American Paint Horse is a feature model at 2010 Breyerfest

Breyer model of Fleetstreet Max. Photo courtesy of Breyer.   Hirez JPEG (1.64 mb)

Fleetstreet Max and Alisa Bernhard winning the 2008 Hunt Seat Equitation class. Photo courtesy of APHA.   Hirez JPEG (1.64 mb)

The stunning overo gelding, nicknamed “Max” is owned, shown, and trained by Alisa Bernhard and was bred by her mother Sue Bernhard of Fieldstone Farms in Germantown, Wisconsin. Despite a rocky start, where trainers assured Alisa that he wouldn’t make an all-around horse her faith in him overcame the naysayers in the business. She and Max proved them wrong and have amassed an extensive show record together, earning multiple world and reserve world championships in seven different disciplines including working hunter, hunt seat equitation, equitation over fences, hunter hack, western horsemanship, trail and western riding. The dynamic pair also made APHA show history in 2008 for the most world championships earned, 18 total (21 to date). Max’s accomplishments include a total of five APHA World Show all-around titles, and more than 9,000 APHA show points.

“Alisa is really looking forward to bringing Max to Breyerfest,” said Sue Bernhardt. “She collected over 50 Breyer models as a child and always dreamed of attending Breyerfest, but never imagined that she'd come to Breyerfest with the real-life inspiration for one of the portrait models! Thank you, Max and thank you, Breyer!”

“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to recognize Fleetstreet Max as a Breyer portrait model,” says Stephanie Macejko, Vice President of Marketing at Breyer Animal Creations. “His many accomplishments show his quality, and he is clearly a wonderful representative for the American Paint Horse.”

Over the years, Breyer has honored several American Paint Horses with models including notable show horses Colonels Smokingun, Like A Diamond, Rugged Painted Lark, Big Chex To Cash, Sacred Indian, Mister Mister, Silky Keno, Yellow Mount, Sam I Am, Leahs Fancy Chick, Wahoo King and now Fleetstreet Max.

“Each of these horses are highly accomplished and the American Paint Horse Association is proud to have our breed recognized by Breyer and for picking these special Paint horses for models,” said Lex Smurthwaite, Executive Director of the American Paint Horse Association. “Fleetstreet Max is an exceptional Paint Horse who has earned an outstanding show record. We are so proud to have this horse honored by Breyer and placed in the rankings of the horses honored by Breyer over the years. This is a deserving horse for them to recognize and we congratulate the Bernhard family as well.”

To find out more about other American Paint Horses honored with Breyer models, be sure to check out the “Top Models” article in the March 2010 Paint Horse Journal or online at painthorsejournal.com.

To find out more about Breyerfest or to purchase tickets, please visit www.breyerhorses.com/breyerfest.

More About APHA
Currently, American Paint Horses are being registered at APHA’s Fort Worth, Texas, headquarters at a rate of more than 30,000 horses each year. APHA has registered more than 981,000 horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded 48 years ago, and now serves approximately 85,000 active members around the world. APHA, a non-profit organization, prides itself on community involvement and educating the public about the beauty and talent of the breed. Among its many activities, APHA works to preserve bloodlines and maintain the outstanding characteristics of Paint Horses. For more information, visit the Association’s Web site at apha.com or call (817) 834-2742.