In May 2026, The Trail of Painted Ponies announced this would be the last year releasing new Painted Ponies. This news resulted in a flurry of reactions and comments, some we've shared here, and will continue to add. Thank you to everyone who shared their heartfelt words with us.
As a business owner I understand and have sympathy for the difficult decision that was made. This will make me cherish my favorite Ponies even more, and the ones I eventually plan to sell will hold great value for myself and others. I am sad to see The Trail of Painted Ponies end, but I am grateful for the years I was able to add to my collection and see all the wonderful artists work
As a Trail of The Painted Ponies collector, & as an equine artist myself, I absolutely love these beautiful & symbolic figurines. We have at least 27 traditional sized figurines (I may have left some out possibly, lol?), & we also have lots & lots of their smaller Christmas ornaments too. There are many I still wanted, but in this bad economy, I haven't been able to afford getting them sadly. I will miss seeing all the new ones & adding to our collection, including the ornaments. Very sad right now. Perhaps one day, you can make a return? Always good to stay hopeful. Edited to say, until we hopefully meet again, Happy Trails to you all at Trail of The Painted Ponies. Valerie
I am sorry to see the end of the Painted Ponies production. I was fortunate to learn about this in the very early days of the Painted Ponies. And I got to see some of the life-size originals in New Mexico. I have around 50, I haven’t counted them lately. I cherish them all and regret that a few recent designs will not be made into figurines. I fully understand the financial part of this because there were several that I’ve liked over the years, but the prices were more than my budget. Thank you for this wonderful idea and enterprise for so many years. Janice
Sidera It was with a mix of sadness and deep appreciation that I read your open letter regarding the conclusion of Painted Pony figurine production. While the news is undoubtedly bittersweet, I am profoundly honored to have been a part of such a groundbreaking and beloved endeavor. The Trail of Painted Ponies has brought an immeasurable amount of joy and artistic wonder into the lives of so many, including my own. You didn't just create collectibles; you cultivated a vibrant community and a unique art form you aptly named "Pony Expressionism." Seeing the creativity flourish and connect people who shared a love for art and horses has been one of the most genuinely heartwarming experiences. I particularly want to express my gratitude for the consistent kindness and thoughtful engagement that I've personally received throughout my journey with The Trail. That personal touch and dedication to your community truly set you apart and made my involvement an incredibly positive and memorable experience. While it's difficult to imagine a world without new Painted Ponies, I commend you for approaching this "natural stopping place" with such grace and foresight. Your commitment to maintaining the website, the official store, and the exciting plans for the Vault auctions ensures that the legacy of these magnificent creations will continue to thrive and delight for years to come. Thank you for over two decades of passion, artistry, and for crafting something truly extraordinary. I wish you all the very best as The Trail of Painted Ponies rides into its next chapter.
Hi Trail team, I was so saddened by the news, but I understand your decision. I know it wasn’t easy, as you mentioned, but today’s world is different. I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for all of you over the years. Thank you for creating such beautiful Ponies from my designs. I hope new opportunities open for you all. I’ll definitely miss seeing your new collections. Thanks again for everything. Cheers,
Good afternoon… Sincerely |
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