It always begins so innocently, doesn't it?

We see a picture of a model horse that just looks like the epitome of our dream horse, whether in a catalogue or model encyclopedia. All of a sudden, that's all we can think about. What we'll call it. Where we'll keep it. What shows we'll enter. What championships we'll win. We can't stop thinking about it. Finally, we break down our last reserves and decide: We need one of those!

This wouldn't be so utterly ulcer-inducing if the model we wanted was actually available. Or even if it was mass-produced to the point where everyone has one. But we don't want Man O'War or Misty, do we? We want Abdullah or Gifted or The US Equestrian Team set. After all, it wouldn't be any fun if it was easy, right?!

To give you some examples, here are some of the hot-list models-models which were available in general production: no Breyerfest models, JAH offers or other specials! I did include limited and commemorative models too. You'd be surprised to see how often these guys are (and aren't) for sale. Feel free to disagree with me, but I actually tried this as an experiment-I went searching for certain models and some of them are so highly in demand that we either sell our souls for them or do without!

1. Gifted. Does anyone not want this fella? The model is gorgeous and the paint job is stunning. Besides, we all loved the big-hearted dressage champion in life-this is our way of owning 'him', I think.

Price range: Lowest I saw was $75 mint.

Availability: Out of 100 lists, I saw him on two. Appeals to the model-exchange list did absolutely no good. I saw him in JAH, for an eye-popping price-and he was probably sold by the time I saw the magazine.

2. The Black Stallion Returns Classic set. Classics are becoming wildly popular again, a trend I don't mind going along with. The set is nearly impossible to come by! It took me personally two years to get my hands on a complete set. If you have patience, it can be done. But don't try getting this set in a hurry! Mint condition sets are even more rare, which isn't really surprising.

Price range: Lowest I saw for one model was $25, set $70. The set was near-mint and came without a box.

Availability: Out of 100 lists, I saw one complete set and one model separate (Johar).

3. The US Equestrian Team set. As this is a Classic set, this shouldn't come as a shock! It's also a great looking set that appeals to just about everyone, especially anyone who ever actually saw Jet Run, Might Tango or Keen. (By the way, to everyone who was offering me this set: Jet Run is the bay, Might Tango is the grey and Keen is the chestnut. Okay??!!) These guys have been repainted and sold in other special run sets. Oddly, it's harder to get ahold of the original than the special runs.

Price range: Lowest I saw was $18 each model, $45 set. I believe the set was mint, but I didn't get too picky.

Availability: Appeals on the model-exchange brought four answers, three of which had only special run models. The last response came from someone who changed her mind about selling (not that I blame her!). I tracked down two sets on individual net-dealers pages. However, when I spoke to the owners, one was already sold!

4. Semi-Rearing Paint stallion. I was actually astonished by how unwilling people are to part with this gentleman. He does look very good-and he's not one I see for sale often! You might think he wouldn't be as popular as he is because of his semi-rearing pose, but evidently he's kept as a non-show or liberty model by collectors.

Lowest: I never saw him for sale!

Availability: Appeals on the model-exchange, searches of 150 lists and checking of independent dealers turned up nada. I did check JAH-but unless he's in one of those 'write me for details' lists, he isn't there either.

5. Running Mare/Foal in pinto. It took me three years to track down the colt-and the only reason I have the mare is because I bought her while she was current! Same deal as the Semi-Rearing Paint stallion. This mare is one of the prettiest that Breyer has put out and the colt is adorable-how could any of us resist?!

Lowest: I bought the colt for $25 plus shipping, as he was rather yellowed. However, endless searches turned up nothing on either mom or baby.

Availability: Well, it really isn't! I didn't see anything in JAH, on the model-exchange or anywhere else!

6. Brown and white or Black and white Saddlebred. Is it just me or did paints and pintos take a massive leap up the popularity charts? This guy (or these guys, I should say) are flashy and splashy in both movement and colour. Funny how art reflects real life...I'm beginning to see a lot of these guys in the 'real' show ring, too!

Lowest: The lowest price I've seen for a while is $55 (for the b/w).

Availability: This model is also known as Project Universe, though I'm never 100% sure if it's the 'piebald' or the 'skewbald'. Out of 100 lists, I saw him on 3.

The list could go on and on. It's a pretty safe bet that the longer a model has been discontinued, gnerally the more valuable it gets. However, the exception to the rule would be models such as the grey PA's or palomino FA's. The reason being is that they were made for so long that everyone seems to have one.

I wish I could honestly say why certain models come and go in trends-some models are practically being given away, while other models are worth twice their weight in gold. The next year, it's the reverse. So here are my tips on how to find that model or that set!

1. First of all, decide how much you want to spend. "Money's no object" is not a phrase I hear in the real world. This will be based on how long the model has been discontinued for, what condition you are willing to get it in and even if you have any models that are tradable-you might be able to get a full or partial trade.

2. Second, try pages like the Lucky 7 Enterprises page. Through the generosity of Debra Kerr, you can place your own 'Wanted' ad for free, or you can wander through the Discontinued Breyers list at the top. If you can't find anything, grab a pen and paper; start looking through the members' lists. I suggest the pen so that you can write down the name and email addy of whoever has the model, plus the price the model is being offered at. A tip-if you're after, for example, the Black Beauty set, then don't turn away at buying the models individually. This can get you the entire set, even if it is a bit more time-consuming. Compare prices, and ask whoever has the model at the best price (in the best condition) if the model is still available. Have the model in your hands before getting rid of the list you have. Believe me, in this hobby, it's not unheard of for sellers to lose, break, scratch or change their minds about selling a model. So don't assume anything!

3. If you can't find the model this way, try other independent dealers (Cascade, Black Horse Ranch, etc...). Most of them have a 'Discontinued/Consignment' section that may offer what you're looking for. I can't recommend or not recommend one over the other, so please don't ask me to!

4. Still no luck? Okay, try the model exchange newsgroup at.model-exchange@qiclab.scn.rain.com. Ask if anyone has the model you're looking for. Be sure to mention that you are not subscribed to the group and to please write you directly. Remember to include your email address after your name!

5. If you must, try "Just About Horses" magazine. The only problem I have with this is that, besides the fact that you must be a subscriber, if you were to ask everyone who has 'write me for details and send an SASE' in their ad, this would cost you twice what you will probably pay for the model, with lesser result. Besides, this also takes up a lot of time! It's generally easier to put a "Wanted" ad in-but again, please be patient. This might take a while....

This should help you find that model. Be patient-the model can turn up in weird and wonderful places. After my desperate search for the USET set, I finally found the set in its original box for only $30 Canadian! And where was it? On consignment in a store which only offered a few Breyers. Believe me, I was beginning to think that the only way to get the set was to pay approximately what I'd have to for the real Might Tango. Yes, I was getting desperate. So take heart-that model is out there waiting for you. Even if you do have to search around a bit. But, as is the case with real horses, sometimes looking is half the fun!

Catherine (Mathewson) Scholz is starting to reenter the model horse world after a long time away... Please feel free to update her on your adventures at tezahr23@angelfire.com.