(by 8 people)
The Beginning
The Trial of Painted Ponies began in the summer of 2000. A major sculptor was commissioned to create a life-size horse that was cast in a durable resin blend. A call went out to the artistic community around the Southwest, inviting famous as well as emerging artists to submit designs that imaginatively celebrated the creative spirit. And the response was overwhelming, with results that ranged from the delightful to the breathtaking.
Corporations, small businesses, individuals and organizations were then invited to select their favorite designs for sponsorship, and 120 Ponies were painted. The magnificent artwork was exhibited around New Mexico, and citizens and visitors were encouraged to saddle up and take a "trail drive." The Ponies brought joy and delight into the lives of thousands of people, and their artistic excellence generated rave reviews in newspapers and magazines nationally.
A New Breed of Fundraiser
In the fall of 2001, the Painted Ponies were rounded up and sold through live and internet Trails End Auctions, as well as direct negotiations. The majority of the proceeds benefited youth, arts, social, cultural, animal and environmental non-profit organizations, and more than a half-million dollars was "ponied up." Painted Ponies now reside in homes, businesses, art galleries and museums across the country.
Back in the Saddle
The tale of the Trail does not end here. What started in New Mexico as a daring and noble art adventure is growing. During the summer of 2002, a fresh herd of Painted Ponies grazed in lobbies and parks across New Mexico, and once again, hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised for nonprofit organizations. And the work continues! Even today more painted ponies are being created to help fund charities and art projects all over the Southwest and small collectible figurines modeled after some of the painted ponies that were part of the trail are being produced and are available to be purchased. You may see these collectible figurines by visiting the links below.
Information courtesy of www.ishopsouthwest.com. You must include the link if you use this text.
Learn about our Involvement in this project below the links.
PLEASE take a moment to rate this page by clicking on a number of stars above! We hope for 5 stars, but appreciate you taking the time, whatever the rating.
Below is a great place to buy the figurines:
CLICK the banner at the left --
then CLICK the "PonyPonyPony" banner on the new page!
Like shopping eBay? Click below and search for "painted ponies":
Link List
- iShopSouthwest
- See photos and information on all of the Trail of Painted Ponies figurine collectibles including the special release "High Desert Horse Feathers". See the latest releases, the "retired" list, hangtag information and more.
- Trail of Painted Ponies - New Releases
- See the latest Trail of Painted Ponies collectibles figurines to be released (including the newest Christmas ponies). Included are photos, hangtag and artist information, more.
- Best place to purchase figurines
- We feel Funtocollect is the best place on the web to purchase the painted ponies figurines. Best service, great prices and our personal favorite!
- The Trial of Painted Ponies
- Official site of The Trail of Painted Ponies. Not our favorite, but it is the official site. If you want to purchase these we still recommend the site above.
Our Involvement in The Trail of Painted Ponies project
OUR INVOLVEMENTIn 2001, as owners of Old Town Emporium in Albuquerque, NM, we sponsored artist Kathy Morrow from Las Cruces, New Mexico. She created a wonderful painted pony called ..... to read more about this and other individual painted ponies, please visit our other Lens --> Individual Painted Ponies
Painted Ponies Stuff on Amazon
The Trail of Painted Ponies, Collectors Edition
Amazon Price: (as of 07/26/2008)
Some of our other Favorite web sites
- Chili Pepper Lights and Chili Pepper Light Covers
- Chili pepper lights sets $9.99, chili pepper light covers, lighted chili pepper ristras, luminarias and Southwestern Christmas ornaments.
- Southwestern & Western Christmas Ornaments & Chili Pepper Lights
- Southwestern, Western Native American Christmas ornaments, Chili pepper lights, covers, chili cluster lights and lighted ristras make for a complete Southwestern Christmas look.
- Native American Christmas Ornaments Indian Made
- Native American Christmas ornaments. Hand crafted by indians in the Southwest, these unique ornaments are hand made using the finest quality materials and workmanship.
- Electric Luminarias - Farolitos
- Electric luminarias, also known as farolitos, are the ultimate in Holiday decorating. Long a Southwestern tradition, electric luminarias are known everywhere.
Reader Feedback
Please feel free to add your comments. We will only delete the absolutely MOST nasty remarks.
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Karendelac
Great Lens. I love ponies and I like them more because they have more wonderful colors.Congratulations on a well designed site. Posted September 08, 2007 |
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KCStargazer
Congrats on 2nd place in The People's Choice Awards, for January 2007! Well done! KCStargazer Posted February 17, 2007 |
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giddygabby
I love Squidoo because I find treasures like this one. How beautiful the ponies! How inspiring the story. Thank you. Posted January 13, 2007 |
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Margaret_Schaut
Great content, terrific products. Its a pleasure to have you in the mall! Posted December 17, 2006 |
Buy Painted Ponies HERE
Below is a great place to buy Painted Ponies figurines!
FOR CURRENT PONIES WE RECOMMEND
CLICK the banner above --- then
CLICK the "PonyPonyPony" banner on the new page!
FOR RETIRED PONIES
Search for "retired painted ponies" here:
Register and bid!
