**🐎 Review: Fish Toys 1/12 Horse Basic Model – Majestic Steeds or Overpriced Stallions?**

Happy **2026 – the Year of the Fire Horse!** 🔥🐎

What better way to kick off the year than by looking at a set of collectible horses designed for 1/12 scale action figures? Today we're diving into the **Fish Toys Horse Basic Model**, a line that has been getting a lot of attention among toy collectors and fantasy photographers.

These horses promise realism, articulation, and versatility—but they also come with a premium price tag. So are they worth saddling up for? Let’s take a closer look.

Image: Box front shows light-colored horse photo. Visible text “FISHTTOYS” and “SCALE 112”.

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# First Impressions

The Fish Toys horses arrive in fairly simple packaging showing the figure and a diagram on the back identifying which version you're getting. The line currently includes **three colors**:

* White

* Black

* Brown

Each color also comes in **two styles**:

1. **“Clydesdale style”** with shaggy feathered fur around the ankles

2. **Regular leg version** without the extra fur

Image: Box back shows six horse color variants two brown, two light gray, two black.

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In my case, I picked up **the regular brown** and **the furry-legged black** versions. In hindsight, I kind of wish I had grabbed a white one too—it would have been perfect for heroic characters and paladins.

Each horse includes a **saddle, reins, tack, and saddle blanket**, all nicely sculpted with convincing texture. However, the straps underneath the belly can be a bit fiddly and sometimes pop loose when posing.

Image: A tight, showcase-style close-up of two collectible horse figures, presented almost like a tack-and-sculpt study.

The foreground is dominated by a glossy black horse head with a brown bridle. The sculpting emphasizes realistic skin texture around the muzzle and cheeks, with sharply defined nostrils and a slightly open mouth. Small hardware details—like rings and straps—are picked out cleanly, giving the bridle a convincing, functional look. Above the head, part of the black figure’s body is visible with a textured, scale-like saddle or pad element, adding a rugged, high-detail finish.

Beside it sits a chestnut-brown horse figure wearing a black bridle and a dark, textured saddle blanket or harness piece. The brown body has a satin sheen that highlights the musculature along the neck and shoulder. Its legs extend outward, and the hooves transition into lighter bands near the ankles, suggesting painted socks or wraps.

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# Sculpt and Detail

Overall, the sculpting on these horses is impressive.

Collectors reviewing them have praised details like:

* Defined musculature and visible facial veins

* Sculpted fur texture across the body

* Nicely shaped hooves with horseshoes

* Detailed saddle and gear with layered textures

* Gloss accents on eyes and nostrils for realism

Image: Two collectible horse figures are shown from above, posed side by side so the focus falls on their backs, tack, and leg detailing.

The black horse on the left has a glossy finish that catches the light along the face and shoulders. Its bridle is a deep brown with small strap loops and metal ring details. Across its back sits a quilted-looking pad in a muted brown tone with a grid texture, bordered by a smooth trim. The legs are sculpted with pronounced tendons and feathering around the lower portions, giving it a heavier, more powerful silhouette.

The chestnut-brown horse on the right has a warm, satin sheen that highlights the muscular ridges along the spine and hindquarters. It wears a black, grid-textured saddle blanket or harness piece that wraps around the midsection, with a slightly raised edge that reads like fitted tack. The lower legs fade into darker “stocking” areas, and the hooves are painted in lighter tones, creating the impression of white socks.

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The faces are particularly well done. The stout muzzles, sculpted ears, and expressive eyes give them a surprisingly lifelike presence.

That said, not every reviewer loved the anatomy. Some pointed out that the **neck-to-leg proportions feel a little off**, with the legs appearing longer and the neck slightly thinner than expected. If you're someone who studies horse anatomy closely, that might jump out at you. 

Still, for most collectors the overall look is convincing enough—especially once the horse is posed naturally.

Image: Two collectible horse figures are photographed from above, arranged in parallel like a comparison shot focused on tack and body sculpt.

The upper horse is a dark, nearly black figure with a dense, slightly shaggy mane and tail. It’s fully outfitted with black riding tack: a quilted saddle pad, a smooth black saddle, and layered straps that cross the back and midsection. On either side of the saddle sit tan, padded-looking side rolls or packs, held on with thin black straps, adding a utilitarian, “ready for work” feel. One rear leg is bent, showing the sculpted joints and a thick, textured lower leg.

The lower horse is chestnut brown with a long, rough-textured tail and a darker mane. Its tack mirrors the first: black saddle, quilted pad, and strapwork, again with the same tan padded side rolls attached near the saddle. The brown body’s musculature is strongly defined along the spine and hindquarters, with subtle shading that deepens around joints and contours.

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# Real Hair Mane and Tail

One of the standout features is the **mane and tail made from real synthetic hair**.

This gives collectors the ability to:

* Brush it

* Style it

* Pose the tail thanks to an internal wire

Some reviewers love this feature because it adds realism and flexibility.

Personally? I'm a little conflicted.

While the hair looks nice once brushed, it can feel **a bit “doll-like.”** Sculpted manes often look more dynamic in action poses and don’t risk getting messy, shedding, or dirty.

Image: A rear-angle showcase of two collectible horse figures highlights their hindquarter sculpting, tails, and the gear strapped behind their saddles.

Closest to the camera is the chestnut-brown horse, its long, rooted tail fanning out in a slightly messy, natural-looking sweep. The musculature over the rump and upper legs is strongly defined, with gentle paint shading that deepens along the contours. A black saddle and dark quilted tack sit on its back, and tan padded rolls are strapped to either side behind the saddle with thin black bands. The back hooves show lighter paint at the lower legs, suggesting pale socks or wraps.

Farther ahead is the black horse, shown more cleanly in sculpted texture: its lower legs have pronounced feathering, and the tail is darker and more compact. It wears the same style of black tack and matching tan side rolls, creating a coordinated “pair” presentation.

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Still, the wired tail is a neat touch that lets you add motion to the pose.

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# Articulation – The Real Star

Where these horses really shine is **articulation**.

Compared to many other collectible horses, the Fish Toys mounts are surprisingly poseable:

**Movement includes:**

* Head tilt and rotation

* Rubberized neck for extra twist and flexibility

* Forward/back leg movement

* Knee and ankle joints

* Hoof joints

* Tail with internal wire

This allows for a wide variety of poses—from walking and grazing to more dynamic stances.

In fact, many reviewers feel these **outperform Mythic Legions horses in articulation**, particularly because of additional torso and chest movement.

Image: A close, side-on comparison shot captures two collectible horse figures in motion-like walking poses, emphasizing tack hardware and leg sculpting.

In the foreground, the black horse steals focus with a glossy coat that pools light across its shoulder and barrel, making the muscle striations and skin wrinkles feel extra pronounced. It’s fitted with dark brown harness straps and a large, square metal stirrup hanging at its side, the metallic paint reading as worn steel. The lower legs are heavily feathered, with crisp, layered sculpting that flares out above the hooves, giving it a draft-horse presence.

Behind it, the chestnut-brown horse is partially framed by the black figure’s body. Its coat is smoother and warmer in tone, with strong anatomical sculpting along the ribs and hindquarters. The tack is similar—dark straps and a squared metal stirrup—and its lower legs shift into pale, bluish-white wraps or socks that contrast with the brown body. The tail on the brown horse looks rooted and slightly tousled, adding a bit of realism to the overall presentation.

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That said, articulation still has some limits:

* Running poses are hard because leg extension is restricted

* Laying-down poses are tricky to achieve

* Standing on two legs without support isn’t very stable

Image: A tense little standoff unfolds between two horses: a glossy black mount in full harness squares up close behind a larger chestnut, as if pressing in with impatient energy while the brown horse braces, head thrown down and teeth bared in a dramatic, almost snarling expression.

The black horse’s tack reads as working gear—dark brown straps, a prominent square stirrup, and crisp sculpted feathering around the lower legs—giving it a tough, draft-like presence. The chestnut horse dominates the frame with bulky, rounded musculature and a long, wind-tossed mane and tail; its hind legs are marked with pale wraps or socks that stand out against the warm coat.

To the side, a separate saddle-and-strap assembly sits on the surface like a piece of equipment waiting to be thrown onto the next ride, reinforcing the sense of a stable or prep area rather than a calm display.

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# Size Matters

These are **BIG horses.**

They’re roughly the same size as Mythic Legions horses and noticeably larger than some other 1/12 scale mounts.

Image: The black horse surges forward with a sense of weight and momentum, while the white-haired rider is thrown low and sideways across its back, clinging on as if she’s been jolted mid-charge. Her arms are lifted overhead in a two-handed grip, raising a sword with a translucent blue blade that reads like crackling magic, turning the pose into a split-second before impact.

She’s a posed collectible figure with pale skin and long white hair, dressed in a cream blouse and brown leather-like gear. The turquoise-studded belt flashes along her waist, and her brown pants and strapped boots are bent tight at the knees as she braces against the saddle. A red-handled weapon sits along her back.

The horse figure’s glossy black body shows pronounced muscle sculpting and wrinkled skin texture, especially along the barrel and hindquarters. Its tack is rugged and layered: a dark saddle, textured pad, belted straps with small holes, a rolled tan bedroll behind the seat, and a weathered square stirrup hanging at the rider’s foot. The legs are lifted in a running gait, with heavy feathering sculpted around the lower legs and hooves.

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That means:

* Some **6-inch figures look too small** riding them

* Shorter figures may **not reach the stirrups**

* Female figures often end up **dangling their legs like a kid on a pony**

However, figures with **heroic proportions and longer legs** fit much better.

Image: A collectible armored knight sits mounted on a chestnut-brown horse, shown in a clean side profile that highlights the rider’s armor, the large shield, and the horse’s muscular sculpt.

The knight figure wears bright silver plate armor with gold-toned accents and panel lines, including a fully enclosed helmet topped with a thick, reddish-brown plume. The pose is upright and steady in the saddle, with one arm bent as if holding reins or bracing. A large black shield hangs along the rider’s side; it has a silver border and a gold emblem that resembles a stylized lion or beast.

The horse has a warm chestnut coat with darker shading along the legs and strong definition in the shoulders and hindquarters. Its face is sculpted with an open mouth, showing a glimpse of teeth and a lighter muzzle marking. The tack includes a black bridle and a black, grid-textured saddle blanket. The lower legs are painted with pale wraps or socks that fade into darker areas above the hooves, and the mane and tail are rooted hair with a slightly rough, windblown texture.

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# Comparisons

Reviewers often compared these horses to several other collectible mounts:

**McFarlane Roach (Witcher)**

* Very cheap (~$12 at the time)

* Limited articulation

* Struggles to stand properly

**Mythic Legions horses**

* About the same price range

* Slightly less articulation

* Usually include armor and extra parts

**Figma horse**

* Better scale for 1/12 figures

* But widely criticized for loose joints and awkward tack

Image: Three horses converge in a charged, uneasy meeting: a battered gray warhorse steps forward with its head lowered, facing a chestnut horse that bares its teeth as if issuing a warning, while a black horse lingers in the shadows to the left like a watchful escort.

The gray horse is the story’s centerpiece—posed mid-stride with one front leg lifted. Its gear is elaborate and battle-worn: layered straps, dangling pouches, and ragged fabric wraps drape the body, and a line of jagged, armor-like plates or spikes runs along the neck and back. The paintwork looks intentionally weathered, with dusty gradients and scuffed edges that make it feel used and gritty.

The chestnut horse on the right has a glossy, well-kept coat and a long, messy rooted mane. Its mouth is sculpted open with visible teeth, and the bridle and reins pull taut toward the confrontation, heightening the sense of tension. The black horse at left is partially obscured but clearly bridled and saddled, its darker presence framing the scene like reinforcements waiting just out of the fray.

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Many collectors concluded that the **Fish Toys horse is the most poseable of the bunch**, even replacing Mythic Legions horses in some displays.

Image: A massive antlered beast—part moose, part war-mount—has pushed into the lineup and immediately steals the scene, its sweeping rack of antlers arcing forward like natural lances as it stands squarely between two horses. The moment feels like a cautious introduction: the newcomer holds its ground, while the flanking mounts seem pressed to give it room.

The central figure is an antlered mount with a dark brown body and heavy, muscular sculpting through the shoulders and haunches. Its tack is ornate and fantasy-styled: deep red harness straps, gold-toned hardware, and a green saddle blanket with patterned texture. A long, straight blade hangs down along its side, and a thin rod or spear-like piece runs across the chest area. The antlers are pale tan with layered ridges and branching points, dominating the silhouette.

On the left edge, a black horse is partially visible—bridled and feathered at the lower legs—crowded by the antlers. On the right, a chestnut horse is shown from the rear with pale socks or wraps on its lower legs and a black saddle setup; a long sword is strapped along its side, the blade running parallel to the horse’s flank.

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# The Price Problem

Here’s the part that stings.

These horses retail around **$80–$90 each**.

That’s already pricey, but the situation gets worse:

* Mythic Legions horses often cost **around $65**

* Those usually **include armor and extra parts**

* Fish Toys sells **armor separately for over $70**

Yes… you read that right.

$70 armor

for a $90 horse.

At that point you might start feeling like the stable master is robbing you.

Image: A wary face-off is underway: a chestnut horse steps forward, ears up and mouth slightly open, confronting a hulking, armored beast that’s crouched low with its head down as if ready to charge. Off to the left, a black horse hangs back like backup, half-hidden but clearly watching the encounter.

The chestnut horse is fully geared for travel or battle—black bridle and reins, a black saddle with layered straps, a rolled bedroll behind the seat, and a long sword strapped along its side. Its lower legs are painted with pale socks or wraps that fade into darker shading above the hooves, and the long mane and tail look rooted and slightly wild.

The creature on the right is a black, boar- or bear-like figure covered in heavy fantasy armor. The armor is mostly bronze-gold with angular plates, raised studs, and large shoulder-like guards; it includes an intimidating horned face piece that juts forward like a spiked mask. Thick bands of armor wrap the legs down to the ankles, framing large clawed feet. Straps and cords crisscross the top, and a small weapon handle or hilt protrudes near the back.

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Ironically though, this actually reflects historical reality—**warhorses in medieval times were extremely expensive**, often costing as much as a house.

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# Final Verdict

So where do these horses land?

**Pros**

✔ Excellent articulation

✔ Beautiful sculpt and tack detail

✔ Real hair mane and wired tail

✔ Works well for fantasy, historical, or western displays

Image: A smaller gray-brown pack horse steps in close behind the chestnut mount, like it’s trying to squeeze into the same cramped staging area—its nose nearly brushing the bigger horse’s tail as the group shuffles for position. To the far left, the black horse remains posted like a quiet sentinel, partially in frame.

The newcomer in the middle is a posed collectible horse with a darker gray head and neck and a warm brown body. It wears an orange bridle and reins, and it’s outfitted for travel: a brown saddle over a greenish saddle blanket, a rolled bedroll strapped on top, and a cluster of small pouches and gear hanging off the rear. A gold-colored stirrup dangles at its side. Its lower legs show pale wraps or socks on at least one leg, contrasting with the darker limbs.

On the right edge, only the hindquarters of the larger chestnut horse are visible—still saddled, with the tan bedroll behind the saddle and a long sword strapped along its side.

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**Cons**

✘ Very expensive

✘ Real hair can feel doll-like

✘ Slight anatomy quirks

✘ Too large for many 1/12 figures

✘ Accessories can be fiddly

Image: A caped knight thunders past like a hero charging into the next scene, red cloak flaring behind him as his chestnut warhorse gallops with its legs fully stretched. Off to the side, a chunk of rocky terrain sits like the edge of a battlefield the rider is about to cross.

The rider is a posed collectible figure in ornate silver-and-gold armor with red gemstone accents. A sculpted lion-head motif dominates the shoulder area, and a strip of white fur trims part of the armor. He wears vivid blue fabric underlayers and a deep red cape that billows outward. In his hands he carries a large, gold weapon with angular blades, held forward as if ready to strike.

The horse is chestnut with a long, rooted brown mane and tail, shown in a dynamic running pose. It’s outfitted with dark tack and a black, grid-textured blanket, plus a tan bedroll strapped behind the saddle. A metal stirrup hangs at the rider’s side, and the reins arc loosely along the horse’s neck. The lower legs are painted with pale socks or wraps that fade into darker shading above the hooves.

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⭐ **Overall Rating: 3.5 / 5**

These are **good looking horses with impressive articulation**, but the price makes them hard to recommend unless you’re a serious collector or really need a premium mount for your figures.

If they were closer to the price of Mythic Legions horses, they would be much easier to recommend.

Still… if you want a majestic steed for your fantasy heroes—or you're celebrating the **Year of the Fire Horse**—these might just be the mounts you're looking for.

Image: A whole warband has gathered in one crowded frame, like the split second before a clash when every faction edges into position. Armored riders and strange mounts press shoulder-to-shoulder, weapons lifted and reins tight, creating a noisy, tense “lineup” that feels ready to spill into battle.

On the left, a dark armored rider sits on a rearing mount, its silhouette bristling with dramatic shapes. Beside it, an iridescent, translucent horse-like creature glows with rainbow tones, carrying a helmeted warrior who holds a sword at the ready. Near the center, a black horse with heavy feathering stands firm, while behind it a chestnut horse supports a silver-armored knight with a reddish plume and a long spear angled forward.

On the right, a weathered gray pack horse dominates the foreground, loaded with rugged straps, pouches, and dangling gear; its rider is a rough, fur-and-leather styled figure raising a long staff or weapon overhead in a rallying gesture. A hooded figure in a tan cloak appears farther right, holding a staff or spear near another partially visible mount.

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#FishToys #ToyReview #ActionFigures #MythicLegions #ToyPhotography #CollectibleFigures #FantasyFigures #HorseFigures #YearOfTheHorse #ToyCollector

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You never know what kind of creatures—or heroes—you might find saddling up next. 🐎