aula
Hecker, of Windover Studios, has been collecting model horses
since the mid-70's. Around 1980 she discovered the model horse
hobby and has been hooked ever since! She was eager to repaint
her models, and did a few in spray paint and enamels (scary).
In 1984 she did her first repaint--a lady phase in Palomino named Phaeton's Image. She chose this color because she had always wanted Breyer to release the Lady Phase in Palomino.
Paula took a brief break from the hobby 1985-1988, but she jumped back in eagerly and decided to try to publish a model horse newsletter. The result was The Hobby Horse News, one of the hobby's leading magazine's; Paula turned over the reins to the next editor in 2000.
Paula has done a little customizing since then, but hasn't had much time lately. When time permits, she paints resins and chinas, but has pretty much "retired" from customizing Breyers. She currently produces about three-four horses per year. Paula does not take custom orders, but does have models available for sale from time to time.
Paula was very involved in holding the Southeast's largest show, the Sunshine State Live Show, held in Tallahassee, Florida, in February of each year, but "retired" as show secretary in 2001 leaving the show in the capable hands of Gretchen Waldo and Anthea Peacock. Paula ressurected SSLS in 2004 and it is now the Sunshine State *Little* Show, a mini show of giant proportions! She is also very active in live showing, and attends as many shows as she is able. She loves showing performance! She has also been an active NAMHSA member, and was the NAMHSA Bylaws Committee Chair from 1995-1997. She also judges the occasional live show, and has had judging duties at The Lone Star Live, The Steele City Live, and BreyerFest Live, Sunshine State Live and other shows.
Paula enjoys the hobby for the people she meets, the friends she has made, and the learning experience. Paula is a stay-at-home-mom who keeps busy playing with her three kids, Jessica Lee, Madison Rose, and Rachel Ann.
If you would like to get in touch with Paula, you can find her email address below:
Top: Alliance, bay Morgan/Warmblood
stallion customized from the Breyer Stablemate Morgan Stallion
by Lesli Kathman, painted and owned by Paula Hecker
Bottom: Windover Willie, chestnut
tobiano Miniature Horse gelding customized from the North Light
Shetland and owned by unknown
Return to
