56th & 57th Releases - Design Meanings and Style - 2022 Summer & 2023 Winter

from Betsy at www.fjordpony.com

Bear Medicine Artist: Lorna Matsuda Bears figure prominently in the mythology of nearly every Native American tribe, where they are considered “medicine beings” magically endowed with protective and healing powers. “Bear Medicine" honors this belief, while bringing health and welfare, vitality and courage to all who provide a home for it. Lorna has also created: Spirit of the Chief, Friends Forever, Ebony in Harmony, Bells n Elves, Magical Mystery Mare, Panda Paws, Crimson Joy, Fawn Memories, Turquoise Princess, Rope My Heart, Eagle Spirit, Peppermint Sticks, Santa's Little Helper, Mistletoe Kisses, Winchester, & Peacekeeper.

Western Skies Artist: Janet Snyder Western skies have called like a muse to cowboy poets for years. With “Western Skies,” a Painted Ponies artist, using a rearing horse as a canvas, was inspired to capture a western sundown at that magical time of day when clouds and cactus, running mustangs and a kneeling cowboy, are seen in silhouette, moments before evening throws a blanket of darkness across the land. Janet has also created: For Spacious Skies, Spirits of the Four Directions, Santa's Surprise, Bear Merry Christmas, First Comes Freedom, Regalia, Christmas Canter, Regalia, Midnight Glow, El Vaquero & Thunderbird (2021).

Dreamer Artist: Lori Musil Once upon a time, “Dreamer” was a flashy mare with loud paint markings, an extremely long mane and tail, a sassy personality and a love of peanut candy bars as treats. After making a name for herself turning the barrels on the rodeo circuit, today she enjoys her retirement with other horses, where she receives lots of baths and affection, and even has a pasture all to herself, which is how she has always preferred to graze. Lori has also created: Golden Girls, Dance of the Lipizzans, Cowpony, Year of the Horse, Twilight Hunter & Best of Show.

Goddess of the Garden Artist: Jesse Leach Picture a secret fantasy garden where lush green plants and blooming flowers fill the air with a sweet fragrance; where a winding stone pathway leads you past pools and fountains and where butterflies and hummingbirds add that sweet sense of serenity that comes with feeling you are one with Nature. Look the right way and perhaps you will see "Goddess of the Garden," a gorgeous and graceful horse with wings, waiting to take you on a magical ride limited only by your imagination Lesse has also created: Zuni Mare, Butterflies Run Free, Black Beauty

57th Release Storeis ~ 2023 Winter

Frosted Black Magic Artist: Lorna Matsuda Winter 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of The Trail of Painted Ponies. With that in mind, this artist created a sparkling tribute to a two-decade exploration of the creative possibilities of the horse as a canvas for creative expression with a gleaming, jet-black horse in a triumphant pose with a frosted coating of snow that shines like rare jewels, as precious as the joy the Painted Ponies have brought to collectors over the years. "Frosted Black Magic" was the winner of The Trail's art competition honoring this milestone.

Lakota Artist: Laura Robinson The Lakota Indians were known for their fierce defense of their traditional tribal lands, the most legendary example being the defeat of General Custer at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. They were also known to have a special relationship with their horses, seeing them as brothers who would fight beside them in times of war. Here, “Lakota” rears majestically, letting his warrior rider know he is ready for battle.

Ocean Dream Artist: Kathleen Longueil The artistic inspiration for a Painted Pony often comes at unexpected times. This artist was enjoying a meal at a favorite restaurant in Maui when she noticed a picture on the wall of a woman wearing a beautiful flower lei around her neck. Her look was both calming and relaxing, a feeling the artist wanted to recreate by imagining a beautiful lei-draped horse walking along the beaches of Maui, taking in the soothing sounds of the ocean waves. My Pony was originally named "Leilani," which is Hawiian for "Royal Child."

Voices of the Wilds Artist: Aimee Skee Mustangs and wolves, while they are species at odds in the wild, stand as symbols and ambassadors for wildlife conservation and freedom. Posing them together is this artist’s way of stressing the importance of working together and speaking with one voice when it comes to saving all the species that are endangered or on the brink of extinction, and need our help.

Pride of the Red Nation Artist: Lorna Matsuda While he sat smoking the sacred pipe with Sitting Bull for the last time, Chief Crazy Horse is quoted as saying, “The Red Nations shall rise again and it shall be a blessing for a sick world; a world filled with broken promises, selfishness and separations; a world longing for light again.” Masked and wearing a ceremonial buffalo hide dyed red with the juices of wild berries and adorned with feathers and beads, “Pride of the Red Nations” stands as an icon of the Plains Indian Culture itself.

Appy Trails Artist: Lorna Matsuda As unique as its spotted coloring, the Appaloosa has proven to be a versatile breed. Its muscular build, durability, and willing nature make it a cherished family member good for trail riding, and ready at a moment’s notice to help a cowboy head out to round up stray cattle.

Fall ~ 2022

Aristobat > ride over to purhcase Artist: K. Gleason “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.

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