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Are Stone Horses' model horses made of stone?
No, our model horses are made from Cellulose Acetate plastic, and are quite durable. Our company is named after our founder, Peter Stone. Peter's father, Sam Stone, created the original model horse in 1950. Peter and Sam have been instrumental in the development of the model horse since then, both with Breyer Horses and Stone Horses.
How is a model horse made?
The way Stone Horses goes about creating a new model horse mold is tried and tested, and ultimately embodies months of work and expense before a finished model is ready for painting. They say an artist can be measured by the details they put into their work, and there is no substitute for taking the time to do things right.
The model horse artist
The original model horse artwork is sculpted by an equine artist with incredible attention to detail balancing anatomical correctness with aesthetically pleasing details. Often, through trial and error, a finished model horse sculpture evolves, usually made from clay. Resin masters are then made to fine tune the design, and prepare the model horse sculpture for casting.
The model horse mold
Using a resin master, a steel mold is made for an industrial press to inject molten plastic. The molds are crafted to replicate the details of the original artwork and great pains are taken to ensure the quality of the model horse being molded meets rigid standards.
A horse of different color
The colors and designs of model horses vary depending on the purpose. Some models are portraits of live animals, using photographs to replicate the color and markings. Some are "inspired" by real horses. Others are simply artistic renderings in fantastical or decorator colors - unicorn model horses are a favorite of collectors. |
Model horses are produced by various manufacturers in different sizes from materials such as plastic, porcelain and resin.
The most common model horses are made from plastic and are injection molded. They may use one of several types of plastic, but Cellulose Acetate is the most common and has been used for decades.
Design-a-Horse
Choose the color, pattern, markings and finish for your model. There are thousands of possible combinations, so you can design your own equine. Design your model horse in two easy steps...
Custom Order One of a Kinds
Available only in November and Decemeber, we will accept submissions to create for you any custom, paint pattern, or portrait that you wish to commission with us.
The real "Cisco"
"Cisco" Limited Edition 2008
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Stone Horses: Hand made in America
There several ways to make model horses, but Stone Horses prefers to make our models the old-fashioned way: by hand. Every model horse we make in our factory in Shipshewana, Indiana is lovingly washed, painted, and finished by hand. There are many steps involved in creating a model horse:
- The unpainted model horse "blank" is sent to be prepared for painting. The models are hand carried through the process of washing - as much as 8 times in some cases.
- Once the model horse is washed for painting, it is carried to another group of workers who set and fix the paint design on each model before any paint is applied to create the highly detailed patterns seen on Stone Horse models.
- The prepared model horse is then hand painted with airbrushes and paint brushes from basic coloring right down to the dapples, markings, and stripes on the hooves.
- Still only half-painted, the model horses are then sent to a group of cleaners who scrape and clean any excess paint from the markings, before returning the model for more painting.
- The model horse is then handed off to another group of painters who hand paint all the eyes, chestnuts, ribbons, or even horseshoe nails, with a paint brush. This requires a steady hand and a good supply of patience. It may take 8 steps or more just to paint one eye.
- Once the fine details have been finished, a finish coat of either flat matte or shiny gloss is applied and the model horse is ready to be enjoyed by any of our collectors around the world.
The Paint Room Crew at Christmas
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