The Trail of Painted Ponies

Official Description: A mighty angel, in the form of a horse, bows down to the Divine Infant in an act of deep love and respect. Such a special child, radiating with hope for all mankind, deserving of the adoration caught in this silent and awe-inspiring moment. The magnificent horse will spread its powerful wings and tell others of the Holy Child, but only after it has basked in the glory of His presence for just a little longer.

Official Description: Pony Story: Along with floral floats and-03ing bands, Parade Horses magnificently attired in elaborate western-style tack - brightly decorated breast collars, silver-studded saddles with long tapaderos on the stirrups, and brightly colored ribbons and flowers added to the mane and tail - are an important part of the magic that swirls around such grand American celebrations as the Rose Parade on New Year Last Number at Retirement

Official Description: Pony Story: Along with floral floats and-03ing bands, Parade Horses magnificently attired in elaborate western-style tack - brightly decorated breast collars, silver-studded saddles with long tapaderos on the stirrups, and brightly colored ribbons and flowers added to the mane and tail - are an important part of the magic that swirls around such grand American celebrations as the Rose Parade on New Year's Day.

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Official Description: Pony Story: Asked by a Christian ministry that places Russian orphans in the homes of loving families to paint a Pony that captures the dream-come-true that awaits these children in America, Bonny incorporated the warm red and deep gold colors associated with Russian matruska dolls, along with children's faces peering out with hopeful expressions, doves of peace, flowers and leaves, into a spectacular artwork that makes a powerful statement about the great freedom in life's journey.

Last Number at Retirement 3E/0130

Official Description: Pony Story: In 2010, The Trail of Painted Ponies hosted an exciting design competition for Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede. The winner was a talented artist named Alanna Donohue of Brentwood, New York, with her Pony titled inAmerican Spirit. in inI love Dolly, in says this colorful graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan. inShe seems to be so warm and at home with the woman she is. I didn't want to let her down. in Seventeen years in the home decorating field enhanced her design abilities and resourcefulness when it comes to working creatively with different materials. She knew where to go for the fabric and silver embellishments she incorporated into her design. With a touch that the woman who wrote and sang inCoat of Many Colors in would surely appreciate, Alanna fabricated the saddle from pieces of a shabby leather coat her mother had given her years ago. But Alanna wants to be sure not to take all the credit for her Painted Pony. She makes a point of sharing credit with her spiritual collaborator. inGod gave me a gift that I haven't really used. And I have always wanted to somehow contribute to this world with my art. So I said to him, 'You're the Master Creator. Let's do this together.' in Of her achievement, Alanna says, inI wanted to create a special Painted Pony that people would want to take home with them from Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede. Something that would help them preserve that priceless memory forever. A Painted Pony people could ride in their dreams. That is 'American Spirit!' in Last Number at Retirement 1E/1,304

Official Description: Pony Story: The intricate black-and-white designs found on Anasazi pottery at Chaco Canyon, which reflect the timeless character of ancient cultures, are the inspiration behind this astounding work of art. Of French and Spanish descent, Robert has also added new dimensions to the art of gourd painting, for which he is respected and collected worldwide. A versatile artist, his horizons are constantly expanding, making him one of the most exciting talents working today.

Last Number at Retirement 5E/6969

Official Description: Pony Story: In ancient times, a small group of Indian people occupied remote villages along river drainages in the desert Southwest. Climate change and warfare caused them to disperse, and they effectively died out as a tribe. When Spanish explorers arrived in the New World, the only things left of the Hohokum were the elaborate irrigation canals they had dug, and pots and shards stunningly decorated with a distinct style that was defined by red geometric designs repeated in small motifs over buffware, and is remembered by this award-winning New Mexico painter.

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Official Description: Pony Story: inWhen I picture angels celebrating the Savior's birth, in my mind I see skies filled with effervescent joy as heavenly figures dance among billowy soft clouds. The air rings with mysteriously beautiful music, while down on earth, the animals sense that something wonderful has occurred. And this Pony stops, turns her head into a gentle breeze, and pricks her delicate ears to better hear the joyful song of celebration. in Last Number at Retirement 1E/2,762

Official Description: Pony Story: inWhen I picture angels celebrating the Savior's birth, in my mind I see skies filled with effervescent joy as heavenly figures dance among billowy soft clouds. The air rings with mysteriously beautiful music, while down on earth, the animals sense that something wonderful has occurred. And this Pony stops, turns her head into a gentle breeze, and pricks her delicate ears to better hear the joyful song of celebration. in Last Number at Retirement

Official Description: Pony Story: The Peacock is one of the most magical creatures on earth, ostentatiously adorned with iridescent blue-green feathers, featuring stunning ineyes in of gold and blue. Appaloosa horses are known for their striking colors and bold patterns, which are called Peacock Spots. Suddenly, the two become one and Appaloosa Peacock comes to life with elegance and grace as an animal spirit that teaches the power of wisdom through watchfulness.

Last Number at Retirement 1/5302

Official Description: Pony Story: Artwork depicting prehistoric horses with leopard spotting exists on European cave walls. But in North America, the Nez Perce Indian Tribe, who settled on reservation lands in Idaho, are credited for developing the original American breed known for its colorful mottled coat pattern. Popular as a stock horse used in a number of western riding disciplines, its vivid markings have made it a proud presence in Western movies and parades, where it is frequently dressed in traditional Native garb and trappings.

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Official Description: Pony Story: Writes the artist, inThis Pony has a patriotic theme without the usual red, white and blue, stars-and-stripes motif. What is more American than the apple? Hot dogs, baseball and APPLE pie... I rest my case. in Working primarily in watercolors and colored pencils, Penny has won a variety of national awards for her still-life paintings ? thus the exquisite realism of the apples adorning her Pony's flanks.

Last Number at Retirement 3E/9234

Official Description: Pony Story: The Appaloosa has gotten into the holiday spirit. He's not waiting for his owner to bring out the Christmas decorations, he's taking matters into his own hooves. Donning Santa's hat, he's going to indeck the stalls in with strings of colorful lights, festive wreaths and gifts for all his Pony friends. Writes the artist, inInspired by the excitement surrounding the holiday season and my love for all things whimsical and fun, this Pony reminds me of my first horse, an Appaloosa, who had a very mischievous side to him and loved to have fun. in Last Number at Retirement 1E/7,444

Official Description: Pony Story: Once upon a time in ancient Persia, there was a stunningly beautiful girl who told entrancing stories to her King for a thousand and one adventurous nights! The King was mesmerized by her storytelling and her knowledge of history, philosophy, poetry and the arts. This young woman was well read and well bred and she entertained and educated the King about morality and kindness, which forever changed the way he ruled. Finally, the King made her his Queen and, to thank her for the many nights of storytelling, he gave his beloved wife a white Arabian Horse, dressed in a classical Arabian Horse Costume featuring intricate patterns, stunning colors and an abundance of tassels. They named their horse Arabian Nights.

Last Number at Retirement 2/4673

Official Description: Pony Story: When you ride into a show ring on an Arabian horse to appear in the Costume Class, the objective is to stand out and be noticed. To catch every judge's attention. To be the crowd favorite. So, the way you are dressed should be eye-catchingly imaginative and elegant. Dramatic with colors that dazzle, tassels that shimmy, and rhinestones that sparkle in the show ring lights. Looking like inArabian Splendor, in the creation of an acclaimed Arizona artist, in other words.

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Official Description: Pony Story: When you ride into a show ring on an Arabian horse to appear in the Costume Class, the objective is to stand out and be noticed. To catch every judge's attention. To be the crowd favorite. So, the way you are dressed should be eye-catchingly imaginative and elegant. Dramatic with colors that dazzle, tassels that shimmy, and rhinestones that sparkle in the show ring lights. Looking like inArabian Splendor, in the creation of an acclaimed Arizona artist, in other words.

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Official Description:“Aristobat” was inspired by the Dracula legend - the tale of a handsome nobleman with a veneer of aristocratic charm who lived in a decaying castle in Transylvania and survived by drinking human blood. Count Dracula’s supernatural powers included the ability to turn himself at will into different animals. This fabulous interpretation of the “King Vampire,” as he is sometimes known, captures him in the process of transforming from a swarm of bats into a darkly mysterious caped horse.

Official Description: Pony Story: All Painted Ponies are unique designs created by artistic individuals, but this is the first Pony to symbolize the artistic process itself. Working with a complicated Appaloosa pattern and covering her Pony with a messy array of paint splatters that you would expect to find on an artist so focused on her creativity that she ends up with as much paint on himself as on her canvas, this Canadian film school student, who currently lives in British Columbia and is pursuing a career in Animation, has created a design that stands for the Inner Painted Pony Artist within all of us.

Last Number at Retirement 1/3360