New Resin by Maggie Bennett

We just announced a gorgeous new Andalusian resin by Maggie Bennett! Luminoso is an Andalusian stallion...and he's one of the best I've seen by Maggie. I love the open mouth and those rippling muscles. No base here - she's got him balanced nicely with the tail and two legs. Casting is done, and he's been cast by Mountain View Studios with wire reinforced legs, so you know the quality is good. I'm still waiting to hear if he's a limited edition or open edition. Get this guy soon - he looks like a winner for the show ring, for sure!

Tabatha Pack's Saoirse Wins at Equine Artists Challenge

Hot off the presses, with more details coming soon - Tabatha just emailed me to say that her sculpture, Saoirse, won first place at the Equine Artists Challenge in West Virginia. Saoirse won first, beating out even a three foot tall Arabian horse sculpture. Judges were impressed by her attention to correctness, both in breed characteristics and anatomy. More details coming soon.

A Horse of My Own

I'd always made a vow that by my 40th birthday, I'd own a 'real' horse. Well, next week's the big 4-0 and I still can't afford to build a barn or monthly board, so I've deferred my real horse dreams again.

Then to my surprise a box appeared today via UPS. We weren't expecting any shipments. I was in a meeting, so John took the box inside.

I discovered it was for me.

It was El Romantico, Sheri Rhodes' new horse...not to sell...but for me to keep!

A resin. For my own. For real. Not one that will pass through my doors only to be sold to someone else.

He's gorgeous. He's BIG! He's almost as big as my Proud Arabian Stallion. Bigger than the Family Arabian I think. I LOVE his face. He's got a great expression.

I just want to throw a saddle over his back and go for a ride.

Maybe I will...in my imagination.

Thanks for the birthday present guys! (you know who you are!)

Breeds People Collect: Spanish Breeds

Among our collectors, customers and friends, there are two 'all breed' collecting trends. The first is obvious: collecting only Arabians. But the second may not be so obvious. It's collecting Spanish breeds.

From the Andalusian to the Paso Fino, many people are just crazy about Spanish breed horses. I won a contest many years ago and received a free subscription to Conquistador magazine, the best publication for Spanish horse breed enthusiasts. I was dazzled by all the flowing manes and tails and Roman noses! The superb dressage maneuvers and fiery personalities promised on all the glossy pages were enticing...but somewhat intimidating.

Let's face it: at this point in my life, as the wheel of time slips me past 40, my days riding hot horses are probably over. When I was in college, I rode off the track Thoroughbreds and grass-green Quarter Horses. Today, I'm happier on a packer, the good old babysitter horse.

But that's the beauty of model horses. With models, we can collect our fantasy horses. We CAN own fiery Arabian stallions or Paso Fino or a soaring young Lipizzan. The possiblities are endless.

Some beautiful Spanish breed resins to see....

Bravio, Andalusian
El Romantico, Paso Fino
Unbridled Joy, Lipizzan
Alvaro, Lusitano
Maggie Bennet's Micro Minis

The photos are contributed by (starting at the top):

Kathy McKenzie (Alvaro)
Dani Schacht (Unbridled Joy)
Katrina Michael (Line of Micro Mini Andalusians)

Top 5 Arabian Resins from EquinArt

I thought you might like a little insider information. Think of this sort of as a reward for visiting our blog!

We have SO many lovely Arabians on our website...and so many talented artists. But here's a look into the top best-selling Arabians from EquinArt Creations. Do you own any of them? If not, check out their web pages. Some are still available from us as unpainted (or painted) resins, while others can be found on the second hand market through MHSP, eBay, etc.

1. Amirah by Cathy Bercier-Choyce: This Traditional size Arabian mare is still a favorite among collectors. They love her correct conformation and her breed characteristics. We hear only two complains on her: the mane interferes with Western saddle horns on tack (you can easily take out the bit that hits the horn), and the base is attached. Some artists have removed her from the base, but frankly I think this takes away some of the motion from the piece. Let me know what you think. She remains one of our top sellers.
2. Elnathan by Tabatha Pack: Yes, he's new to the herd on EquinArt, but I've rarely seen a model like this....he just oozes life and there is something so stunning about this piece that the photos don't do it justice. He's sold out with a waiting list.
   
3. Aten by Candace Liddy: This little rearing Stablemate Arabian stallion was another runaway best seller. We sold out on the resin edition, but bronzes are available. He's tiny but mighty, a fighting stallion with flowing mane and tail. Candace, sculpt more Stablemates please! Aten Khamen is the Traditional size version of this guy, and Aten Khamen is available - unpainted and one mahagony bay.
   
4. Aiyana Salome by Tabatha Pack: Graceful, soft, pleasing to the eye, this Classic size Arabian mare is just perfect. Plus Tab generously donates a portion of sales to charity. Can't beat it!
5. Micro mini Arabian stallion by Maggie Bennett: Tiny and mighty, he looks like a mini Proud Arabian Stallion but with better body type. A favorite with micro mini collectors, the molds got messed up so we were out of stock on him for a long time, but he's in stock now and ready to ship out. Cast in solid pewter, he looks so lifelike you'd swear you heard a neigh.

Those are the favorites among EquinArt resins. I know there are tons of gorgeous Arabian resins out there by individual artists and other companies. No matter how you look at it, Arabian horses remain the most popular breed collected, and will probably remain popular. They're so beautiful, they epitomize the grace of the horse.

Are People Buying Model Horses

So many people are talking about the economy. Are we in a downturn, or have reached bottom yet? I'm not sure. Personally, I think the high-flying days of the last five years are gone the way of the flapper of the 1920's. Many people spent above their means, companies and individuals speculated on air, and the result crashed. Now we have to sober up and face reality.

But that doesn't describe model horse people very well. Most model horse collectors I've met over the years are hard working, middle class people. In fact, many love real horses but can't afford to own one - I was in that camp for many, many years. So they collect beautiful model horses to satisfy their yearning for all things equine.

For these folks, the biggest worry now may be whether or not their job will be there next week or month.

Have people stopped buying model horses? A recent poll over on Model Horse Blab showed mixed results. Lots of people said yes, they've slowed down their purchases, or they're more choosy with what they buy. Others said they are not buying anything but are putting extra cash towards paying off credit cards (a very, very smart move). Still others buy what they like and don't worry about a thing.

For our artists - including the painting and prepping artists who buy our resins and who work with our customers - I would say simply that if you continue to create lovely art and provide good service, you'll still get business. It may take longer in this economy, but no matter how the markets roll, beautiful, original, and realistic model horses will still sell.