About Us

A Lifelong Love of All Things Equine

Welcome to Paint Pony Studios—

the U.P.’s Friendly NEIGH-borhood Horse Source!

Started by a mother-daughter team of model (and real) equine enthusiasts in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula circa 2015, Paint Pony Studios has grown from simply a Breyer Model Horse dealership to a full-blown

equine art studio featuring illustrations by cartoonist and character designer, Emma Jezek.

Now fully operated by Emma herself (alongside a small support system of family and friends for out-of-town events!) Paint Pony Studios specializes in fantastical equine artwork that caters to the horse girl in all of us.

With around 20+ years of both model and real horse experience, the PPS Team looks forward to being your go-to source for vinyl stickers, pins, trading cards, and Breyer Model Horse Toys & Collectibles.

Find us on: Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube!

The PPS Story

Paint Pony Studios first kicked off in 2015 as a small Etsy shop selling custom-painted model horses. Then, in 2016, we were given the opportunity to become the Upper Peninsula's Breyer Model Horse dealer when our only local tack shop decided they no longer wanted to handle and sell model horses.

Having been collectors for roughly 10 years, transitioning into the retail process was relatively easy, and it was a very fun and interesting experience! By the time that we became a Breyer retailer, we had already been hosting model horse shows for six years, and had also started Manes & Tails Model Horse 4H Club in 2015.

Taking on the role of a Breyer dealership has allowed us many amazing experiences and an inside look at collecting and the model horse hobby. We are able to use our hobby knowledge to help our our customers with whatever they may need, be it breed advice, statistics on a particular limited run, or even hunting down a specific model.

On the artistic side of things, Emma continued repainting model horses and pursuing higher education, obtaining a BFA in Illustration with an unofficial minor in 3D Art/Animation and focusing on character design and sequential art (comics and storyboards.) This led her to self-publishing three comic books and two companion books.

While still in college, Emma began working for The Peter Stone Company, making the first "Design-A-Horse" visual model horse builder in 2018. After college, she moved to Indiana and started on as a full-time employee, continuing work on the DAH Builder while also designing models and creating illustrations for Moonlight Madness, Equilocity, Stone Horse Country Fair, and the first Classic Literature Series.

Leaving Stone Horses in 2022, with the demand for her artwork increasing, Emma decided to dive head-first back into creating fantastical equine artwork for the horse lover in all of us.

We at Paint Pony Studios hope that you enjoy your experience with us both as a retailer and as your friendly NEIGH-borhood horse source.

Meet The Team

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Emma Jezek

Owner | Illustrator | Equine Artist

Hi, I'm Emma!

I was in Pony Club for 10 years, taught 4H for 10 years, and love to go on trail rides with my horse, Johnny.

I was the kid that jumped on every lesson pony and switch-ride horse I was able to get my hands on!

As of now, I mainly collect original finish Breyers with a few Stones thrown in the mix. I'm a huge believer in "collect what you like," but I always look for a way to do that while filling my show string at the same time. For me, anything flashy goes, but I also know there's no bad color for a good horse.

I am also a freelance illustrator, specializing in cartoons. In the past, I developed The Peter Stone Company's current "Design A Horse" program (Try Before You Buy!) and have designed several runs for Moonlight Madness, the entire 2022 Classic Literature Series, and more!

Before focusing on majorly equine work, I published a series of comics and spent a lot of time writing and illustrating sequential art and character design.

For professional inquiries, please email me at paintponystudios@gmail.com.

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Tess Jezek

Assistant

Hi, I'm Tess! My daughter showed me the real world of horses, living and plastic. This is a hobby we feel very strongly about.

Though I no longer ride as often as I used to, I enjoy trail riding. Now my interests lie with the model horses and helping Emma with Johnny. We both are involved in 4H on the local and county level as we serve positions on the counties council and run our own 4H. I was also involved in Pony Club in various positions.

Within a few years of being involved in the model horse 4H club, I began to show my models along with Emma and found it fascinating; I have learned a lot since taking on the retail business of the model horse community.

Outside of model horses, I co-own a kitchen design studio, and I enjoy knitting and gardening in my spare time.

The Ponies of Paint Pony Studios

Paloma the Palomino

PPS Mascot

Hi there! My name is PALOMA.

I am a palomino minimal splash stock horse.

My favorite color is blue, and I love painting and hanging out with my two friends, Prada and Stipple.

Prada the Arabian

PPS Mascot

Hello, my name is PRADA.

I am a black Arabian.

As the resident style expert, it's my job to make sure that all of the artwork featured here is colorful and fun! I also love getting my hooves dirty in the studio.

Stipple the Knabstrupper

PPS Mascot

Hiya, my name is STIPPLE.

I am a black leopard Knabstrupper.

I'm the most level-headed and responsible of the group, so I'm usually the designated "Gelding in Charge" to make sure Paloma and Prada don't cause trouble.

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Brandy Alexander aka ALEX

1992 - 2024

Welsh Pony (A) x American Saddlebred

Chestnut Tobiano Pinto

I'm ALEX!

I was Emma's main riding pony and partner in crime for 10 years, but my career in the United States Pony Club started when I was five years old. I'm the inspiration behind the name PAINT PONY Studios

Now that I'm in my twenties, I'm taking a well-deserved break and enjoying my retirement. I give lessons to kids on a weekly basis, and I love being showered with affection - and treats!

My best friend at the barn is a mixed breed pony named Wendy, and I'm certainly a favorite, if I do say so myself. I help keep Johnny in line when Emma isn't around.

Lava

Horse-Shaped Object

Hello!

My name is LAVA.

I'm one of Emma's oldest original characters, and one of her favorite to draw.

I may not be a horse, but I am very horse-shaped. I am actually made of rock, as I'm a statue that magically came to life.

You may see me in several speed-painting videos, stickers, and even starring in Emma's comic book, BREATHE, along my human companion, Lee.

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Dark Squire aka JOHNNY

2010

Off-The-Track Thoroughbred

Dark Seal Bay

My name is JOHNNY!

I'm an ex-racehorse from Louisiana, and my pedigree contains some of the greats - A.P. Indy, Northern Dancer, Seattle Slew, Mr. Prospector, and even Secretariat.

I just wasn't cut out for a racing career. I was fast, but the track made me kinda nervous... and I get bored pretty easily. That's why I like jumping and dressage!

Now that I've had some time to relax and learn how to be a horse, I'm a big, loveable goofball. Emma calls me her "oversized Rottweiler." I'm a cuddlebug and love to be in your pocket, and my favorite treat is a nice, juicy orange!