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My First Stablemate Custom

I am going to the Vintage Custom Model Equine Congress this weekend, so I have been dusting off my “shelf models” of old and making them tags. Most of them haven’t been to a show in 15 or 20 years, and most of them are traditionals. (I switched to minis after many of my traditional models suffered damage from the heat during a move—I was heartbroken. Stablemates fit inside my cooler when traveling in warm weather and also have solid bodies that don’t swell and contract with temperature changes.)

My first Stablemate custom from about 1991.

In my search I found this gem: a warmblood stallion custom from a G1 Citation model which may very well be my first Stablemate custom. I think I did him c. 1991. He is painted in oils, of which I may of only had two colors: white and black; and haired with sewing thread (mane) and mohair (tail). I had made him bulkier with Gapoxio—which has separated from the plastic and oozed yellow stain over time.

Sanding the epoxy smooth eluded me, as did blending the paint without tornados of brushstrokes, but the concept of a handsome hunter is there—something I was a huge fan of at the time.

So all this looking back at old pieces has me thinking of all of the friends and judges who encouraged me to keep working on my craft and to never stop learning. Thanks so much!

And on that note, if you have a question about customizing Stablemates or pastelling, give me a shout. The best way to reach me is the contact box on my website at sarahtregay.com.

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