The first exclusive release of the line, High Desert is a warm brown Appaloosa that features a large feather that stretches from high on the withers to the rump of the model on either side. Each feather is adorned with four galloping ponies in the colors of mankind; white, red, black and yellow. Black and white flecks seem to rain down the hindquarters of the piece. A twin set of eagle feathers rest behind the ears and between the eyes on the forelock. The eyes are detailed though not tri-colored, the muzzle is frosty white. The tail is black with an overspray of white on the outer edge that feathers to the sides. An interesting aspect to this pony. The hooves are lightly striped. The base is the same warm brown as the pony and sports two large feathers between the hooves as well as a circular insignia inset in the front right corner. This model was never wildly popular only because of it's limited availability and virtually non-existant advertising. Most collectors had no idea it even existed for quite some time after it's release. It presents with no known problems. Display under direct lighting.

This pony is sold out with authorized retailers so can only be obtained on secondary markets such as eBay.

*It should be noted that Ken and Barbara Hummel state that they were the sponsors of this pony.

A unique mold was created especially for this exclusive release pony, that is a variation of the classic running mold. Phoenix is definitely a dramatic and imaginative pieced to be sure. An unusual high gloss on a resin with black being the base color. Elaborate swirls of multi-colored plummage flows from the face, down the body and to the tail. The sculpted ribbons are edged in a golden color. The mane is made entirely of raised resin that stands up like the feathers of an elaborate bird. The tail is fashioned in the same manner and is surprisingly short, in somewhat of an odd bobbed design. Dramatic splashes of golden flames trail down the legs to black hooves. Okay that face...yes, it's different and very distinct. The masking over the ears and down the sides of the face by the ribbons of color is quite lovely however the eyes ruin that affect. The eyes are large and slant almost straight down giving the model a shocked look that is not attractive. The addition of the white around the black iris of the eyes simply adds to the overall alarming look. The base is black with a gold toned name plate attached to the front. This is a love/hate piece with sides clearly drawn for most collectors. Phoenix is another piece that was not properly promoted so many buyers may not even be aware of it's presence in the line. The model presents with no known issues. Displays best under indirect lighting because of the high gloss of the resin.

Click here, Delstar ,for ordering information on Phoenix.

Roses is the first of the Dillard's exclusives. A pretty brown pony with lovely pink roses scattered down the neck. The sides and rump of the pony features a lineup of beautifully detailed racehorses and colorfully clad jockeys. A perfect design for the running mold. The piece is quite similar to Fantastic Fillies and is done by the same artist. The mane, forelock and tail are black as well as the muzzle. The legs and hooves are also black and rest on a black base. The entire piece is a high gloss ceramic. As with most ceramics Roses presents with no problems. Display under indirect lighting to avoid glare.

Click here, Dillard's , for ordering information on Run For The Roses.

Maple is an intriguing model that is the first country exclusive, that being Canada. A textured matte black resin piece adorned with fourteen flame red colored maple leaves. The leaves are textured as well and wonderfully detailed. The fourteen leaves signify the ten provinces and three territories of Canada. The large leaf draped over the back is the unifying piece. The face of the model is masked in one leaf, an interesting touch. The eyes are detailed and the mane and forelock are in the flame red of the leaves. The tail is black, the hooves are partially banded in a brownish red color. The base is black with a map of Canada spread between the pony's hooves. Beyond it's initial release the piece has never been that popular, most likely due to it's cost which is significantly more than most in production ponies. Maple presents with no known issues. Display under direct lighting to bring out the subtle nuances of the textured leaves.

It should be noted that the second run of first editions, starting with number 1E/3001, have a red maple leaf sticker on the bottom of the base.

Click here for the official Canadian vendor, Equi-Line Plus Painted Ponies.Ca of Maple Leaf Pony. International shipping can be expensive so check US vendors as well.

A high gloss ceramic with many unique points and unfortunately that somewhat dilutes the beauty of the piece. The message of the pony is quite moving, a pony surrounded by peaceful animal friends. However, the imagery appears choppy with very little flowing movement to it. The rump and sides of the pony feature a herd of buffalo on a barren plain stretching to a pale blue sky. The neck has a large wolf head tucked beneath a black fringed mane. The muzzle is dark brown that lightens considerably up the face and head. The eyes are not detailed but a white circle appears where the eye should be which is a curious as it leaves the face looking a bit deformed. The front legs are pale blue water extending down to pale green and finally to black socks and hooves. The raised right leg features salmon jumping while the planted left leg has a sockeye salmon wrapped around it, that is it's tail fanned between the hoof and knee of the piece. The back legs are a nondescript brown and white leading again to black hooves. The tail is black, topped by snowy white. The base is black. The pony presents with a rather bizarre issue. The eye circles will sometimes appear to have drooped down the face of the piece. This is a factory decaling error. Display under indirect lighting.

Click here, Dillard's , for ordering information on Kindred Spirits.

Reflections is the second in the country exclusives, this one to Australia. A high gloss ceramic in bold strokes of color. The symbolic artwork of the Aboriginal Australian cover the pony. The face is circled and rimmed with dots along the muzzle in a black, white and red pattern. The neck exhibits more of the red symbolic circles that stretch below the Australian flag that rests on the withers. Handprints and boomerangs are placed along the barrel along with a stylized drawing of a kangaroo in an array of sunset colors. All four legs are sketched with more of the traditional white lines and dots imposed over russet browns, golds and blacks. Look closely as the tail and you'll discover a crocodile balanced amid the dots and lines. The mane is a night sky blue dotted with celestial bodies. The eyes are slightly detailed. The base is black. This piece was even less popular than Maple Leaf Pony, again more than likely due to it's prohibitive cost. It appears to be sold out with most Australian retailers so may be on the short list of ponies to retire. Reflections presents with no known issues. Displays best under indirect lighting to avoid any glare.

A variant of the walking mold shaped to appear more like a typical fox hunter which are usually a cross between a draft and a thoroughbred. The base coloring of the model is a lovely shaded gray in a high gloss finish. A red sash trimmed in blue is looped around the model's neck with a rosette on the chest. An intricate hunt scene is depicted on the sides complete with fox hunters, riders in colorful jackets and a pack of fox hounds seemingly in full cry. The mane and forelock are braided or roached, a bit hard to discern, and are black. The tail is a deep shaded gray as are the legs. The hooves are all black. The base is dark blue with a red edge. The design of the piece is quite beautiful however the model itself is awkward. The arched neck is too thick and the head is held too tightly tucked. Grand Prix is not popular among collectors. No known problems, display under indirect lighting to avoid glare off the gloss.

Click here, Dillard's , for ordering information on Grand Prix.