b"agreed and she contacted Breyer confirmimg Zoobie was still the best pick for the Fjord Breyer Horse model.After more time went by, Teressa contacted me and said BreyeragreedtomoveforwardwithZoobieasthe2023 Breyer model, and for BreyerFest 2023, they would welcome Sweetwaters Marmaduke, Duke, to represent Zoobie for all the appearances and shows. I had told Teressa if Zoob was accepted as a model and she was going to attend Breyerfest with Duke, I would be there to help.TeressagottheBreyerFestdatesandmyplansbegan.I asked Jennifer Wright and her daughter, Natalie, to join me on this trip. See I hadnt flown in over 3 years and had developed quite a fear of flying to be honest. But, the drive would be two long days, so I bravely booked a flight, made plans with Jen, and the trip was set.We arrived in Lexington on Thursday, July 13.Leslie and Teressa were already there, set-up with a beautiful display allOn this day, it rained buckets. the people still stood in line to get their commemorating Zoobie. Duke and Travis, Leslies Warmblood,Zoobie autographed and their picture made with Duke.were settled nicely in their stalls. Jen, Nat, and I decided to jump into the golf cart to take a spin around the Kentucky Horse Park. It had been some time since my last visit, so I wanted to see what was new. While cruising around, we went past the entry gates only to find people lined up in lawn chairs, awaiting the opening the next morning at 9:00 oclock!FridaywasopeningdayanditcamewithHUGEcrowds. When I say HUGE, I mean people were waiting in line to buy Breyer horses for hours. Everyone walking around had large bagsofpurchases,mostofwhichincludedseveralBreyer Horses. It just amazed me. I had no idea how popular Breyer Horses were, except for the 200+ my oldest daughter must have collected through the years.Duke was slated to make several appearances at the Breyer show, as well as photograph and autograph sessions. Leslie currently competes Duke at Preliminary in Combined Driving Events (CDEs), so Duke would show off for the thousands of adorning fans for each performance. He was most definitely a favorite. Natalie Wright eagerly jumped in as Leslies navigator for each performance. She handed out Zoobie postcards asZoob's memorabilia table Teressa and Leslie had set up.Just a few of well. I believe Jennifer has created her very own navigator for when she starts doing driving shows with her Fjords. NatalieZoobie's accomplishments.was a natural.Leslies Warmblood, Travis, had a part in the performance, as well. Hes 22 and looks like hes 5; so beautiful and proud showing off his lovely gaits hitched to the carriage. Natalie and Jennifer both took a turn as navigator for Travis, too. I believe Leslie even announced she will be pulling him out of retirement and will compete him again. I can see why I would have never guessed his age.All three days of BreyerFest - Friday, Saturday and Sunday - crowds stood in lines to get a glimpse of Duke, their picture taken with him, or an autograph on their newly purchased Zoobie Breyer Horse. And, when I say the crowds lined up the lines were endless; all day, every day.AttendingBreyerFestwasanopportunityIllnotforget anytime soon.It was so heartwarming to see the love people have for our wonderful breed. Duke represented very well.Teressa signing autographs.I'll bet sheDuke posing for pictures in the My hats off to Teressa for sharing Zoobie and Duke with theirsigned 500 Zoobie Breyer horses thatautograph lineloving fans. A special thanks to my travel buddies, Jennifer and Natalie Wright. You guys are the best! weekend.Fjord Herald Issue #148Fall 2023 19"