, like the dangling cord on the window blinds? My verdict came as I turned my back on them, my tail held high in dismissal. They were not worthy of my attention, but they had inadvertently provided a new strategic element to my environment. They were a watchtower. From this vantage point, I could observe the kitchen entrance with unparalleled clarity. Their stillness made them a perfect, silent backdrop for my own magnificent presence. They were not a gift for me, but they would serve me nonetheless. They could keep their "Hope"; I had a plan.
Image of Breyer Horses Freedom Series | Love and Hope 2 Unicorn Set | Benefiting Make a Wish Foundation | Unicorn Figurines | 9" L x 7" H | Model #62124 View Details

Breyer Unicorn Magic Wooden Carry Stable Playset w/ 6 Unicorns

By: Breyer

Pete's Expert Summary

My human, in a fit of what I can only describe as misplaced sentimentality, has acquired a small wooden box containing six inedible, horned ponies. The manufacturer, Breyer, apparently fancies themselves artists, hand-painting these little resin statues as if they were destined for a museum rather than the dusty space under the credenza where all such objects eventually end up. While the creatures are a passable size for batting, their hard, unforgiving texture promises a deeply unsatisfying mouthfeel, and their status as "collectibles" guarantees a shrill reprimand should I attempt to test their aerodynamic properties from a great height. The stable itself is an insult to architecture, far too cramped for a cat of my stature. Ultimately, it’s a collection of glorified, high-end knick-knacks, a waste of good shelf space that could be used for napping.

Key Features

  • 6 UNICORN SET: Breyer Farms Unicorn Magic Wooden Stable Carry Case is a high quality wood stable comes complete with 6 Stablemates Unicorns. Designed to be easy for small hands to carry, the wooden carry case makes the perfect take-along toy!
  • PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: Package contains (6) Breyer Stablemates Unicorns, (1) Wooden Stable Playset with carry handle measures 6.00”H x 9.00”L x 2.5”D. Stablemates 1:32 Scale. Each horse measures approximately 3.5" L x 3" H. Recommended for ages 4 years and older. Makes a great gift to start a young child's collection.
  • ACCESSORIES: Build an entire world with all Stablemates accessories (sold separately) which includes Craft Kits, Playsets, Barns, Vehicles AND Surprise Horse Blind Bags.
  • HAND CRAFTED DETAIL: The world's 'most asked for' horses since 1950. Each individual Breyer model is prepped and finished by hand and then turned over to the painting department for hand painting and detailing. In all, some 20 artisans work on each individual model horse, creating an exquisite hand-made model horse that is as individual as the horse that inspired it.
  • TRUE EQUESTRIAN ART: Breyer models begin as beautiful horse sculptures created by leading equine artists that are then cast into a copper and steel mold. Each model is created one at a time from the original mold, which is injected with a special resin selected by Breyer for its ability to capture the depth of detail, delicate feel and richness of color in our models.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The Warden placed the box on the coffee table with a reverence usually reserved for a fresh can of tuna. I watched from my perch on the armchair, tail twitching in mild irritation. It smelled of cut wood and fresh paint, an unnatural forest scent that failed to mask the sterile, plasticky odor of its inhabitants. Through the little painted doors, I could see them: a herd of silent, horned effigies, frozen mid-prance. They were absurd, a riot of colors no respectable creature would ever wear, their manes glittering with a cheap, distracting sparkle. It was, I concluded, an offense to good taste. And yet, the sight stirred something deep within my memory, a story my mother used to tell. She spoke of the ‘Crystal Hoof Clan,’ legendary spirits of the high places—the tops of bookcases, the forbidden fireplace mantel. They were said to be echoes of prey, so beautiful and so still that a single touch from a worthy paw could shatter their silence and release a lifetime of hunting glory. It was a kitten’s tale, of course, meant to inspire awe and caution. But as I looked at these six frozen forms, I wondered if The Warden had inadvertently brought the legend into my living room. My moment came when The Warden left the room. I descended from the chair, my paws silent on the rug. I approached the stable not as a pet, but as a hunter stalking a myth. I nudged one of the tiny doors open with my nose. There they were, six unblinking statues. I chose my quarry: a garish purple one with a silver horn. Was this my Crystal Hoof? I crouched low, my gray tuxedo fur blending into the evening shadows. My muscles coiled. This was for the ancestors, for the glory my mother spoke of. I struck. My paw, a soft but deadly instrument, connected with the creature’s flank. The result was not a mythical shattering or a burst of glory, but a dull, hollow *clack*. The horned pony tipped over, skidded across the polished wood of the table, and tumbled unceremoniously onto the carpet with a soft thud. It lay there, utterly inert, its painted-on smile mocking my effort. The legend was a lie. These weren’t spirits; they were just hard, silent lumps of resin. Disgusted, I turned my back on the fallen idol and leaped back onto the armchair. Some myths are best left on the dusty shelves of memory.
Image of Breyer Unicorn Magic Wooden Carry Stable Playset w/ 6 Unicorns View Details

Breyer Horses Traditional Series | Surfer’s Riptide Chincoteague Pony | Horse Figurine | 11.5" L X 8.5" H | Model #B-TR-10249

By: Breyer

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has acquired another dust-collector, this one a miniature, unnervingly still version of one of those large, grass-eating beasts. It's a "Breyer," which apparently means a human spent a great deal of time painting it to look realistic. The craftsmanship, I must admit, is passable—it has a certain heft and the finish is smoother than the cheap plastic mice they sometimes try to placate me with. It is named after a specific pony, which suggests a level of importance that I, frankly, find insulting to my own station. However, its primary function seems to be standing perfectly still, which, while an admirable goal I often pursue in my naps, makes for a profoundly dull toy. It might serve as a decent rubbing post for my cheek, but as a source of entertainment, it’s a non-starter.

Key Features

  • Made famous by Marguerite Henry’s classic tale, Misty of Chincoteague, Chincoteague Island has become a major destination for horse lovers. In July, feral ponies living on the Virginia side of Assateague Island are guided by “saltwater cowboys” and led to Chincoteague Island for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company’s (CVFC) foal auction, which raises funds to care for the herd.Foaled in 2009, famous wild Chincoteague stallion Surfer’s Riptide is a flaxen chestnut with flashy white markings – just like his late sire, Surfer Dude.
  • 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the pony swim and auction. A portion of the proceeds from each model’s sale supports the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company and the Museum of Chincoteague.
  • PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: Package contains (1) Breyer Traditional Series Horse -Surfer’s Riptide Chincoteague Pony. Traditional Series 1:9 Scale. Measures approximately 11.5" L x 8.5" H. Recommended for ages 8 years and older.
  • HAND CRAFTED DETAIL: The world's 'most asked for' horses since 1950. Each individual Breyer model is prepped and finished by hand and then turned over to the painting department for hand painting and detailing. In all, some 20 artisans work on each individual model horse, creating an exquisite hand-made model horse that is as individual as the horse that inspired it.
  • TRUE EQUESTRIAN ART: Breyer models begin as beautiful horse sculptures created by leading equine artists that are then cast into a copper and steel mold. Each model is created one at a time from the original mold, which is injected with a special resin selected by Breyer for its ability to capture the depth of detail, delicate feel and richness of color in our models.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The object was placed on the forbidden shelf, the one just below the mantelpiece that holds the heavy, un-knock-over-able books. It arrived in a box that smelled of cardboard and distant factories, and my human handled it with a reverence usually reserved for the can of premium tuna pâté. I watched from the arm of the sofa, tail twitching in mild irritation. It was a horse, frozen mid-trot, its painted-on eyes staring at a point somewhere above the television. A silent, golden-maned effigy. For a week, it was merely part of the landscape, an object to be ignored. Then came the storm. The sky turned the color of my own gray fur, and the wind began to howl, rattling the windows in their frames. The lights flickered once, twice, then died, plunging my kingdom into a deep and profound darkness. The human yelped and fumbled for a light source. But I am a creature of the shadows; I see what they cannot. In the gloom, the horse figurine seemed to change. The faint light from the streetlamp outside caught its polished flank, and for a fleeting moment, it was not a statue. It was a spirit. I crept closer, my tuxedo-patterned chest low to the ground. The wind howled again, a low moan that sounded like the distant call of some wild thing. I imagined the horse, this "Surfer's Riptide," wasn't in my living room at all. He was on a windswept beach, salt spray misting his flaxen coat, the roar of the ocean his only companion. He was a creature of storms, a wild thing trapped not in resin, but in a place with too many cushions and not enough wind. I could almost smell the sea, feel the damp sand beneath my paws. We were two captives, he of his stillness, and I of my comfortable domesticity. When the human finally managed to light a candle, its warm glow illuminated the scene. I was sitting an inch from the shelf, staring up at the pony. The magical illusion was broken. It was just a toy again, hand-painted and handsome, but motionless. Yet, something had shifted within me. It wasn't a plaything to be batted at or a rival to be hissed at. It was a reminder—a silent, stoic piece of art that held the ghost of a storm within its resin shell. I gave it a slow blink of understanding, a gesture of respect from one aristocrat to another, before retreating to my velvet cushion. It was unworthy of a pounce, but it had, against all odds, earned its place.
Image of Breyer Horses Traditional Series | Surfer’s Riptide Chincoteague Pony | Horse Figurine | 11.5" L X 8.5" H | Model #B-TR-10249 View Details

Breyer Horses Freedom Series Wild and Free | Horse and Foal Set | Horse Toy | 9.75" x 7" | 1:12 Scale | Model #62227

By: Breyer

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has procured a pair of rigid, silent beasts from a company called Breyer, which I understand is known for this sort of high-minded statuary meant to be looked at, not pounced upon. This set features a large equine and its smaller offspring, apparently representing the concept of "Freedom"—a term humans enjoy using for creatures who, unlike me, must find their own food and shelter. The craftsmanship is undeniably superior; I can appreciate the hand-painted details and the sculptural integrity from my vantage point on the sofa. However, their profound lack of movement, scent, or any discernible prey-like qualities makes them little more than elaborate, horse-shaped obstacles on the path to a sunbeam. They are an exercise in aesthetics, not athletics, and thus, a potential waste of my prime napping-adjacent hours.

Key Features

  • From the mountains of Montana to the sands of North Carolina Mustangs run wild and free. Typically found in herds consisting of a stallion, his mares, and their young, they travel the landscape in search of good grazing and water. Incredibly hardy, these horses endure challenging terrain and every weather condition imaginable! This set features a proud stallion poised to protect his family, and his spirited young foal.
  • PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: Package contains (2) Breyer Freedom Series Horses - 1 Horse and 1 Foal. Freedom Series 1:12 Scale. Measures approximately 9.75" L x 7" H and 5" L x 4" H. Recommended for ages 4 years and older.
  • Freedom Series stands for one of the strongest attributes ascribed to horses – Freedom! The freedom to go on adventures, Explore and dream. Breyer freedom Series was designed to capture the power that only horses deliver.
  • HAND CRAFTED DETAIL: The world's 'most asked for' horses since 1950. Each individual Breyer model is prepped and finished by hand and then turned over to the painting department for hand painting and detailing. In all, some 20 artisans work on each individual model horse, creating an exquisite hand-made model horse that is as individual as the horse that inspired it.
  • TRUE EQUESTRIAN ART: Breyer models begin as beautiful horse sculptures created by leading equine artists that are then cast into a copper and steel mold. Each model is created one at a time from the original mold, which is injected with a special resin selected by Breyer for its ability to capture the depth of detail, delicate feel and richness of color in our models.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The human placed them on the mahogany side table, a territory I generally consider a strategic overlook for surveying the living room domain. Two of them, a "stallion" and a "foal," frozen mid-stride. Impostors. They smelled of resin and paint, not of hay and earth. I leapt silently onto the table for a closer inspection, my soft gray paws making no sound. I circled the larger one, noting the subtle shading on its flank, the tension in its sculpted muscles. It was poised to protect, the box had said. Protect what? The remote control? It stared into the middle distance with vacant, painted eyes, utterly ignoring my magnificent presence. The smaller one was just as inert, a monument to inaction. I gave the stallion's leg a tentative pat. It didn't flinch. It didn't even wobble. Pathetic. Disgusted by their lack of spirit, I hopped down and curled up on a nearby velvet cushion, resolving to ignore these new, boring intruders. My nap was fitful. The static image of the two horses seemed to have imprinted itself on the back of my eyelids. But then, the scene began to shift. The scent of velvet and dust was replaced by the crisp aroma of mountain air and dry grass. The familiar drone of the refrigerator faded, replaced by a low, persistent wind whistling through rocky crags. I was no longer on a cushion. I was crouched behind a granite boulder, my gray-and-white coat a perfect camouflage against the stone. And they were there. The stallion stood on a ridge, his coat gleaming in the unfiltered sun, his tail a banner in the wind. The foal gamboled nearby, kicking its heels up with a life I had not thought possible. They were real. They were *prey*. Every instinct, honed through generations of superior hunters, ignited within me. I was no longer Pete, the pampered house cat. I was a phantom of the high plains, a silent, patient predator. I sank lower, my tail giving a single, decisive flick. The stalk had begun. I moved from rock to shadow, the wind in my favor, my paws silent on the dusty earth. The stallion tossed his head, sensing something, but he could not pinpoint the ghost in the rocks. I was a whisper, a promise of violence. I gathered my haunches, my muscles coiling like powerful springs, my eyes locked on the tender flank of the foal. This would be a hunt for the ages, a testament to my true nature. I was just about to launch myself into a glorious, world-ending pounce when a sliver of warm light cut across my face. My eyes blinked open. I was on the velvet cushion, the afternoon sun streaming through the window. Above me, on the mahogany table, the two horses stood exactly as they had before, silent and still. I looked up at them, my heart still thrumming with the thrill of the imagined chase. They were not toys. They were not rivals. They were a story. They were a gateway to a wilder self I only visited in my deepest slumbers. They did not offer a chase, but they inspired one. For that, they have earned their place. A worthy investment, indeed.
Image of Breyer Horses Freedom Series Wild and Free | Horse and Foal Set | Horse Toy | 9.75" x 7" | 1:12 Scale | Model #62227 View Details

Breyer Horses Traditional Series | Cossaco - Lusitano | Horse Figurine | 11.25" L x 9" H | Model #1885

By: Breyer

Pete's Expert Summary

My Human has presented me with what they seem to believe is a suitable offering: a rigid, undersized horse. They call it a "Breyer," a word uttered with the same undue reverence they reserve for the opening of a can of premium, line-caught tuna. Apparently, this specific model, "Cossaco," is a tiny monument to some real-life equine champion, hand-painted by a small legion of artists. From my perspective, it possesses none of the key features of a quality toy—it does not crinkle, it is not filled with catnip, and its tail is tragically un-shreddable. Its only potential lies in its significant size and weight; it is a prime candidate for a dramatic, middle-of-the-night "accident" from the top of the bookshelf. A potential test of gravity, but otherwise, a profound waste of my attention.

Key Features

  • Cossaco shows audiences what incredible partners Lusitanos are as he performs and rides in clinics with Jill. A highlight of their shared Working Equitation experiences has been performing for thousands at the National Western Stock Show.
  • In addition to exhibitions and teaching, Cossaco and Jill are currently competing at Masters Level in Working Equitation. In 2022 they became Canada’s first Masters Working Equitation Champions!
  • PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: Package contains (1) Breyer Traditional Series Horse - Cossaco. Traditional Series 1:9 Scale. Measures approximately 11.25" L x 9" H. Recommended for ages 8 years and older.
  • HAND CRAFTED DETAIL: The world's 'most asked for' horses since 1950. Each individual Breyer model is prepped and finished by hand and then turned over to the painting department for hand painting and detailing. In all, some 20 artisans work on each individual model horse, creating an exquisite hand-made model horse that is as individual as the horse that inspired it.
  • TRUE EQUESTRIAN ART: Breyer models begin as beautiful horse sculptures created by leading equine artists that are then cast into a copper and steel mold. Each model is created one at a time from the original mold, which is injected with a special resin selected by Breyer for its ability to capture the depth of detail, delicate feel and richness of color in our models.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The thing arrived in a box that smelled of cardboard and distant factories, an immediate affront to my delicate senses. The Human, with cooing noises I typically associate with my own magnificent presence, placed the statue on the living room mantel. It stood there, frozen mid-prance, a silent, gray pretender to the throne of household importance. I watched from my velvet cushion, tail twitching in mild irritation. It was an idol for the unimaginative. It did not move, it did not breathe, it did not warrant a second glance. I yawned, displaying my superior dental architecture, and drifted into a deep, sunbeam-warmed sleep. My dream-self, however, was not on the cushion. I was stalking through a vast, cavernous space that smelled of dust, leather, and something ancient and powerful. Before me stood the horse, no longer resin but flesh and blood, its coat shimmering under lights I couldn't see. It wasn't looking at me, but through me, its gaze fixed on a distant memory. A silent question formed in my mind, not in words, but in pure, feline curiosity: *What are you?* The horse did not answer with a whinny or a snort. Instead, a cascade of images flooded my consciousness, a story without sound. I saw the press of a thousand watching eyes, felt the subtle shift of a rider’s weight, understood the complex, silent language of leg and rein. I experienced the thrill of a perfect pivot, the thunder of hooves in a gallop, the singular focus of a champion. This creature was a dancer, a warrior, an artist—its purpose was a burning, disciplined fire, so utterly alien to my own life of calculated leisure and elegant repose. It was a life of *work*, but a work so refined it had become art. I awoke with a start, the afternoon sun now a soft orange. My gaze immediately shot to the mantelpiece. The gray horse stood exactly as it had before, a mere figurine. Yet, it was different. I saw not a lump of painted resin, but a vessel of captured lightning. The curve of its neck was no longer just a sculpted line; it was a testament to pride and partnership. The toy was worthless, yes. I would never bat at its stupid, static legs. But the *story* of Cossaco... that was another matter entirely. It was a story of a different kind of perfection. I gave a slow blink of grudging respect. The statue could stay. It had earned its perch, not as a plaything, but as a silent reminder that there were other kingdoms, just as proud as my own.
Image of Breyer Horses Traditional Series | Cossaco - Lusitano | Horse Figurine | 11.25" L x 9" H | Model #1885 View Details

Breyer Horses Freedom Series Effortless Grace | Horse and Foal Set | Horse Toy | 9.75" x 7" | 1:12 Scale | Model #62224, Palomino

By: Breyer

Pete's Expert Summary

So, the human has presented me with these... things. They are, apparently, from a brand called Breyer, which seems to specialize in making small, hard versions of those giant, loud animals the humans ride. This set is a mother and her child, forever frozen in a pose they call "Effortless Grace." I see two pieces of painted plastic, one large and one small enough to be a potential target. They don't move, they don't crinkle, and they certainly don't smell like tuna. The humans might be impressed by the "hand-crafted detail" and the fact that "20 artisans" worked on them, but 20 artisans could have spent that time building me a heated napping pedestal. While the smaller one might provide a satisfying *thump* when knocked from the mantelpiece, I suspect these are merely decorative dust-catchers, designed to be looked at, not played with. A profound waste of an Amazon order.

Key Features

  • Palomino Blanket Appaloosa Mare & Chestnut Leopard Appaloosa Foal. Horses have a graceful way of moving that appears truly effortless. Beautiful floaty gaits, arched necks with flowing manes, and the steady beat of hoof falls creates its own enchanting magic. This sweet Appaloosa mare and foal are a gorgeous sight as they run together through the field!
  • PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: Package contains (2) Breyer Freedom Series Horses - 1 Mare and 1 Foal. Freedom Series 1:12 Scale. Measures approximately 9.75" L x 7" H and 5" L x 4" H. Recommended for ages 4 years and older.
  • Freedom Series stands for one of the strongest attributes ascribed to horses – Freedom! The freedom to go on adventures, Explore and dream. Breyer freedom Series was designed to capture the power that only horses deliver.
  • HAND CRAFTED DETAIL: The world's 'most asked for' horses since 1950. Each individual Breyer model is prepped and finished by hand and then turned over to the painting department for hand painting and detailing. In all, some 20 artisans work on each individual model horse, creating an exquisite hand-made model horse that is as individual as the horse that inspired it.
  • TRUE EQUESTRIAN ART: Breyer models begin as beautiful horse sculptures created by leading equine artists that are then cast into a copper and steel mold. Each model is created one at a time from the original mold, which is injected with a special resin selected by Breyer for its ability to capture the depth of detail, delicate feel and richness of color in our models.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The human placed them on the mantel, presenting them with the reverence usually reserved for a fresh can of wet food. The "Effortless Grace" set, she called it. I watched from the arm of the sofa, tail twitching, as the overhead light glinted off their glossy, plastic hides. They were imposters, and I, a connoisseur of form and function, felt compelled to conduct a proper critique. With a fluid leap that put their rigid poses to shame, I landed silently on the mantelpiece for a closer inspection. My nose twitched at the faint smell of paint and resin. I circled the larger one, the "mare." Her neck was arched, her mane a sculpted, unmoving wave. A fraud. Where was the subtle ripple of muscle? The glorious sheen of a coat groomed by a meticulous tongue? Her dappled pattern was a crude imitation of natural beauty, the brushstrokes clearly visible to a discerning eye. She was a monument to stillness, the very antithesis of the living, breathing grace I embody with every step. Her gaze was a vacant, painted-on dot, staring into the middle distance, utterly devoid of the calculating intelligence one finds in a true feline stare. The brand's name for this series—"Freedom"—was the most offensive part. These creatures were the very definition of captivity, trapped for eternity in a single, boring moment by a copper and steel mold. Freedom is not a static pose. Freedom is the ability to stretch languidly in a sunbeam, to demand the door be opened and then refuse to go through, to launch a sudden, unprovoked attack on a stray ankle. These statues knew nothing of freedom; they were prisoners of the shelf, silent and sad. My attention turned to the smaller one, the foal. Its awkward, spotted form was even more egregious. I extended a single, perfect gray paw, claws sheathed, and gave it a firm *tap*. It didn't yield. It didn't wobble. It just stood there, solidly, stupidly. It was not a toy. It was not art. It was an obstacle. My verdict was clear: they were unworthy. As a final statement, I settled myself between the two horses, curled into a perfect circle of soft, gray fur, and began to purr. Let the human observe true effortless grace.
Image of Breyer Horses Freedom Series Effortless Grace | Horse and Foal Set | Horse Toy | 9.75" x 7" | 1:12 Scale | Model #62224, Palomino View Details

Breyer Horses Freedom Series |Power & Precision Horse & Foal Set | Horse Figurine | 9" L x 7" H | Model #B-FS-10251

By: Breyer

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has acquired what appears to be a pair of static, rigid horses from a brand called Breyer. The marketing nonsense they've been reading aloud suggests it's a piece of "true equestrian art," hand-painted by a small army of artisans to capture the essence of a Warmblood mare and her foal. From my perspective, it's a dust-collector in the making. It has no feathers, no crinkle sound, no scent of catnip, and its much-touted "powerful hindquarters" are made of some sort of unchewable, unyielding resin. While I can appreciate the attention to detail—a quality so often lacking in the cheap, feathered things they dangle before me—its complete and utter lack of interactivity makes it a prime candidate for being ignored. Its only potential lies in being a satisfyingly solid object to knock off a high shelf.

Key Features

  • The various Warmblood breeds found around the world have slight variations in their colors and body types, but a few characteristics remain consistent: powerful hindquarters, an arching neck, a well-muscled build, and an overall athletic physique.
  • Warmbloods are best described as “elegance meets endurance” – a living, breathing piece of art crafted by the hands of time and tradition.
  • PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: Package contains (1) Power & Precision Horse & Foal Set . Freeedom Series 1:12 Scale. Measures approximately 9" L x 6" H. Recommended for ages4 years and older.
  • HAND CRAFTED DETAIL: The world's 'most asked for' horses since 1950. Each individual Breyer model is prepped and finished by hand and then turned over to the painting department for hand painting and detailing. In all, some 20 artisans work on each individual model horse, creating an exquisite hand-made model horse that is as individual as the horse that inspired it.
  • TRUE EQUESTRIAN ART: Breyer models begin as beautiful horse sculptures created by leading equine artists that are then cast into a copper and steel mold. Each model is created one at a time from the original mold, which is injected with a special resin selected by Breyer for its ability to capture the depth of detail, delicate feel and richness of color in our models.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The new arrivals were placed on the mantelpiece, a sacred space usually reserved for framed pictures of my less-impressive predecessors and a hideous clock that chimes with offensive cheerfulness. My human called them "Power & Precision." I called them The Intruders. The larger one stood with an air of placid arrogance, its painted eyes staring at a spot on the wall just above my head. The smaller one, the foal, huddled near its leg, a study in miniature stillness. For three days, I observed them from the arm of the sofa, my tail twitching in silent judgment. They did not move. They did not blink. They did not even have the good grace to smell interesting. They were monuments to inertia, an affront to a dynamic creature such as myself. On the fourth day, I decided a closer inspection was warranted. I leaped gracefully onto the mantel, my padded paws making no sound. I circled the mare, sniffing the air around her. There was only the faint, sterile scent of resin and paint. I nudged the foal with my nose. It was hard and cold, and it didn't so much as wobble. This was not prey. This was not a friend. This was a challenge of a different sort. The human prattled on about its "hand-crafted detail" and how "20 artisans" worked on it. Twenty artisans to create something so profoundly boring? A waste of opposable thumbs. My plan was simple: a swift shove with my head, a satisfying crash, a brief moment of human-generated chaos, and then a nap. I lined up my target—the mare's flank—and braced myself. But as I looked into her unchanging, glossy eye, something shifted. I saw not a toy, but a reflection. In her perfect stillness, her unyielding pose of "elegance meets endurance," I saw the very ideal I strive for each day. She was the master of the long, unblinking stare. She was the queen of ignoring frantic calls to "get off the counter." She held her ground with a confidence I had to respect. She did not need to play or pounce; her power was in her absolute refusal to engage with the frantic, pointless energy of the world. I retracted my head and sat down, tucking my paws beneath my tuxedo chest. I gave the resin mare a slow, deliberate blink, a sign of mutual understanding between two masters of sophisticated indifference. The foal, I decided, was her apprentice. This Breyer set was not a toy to be broken, but a shrine to be contemplated. It was a physical representation of the art of the nap, the philosophy of the sunbeam, the quiet dignity of doing absolutely nothing at all. It was, I conceded, worthy. It could stay.
Image of Breyer Horses Freedom Series |Power & Precision Horse & Foal Set | Horse Figurine | 9" L x 7" H | Model #B-FS-10251 View Details

Breyer Traditional Series | Beowulf | 2024 Halloween Horse | Glow in The Dark | Horse Figurine | Model #B-TR-10118

By: Breyer

Pete's Expert Summary

So, my human has acquired another static, un-pounceable effigy from this 'Breyer' outfit. This one is a rather large, plastic equine they call 'Beowulf,' painted a garish metallic red and scrawled with some sort of werewolf nonsense. Its primary function, as far as I can tell, is to occupy a perfectly good spot on a high shelf, accumulating dust. However, I am told its white markings glow after the lights go out. This *might* elevate it from 'monument to immobility' to 'faintly interesting nocturnal landmark,' but I remain skeptical. It has no feathers, no catnip pouch, and I suspect it tastes disappointingly of plastic. A potential waste of my superior visual acuity.

Key Features

  • Limited Edition: 2024 Halloween Horse - Beowulf | A glossy Glow in the Dark Halloween limited edition, he featured “Beowulf” on his belly.
  • When a haunting whinny turns into a chilling howl, you know that the full moon is high and Beowulf is on the prowl. With his metallic deep red coat, he blends into the shadows of the night as he searches for the magical force that has awakened his wolf spirit.
  • The werewolf-inspired Halloween Horse is posed as if he's calling to the sky, or perhaps, to the beautifully eerie wolves on both of his sides! Claw marks and hints of the full moon complete his transformative look. When the light of the moon is hidden behind the clouds Beowulf will stand out, as all of his white markings glow in the dark!
  • Product Specifications: 11.25in. L x 4.5in W x 10.5in. H
  • Traditional | 1:9 scale | Ages 8+

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The new idol arrived in a box that was far more interesting than its contents. I gave the cardboard a thorough inspection and a few good test-scratches before the human shooed me away to reveal the thing itself. It was a horse, frozen mid-howl, with an angry red glaze and silly wolf drawings on its flanks. An offense to good taste. The human cooed over it, muttering something about a "limited edition," and placed it on the highest shelf of the study bookcase, a perch even I would find challenging. I watched, unimpressed, from my velvet cushion. Another piece of human clutter, destined to be ignored. I flicked an ear in its general direction and settled in for a proper nap. Hours later, the house fell into its nightly hush. The moon, my true master, was hidden by clouds, plunging the study into a deep, familiar dark. I stretched, my claws extending and retracting in a satisfying rhythm, and began my patrol. As I padded across the rug, a strange light caught my eye. It was a soft, ghostly green luminescence, emanating from the high shelf. I froze, my tail giving a single, questioning twitch. It was the statue. The tacky white markings—the silly claws and moon shapes—were now shining with an eerie, self-contained light. My skepticism warred with a primal curiosity I rarely admit to. This was new. This was… anomalous. The leap from the floor to the desk was effortless. The jump from the desk to the second shelf required a bit more calculation. From there, I crept along a row of dusty hardcovers until I was face-to-face with the glowing beast. It smelled of cold plastic and a faint, chemical tang. I reached out a paw, claws sheathed, and gave its glowing leg a soft pat. Nothing. It was as still and lifeless as it had been in the daylight, yet it held this strange, silent fire. It wasn't prey, nor was it a threat. It was simply… there. A beacon in my domain. I sat there for a long time, a gray tuxedo-clad gargoyle observing a glowing, plastic one. It wasn't a toy. It would never satisfy the thrill of the chase or the joy of destruction. But it wasn't useless. As I prepared to leap down, I realized it cast just enough light to perfectly illuminate the corner of the human's armchair, my preferred landing spot. This 'Beowulf' was not a plaything, but a tool. A private lighthouse for my midnight expeditions. The human could have their collectible; I had claimed its soul for a far more practical purpose. With a slow blink of acceptance, I made my perfectly-lit descent. It would do.
Image of Breyer Traditional Series | Beowulf | 2024 Halloween Horse | Glow in The Dark | Horse Figurine | Model #B-TR-10118 View Details

Breyer Horses Stablemates Horse Crazy Colorful Breed Paint Set | 5 Piece Set | 1:32 Scale | Model #4234

By: Breyer

Pete's Expert Summary

My human, in her infinite and often misguided wisdom, has procured a box of what appears to be... work. It contains five small, naked plastic creatures resembling those loud, grass-chewing beasts from the field down the road. They are pale and soulless, and the kit includes various pots of smelly mud and a stick with fur on the end, which she calls a "paintbrush." The entire purpose, it seems, is for her to painstakingly apply color to these figurines, a tedious process that will no doubt consume hours of potential petting time. While the creatures themselves are of a size that suggests they might fly quite satisfactorily from the edge of a bookcase, and the fur-stick holds some promise, the core activity is a tragic waste of opposable thumbs. The potential for these "horses" to become untouchable shelf-idols after their anointing is disappointingly high.

Key Features

  • EDUCATIONAL and FUN: Five popular breeds are included in this set which are Tennessee Walking Horse, Arabian, Sport Horse foal, Friesian and Andalusian. Each is base-coated and ready to paint. The perfect way to learn about horse colors!
  • Includes: 5 Stablemates horses, 6 paint pots with realistic horse colors, 1 paintbrush, 1 colorful instruction booklet, 1 sheet of 8 pop-out accessories. Each horse measures approximately 3.5" L x 3.5" H.
  • ACCESSORIES: Build an entire world with all Stablemates accessories (sold separately) which includes Craft Kits, Playsets, Barns, Vehicles AND Surprise Horse Blind Bags.
  • HAND CRAFTED DETAIL: The world's 'most asked for' horses since 1950. Each individual Breyer model is prepped and finished by hand and then turned over to the painting department for hand painting and detailing. In all, some 20 artisans work on each individual model horse, creating an exquisite hand-made model horse that is as individual as the horse that inspired it.
  • TRUE EQUESTRIAN ART: Breyer models begin as beautiful horse sculptures created by leading equine artists that are then cast into a copper and steel mold. Each model is created one at a time from the original mold, which is injected with a special resin selected by Breyer for its ability to capture the depth of detail, delicate feel and richness of color in our models.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The smell of fresh plastic and cardboard was the first insult. I watched from my perch on the armchair as the human carefully liberated five pale, ghost-like equines from their clear prison. They stood on the coffee table in a silent, lifeless herd. An Andalusian, an Arabian, a Friesian... the names meant nothing to me. They were simply prey-in-waiting, and boring ones at that. As she fussed with the tiny paint pots and dipped the brush, a wave of profound indifference washed over me. I tucked my head beneath my tail, the drone of her gentle humming a lullaby of tedium, and drifted into a light doze. My dreams were immediately invaded. I was no longer on my plush chair, but standing on a vast, gray plain under a colorless sky. Before me stood the five phantom horses, their blank plastic eyes fixed on me. They did not move, but a sense of immense, collective longing emanated from them, a silent plea that vibrated in my whiskers. They were hollow, not just in form, but in spirit. They had no story, no coat to protect them from the spectral wind, no identity to carry them into the great hunt of the afterlife. They were nothing. A realization dawned on me, as clear and sharp as the glint of my own claws. They were waiting for *me*. I was not merely Pete, the handsome tuxedo cat; I was their Prime Mover, their Shaper. The human, with her clumsy paints, was not their artist—she was my instrument, the humble artisan tasked with carrying out my divine will. I saw them not as they were, but as they *should* be. The Friesian would be cloaked in the shadow of my own deep gray fur, a creature of the night. The Arabian would burn with the ferocity of the afternoon sunbeam it so often steals from me on the rug. The little Sport Horse foal would bear the dappled pattern of the birch tree outside the window. I awoke with a start. The human was dabbing a splotch of chestnut brown onto the Arabian. It was a clumsy start, but the intent was there. She was following the cosmic blueprint I had laid out in my slumber. I stretched, hopped down from my chair, and padded silently to the coffee table. I looked at the unpainted Friesian, then back at her, giving a short, commanding "Mrrow." She looked down at me and smiled, misinterpreting my instruction as simple curiosity. "Oh, you like these, Pete?" she murmured. I ignored the patronizing tone and gave the Friesian a gentle nudge with my nose, a clear directive. *This one next. And make it the color of a moonless midnight. Our work has just begun.*
Image of Breyer Horses Stablemates Horse Crazy Colorful Breed Paint Set | 5 Piece Set | 1:32 Scale | Model #4234 View Details