Heather Bruen Model Horse Customizer and Collector

by Heather Bruen
(Marion, Ohio)

I love collecting model horses, I have been for over 25 years now. My collection has grown to over 400 models..mostly are Breyer but, have a handful of Peter stones and a few resins as well. I received my first one, Midnight Sun,when I was 4-5 years old and I still continue to collect today at 33 years old.

I really enjoy going to Breyerfest each year too, I have been to 4 BF's now and plan on going every year now,it is just amazing there! I recommend that if you haven't been to a Breyerfest, save up and try to go to one, you won't be sorry you did. I really enjoy the Holiday Inn room sales after they close the KHP doors for the day, it's like a model horse yard sale...rooms just filled with old, new and custom models horses far as the eye can see!

My all time favorite model is hands down the Oldtimer, I have 14 models of him in my conga and I'm always picking up more to customize. I started to customize when I was 13 years old but, of course they didn't look all that well but, with practice I have gotten way better. I mostly used Acrylics but, now I'm using more of the pastels. Lots more time involved with pastels but, the end results are amazing!!! I also love to etch models, I have done many, a very delicate procedure where you lightly scrape off OF paint into a pattern of your choice.

My favorite thing to do with my models is to photograph them.I place them in either real life outside backgrounds at a couple of Parks near my home or just fake printed out paper backgrounds..regardless of which ones I do....by far I enjoy that the most. I have recently entered some in photo shows and have done real well. I would maybe someday like to try live showing but, there aren't that many shows in Ohio so, that will be limited to just shows in Ohio or maybe I'll try breyerfest shows.