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Ask The Trailmaster

Do you have a question for us? Please use this form to ask.

We try to answer questions daily. Questions are not posted until they are answered.

Here are answers to the commonly asked questions about where to resell Painted Ponies, and what their current value is:

When collectors choose to resell their Painted Ponies, we recommend doing so on eBay. There is also a Facebook group, which was set up by Painted Ponies collectors and is not monitored by The Trail of Painted Corporate Office, where you can offer your Painted Ponies for sale. Here is a link to that Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PaintedPoniessellbuyswapauction

To find the current perceived value of your Painted Ponies, we suggest searching on eBay for the same figurine with a similar edition number. If you have an eBay account, you can look up what that particular figurine has sold for recently, and that will give you an even more accurate perceived value. 

 

Lorraine Haas from Wonder Valley, California wrote on January 25, 2012:
I recently saw a life-size painted pony in a hotel lobby in Minot, North Dakota. I asked the front desk about the pony's history and they knew nothing about it. The pony was white and painted with Hollywood's legendary stars and studios. Do you know if this is in fact one of your "Painted Ponies"??? If so, I believe it should have some identification!!! It is a fabulous piece!!! Thank you for your time!!! (pony is located near the mall exit of the Sleep Inn & Suites)
Response From Trailmaster:
There were several other communities that mounted public art exhibitions featuring life-size horses. I believe a small exhibition was held in North Dakota, so this must be one of their horses. The Trail had a similar design of a Painted Pony wrapped in a film strip, with portaits of different legendary western actors appearing in each frame. .
Kelly Coldiron from Wichita, KS wrote on January 22, 2012:
Where might I find a retired figurine? I would like to purchase the firefighter one that was retired in '05. Is there anyone you know of that specializes in retired Painted Ponies? KC
Response From Trailmaster:
Give Rikki, our Director of Sales, a call at 877-459-5701. She is a wizard when it comes to helping people locate rare and retired Ponies.
Barbara Witt from Elizabeth IN wrote on January 20, 2012:
When I printed the list of all the horses I noticed Stagecoach 2E was resin. We ordered one but it was ceramic. Please advise.
Response From Trailmaster:
Our mistake, I apologize. Stagecoach is a ceramic Pony, and we will make the change to the Collector's Checklist. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Cynthia from Mississippi USA wrote on January 19, 2012:
I have just discovered these beautiful figurines in the past few weeks, & started my collection. I would like to know more about them. What factor decides their individual value etc. Thank you so much Cynthia
Response From Trailmaster:
Welcome to The Trail of Painted Ponies. The best way to acquaint yourself with our history would be to pick up a copy of The Collectors Edition book. It tells the tale of The Trail, and will provide you with a lot of details worth knowing if you intend to become a collector. To briefly answer your specific question about what factors determine individual value, the following six play the biggest role: 1) the popularity of the design; 2) the edition number; 3) if it has been personally signed by the artist; 4) if it is retired; 5) if it is a part of the limited Official Autographed Edition, in which case it is hand-numbered and personally autographed by the artist and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity; and 6) availability. Happy Collecting!
Debra from Norco wrote on January 12, 2012:
It does not state on the Autographed Edition "A Gift from the Sea" Figurine sale page that the pony will be a 1/e pony. Does that mean there is a possibility the pony could be something else beside a 1/e? The same question is also for the Signed "Spirit of Freedom."
Response From Trailmaster:
Both will be First Editions, under number 500.
Vikki from Wisconsin wrote on January 11, 2012:
I heard that there was to be a remake of the Harley Davidson Pony. Is that true? I filled out a form to be contacted when it became available again. As of yet I have not heard a word on it. Will that still be happening?
Response From Trailmaster:
The popularity of "Motorcycle Mustang" has prompted us to come out with another motorcycle-themed Pony. It will be released in the Spring of 2012 and is not a "remake," but a unique design. It will be part of the 4" Happy Trails Collection and its title is "EZ Rider." We will be introducing it on our website closer to the time it is available for shipping.
Ted from Canada wrote on January 09, 2012:
Big Ben was to International Showing Jumping what Secretariat was to Horse Racing! I am sure the world of equestrian entusiasts are disappointed in The Trail of Painted Ponies naming a pony after a famous British clock instead of a famous international horse. More paintings have been done of this horse than any other international jumper. This horse earned his rider, Ian Miller, the title of "Captain Canada" and took international showing jumping to another level. Regards...TED
Response From Trailmaster:
With all due respect to the famous Canadian jumper of the same name, the Painted Pony named "Big Ben" was designed to be a British horse that represents the English riding style, and welcome spectators to the equestrian games that are part of the Summer 2012 Olympics in London.
hilary johnston from australia wrote on January 09, 2012:
hi TOPP, i just wondered if there is going to be a VALENTINES DAY competition 2012?
Response From Trailmaster:
No, there won't be a Valentines Day competition, but on our February website update we will be making a surprise announcement of a partnership with a major horse breed association with whom we will be conducting a first-ever design competition.
Carol George from Illinois wrote on January 09, 2012:
In November this past year, I organized a group of local artists to paint the painted pony kits for an organization who does equine therapy. One of the figurines was painted in oil paint. It has been sprayed with a few layers of light varnish but remains tacky to the touch. Is there anything I can do to dry this pony quicker? Thank you.
Response From Trailmaster:
Not that we are aware of. I'd suggest you contact the manufacturer of the varnish.
Cassandra Karnezis from Albuquerque wrote on January 07, 2012:
I have been looking for the Trojan Horse type pony that I had seen years ago. I found "Special Gift Horse" by Kay Brubaker on the original Painted Pony gallery, but I cannot find the figurine. Are any available? Thank you!
Response From Trailmaster:
We have not yet crafted a Trojan Horse as a figurine. "Special Gift Horse," which was part of the original public art exhibition, is one we would consider if we do.