7.25 " Tall

Bear Medicine
by 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.

Being a realist artist I strive to capture the true spirit and character of each subject I paint. The eyes are a very important factor when I do a painting. I work in many different mediums such as feathers, rock, leather, bone, as well as traditional canvas and acrylic based mediums, along with my beloved painted ponies. I also do commissioned work for clients. My art has been a life long journey and will be with me as long as I am able to paint, it inspires me and takes me to a place of peace and tranquility in the many hours I spend painting.

7.25 " Tall

Goddess of the Garden
by 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.

Born, raised and living in New Jersey, Jesse Leach is one of those multi-faceted artists whose creative talent was recognized at an early age. She excelled in Art in grammar school. In high school she placed first in regional and state art  exhibitions. She majored in Fine Art in college where her sculpting professor said she was born to sculpt.

“I was putting myself through school as a waitress, working the night shift, and I would go to his studio early in the morning and stay until the janitor turned out the lights. Once I got my hands in clay, I came alive. To this day, I am always twisting paper clips, napkins, anything I can get my hands on.” Jesse’s artistic abilities also found expression in her working life. For years she worked at a Lace Design Studio, residing close to the garment district in New York, where she dealt with designers like Victoria’s Secret, Vera Wang and Banana Republic. She also did stints as an illustrator and graphic artist.

For several years now she has  been passionate about creating wonderfully varied custom Painted Ponies. “I couldn’t stop once I started. I use my knowledge of color, sculpting, drawing, flower arrangement and lace in my creations. With these Ponies, I no longer see my work with others names on it. I still work in an office, but rush home every day to pick up these beautiful little canvases and grow creatively.”

7.3" Tall

Dreamer
by 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 grew up in Tucson, the daughter of a handyman and a kindergarten schoolteacher, but from the age of five she spent her summers with her great-aunt in Lincoln. There, to keep her occupied, she was given the job of touching up the antiques that needed to be repainted. For diversion, Lori would sometimes let her imagination take over and paint designs and scenes on old milk cans and coal scuttles. One day a customer purchased one and, according to Lori, "That gave me my start in the art world." To learn more about Lori Musil, Click Here.

10.35 " Tall

Western Skies
by 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 Snyder lives on a 20-acre farm in Illinois where she stays busy showing and training her appaloosa horses, raising miniature Herefords and poultry. She has been a graphic designer for many years after receiving her Bachelors degree in Fine Art, with a major in painting and minor in drawing. She has created a number of popular Painted Ponies figurines, including Holiday, Native American and Glow-in-the-Dark! 

Winter 2022 Painted Ponies

7.25 " Tall

Barn Buddies
by Kathleen Moody

With “Barn Buddies,” The Trail of Painted Ponies is blazing a new trail: it is the artistic depiction of the special relationship that horses have with different species…. Friends come in all shapes and sizes, especially when it applies to equines and felines. They share a purrfect bond. Why? Horses are hardwired to be herd animals, so they thrive better with a buddy that helps keep them socially engaged. Cats in the barn help to keep rodents away from the feed. Whatever the reason, they’re buds.

The Trail of Painted Ponies is pleased to add Kathleen Moody to its stable of contributing artists. A phenomenal equine designer and sculptor who has spent 26 years creating animal sculptures for Breyer, Hartland Collectables, DaBar Enterprises,and Safari Ltd. as well as her own line of resin horses. Kathleen is the designer and sculptor behind a number of Painted Ponies in the Beauty of the Breed Series.

11 " Tall

Forest Spirit
by Emily Overman

Horses have long held a special place in our hearts because of the many ways they connect us to the natural world. “Forest Spirit” beautifully captures the transformation of a stallion that has raced through a field of wildflowers and plunged into a nearby forest.  It portrays where wild spirits dance throughout the woods, while wolves and deer live in harmony. Feeling at home, “Forest Spirit" becomes the essence of Nature itself, as it rears majestically towards the sky. 

I have been drawing since a very young age, and I have become more passionate about art as I've gotten older. I am currently attending college for graphic design, and I have an interest in illustration.

7.25 " Tall

Starlight Dance
by Emily Overman

While the earth appears dark and quiet below, “Starlight Dance” illuminates the sky above. As she runs through the night she leaves a gleaming trail of light behind her, and stardust falls from her golden hooves. This magical mare is dancing to the melody of the universe, and her beauty lights up the heavens.

I have been drawing since a very young age, and I have become more passionate about art as I've gotten older. I am currently attending college for graphic design, and I have an interest in illustration.

7.25 " Tall

Winchester
by Lorna Matsuda

Seen in the hands of countless cowboys in numerous Hollywood westerns, the Winchester, lever-action “repeating rifle,” was the weapon of choice for the Western horseman. For good reason, it allowed the user to fire a number of shots before having to reload. The Winchester was conveniently carried in a tooled leather scabbard that was strapped to the saddle, where it was kept safe, easily drawn, and ready at all times. This rifle was the iconic firearm of 19th century America, which is why it is often called “The Gun that Won the West.” 

Being a realist artist I strive to capture the true spirit and character of each subject I paint. The eyes are a very important factor when I do a painting. I work in many different mediums such as feathers, rock, leather, bone, as well as traditional canvas and acrylic based mediums, along with my beloved painted ponies. I also do commissioned work for clients. My art has been a life long journey and will be with me as long as I am able to paint, it inspires me and takes me to a place of peace and tranquility in the many hours I spend painting.

7.25 " Tall

Trail's End
by Vickie Knepper-Adrian

“The End of the Trail” was created by a famous sculptor that depicts a weary warrior slumped on the back of an exhausted horse. It is generally interpreted as “a commentary on the suffering of Indian people driven from their native lands.” “Trail’s End,” on the other hand, is intended to represent just the opposite. It characterizes the end of one trail and the beginning of another. It is a symbol of the resilience and determination that embodies the Native American people of today.

One of our All-Star Painted Pony artists whose creative genius, artistic talents and love of the Native American culture has produced several of the all-time bestselling figurines, including "War Cry," "Wounded Knee," "Trail of Tears," "Warrior Brothers" and now "Trail's End." Vickie's day job involves research at the University of Iowa.

Holiday 2022 Painted Ponies

7.25 " Tall

Special Delivery
by Rikki Carter

Santa had already departed the Island of Misfit Toys when Christmas wishes, tied to a balloon, were discovered tangled in a tree. Since it was too late to call Santa back, Rudolph and Hermey the Elf decided they had to find a way to make the holiday dreams of boys and girls come true. They saddled up a Painted Pony with the remaining misfit toys and sent it out on a special Christmas Eve delivery.

Since a very young age, Rikki has enjoyed drawing and art in various mediums. She took every available art class in school, attended college for Graphic Design, and embraces the opportunity to be creative daily. Rikki is the Director of The Trail of Painted Ponies, which includes overseeing figurine and ornament production, website updates, email campaigns and communication with artists and collectors. She currently lives in a charming little town in Arizona with her husband and two young children.

5.75" Tall

Adoration
by Laura Robinson

A mighty angel, in the form of a horse, bows down to the Divine Infant in an act of deep love and respect. Such a special child, radiating with hope for all mankind, deserving of the adoration caught in this silent and awe-inspiring moment. The magnificent horse will spread its powerful wings and tell others of the Holy Child, but only after it has basked in the glory of His presence for just a little longer. 

In addition to her art, she works as a groom and assistant trainer at a busy boarding stable, riding hunter/jumpers and dressage. In her “spare” time she landscapes her yard, mends fences, builds her own chicken coop, rides with her daughter, tries to keep up with her sons, and helps her husband with his electrical business! She finds that a little time in the barn is the best therapy in the world. The sweet smell of a horse’s breath, and a nicker from an old friend is very soothing and inspirational.

7.25" Tall

Christmas is a time of year that is enjoyed by every member of the family, including the furry ones. After a full day of snowman building and sledding, “Snow Ready” gently pulls this tired pup back to the barn for a well-deserved afternoon nap.

I've always had an interest in drawing and painting animals, especially horses, and as I grew up my maternal grandmother introduced me to The Trail of Painted Ponies with my first figurine "War Cry." Today, my career is an environmental resource management and my creative outlets have shifted to wildlife and landscape photography and digital art. Inspiration can come from anywhere, and thus you can usually find me with some type of camera and some sort of notebook to write down ideas ready for when a good photo opportunity or idea strikes.

7.25" Tall

In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the Ghost of Christmas Present is described as a jovial giant clad in a green mantle trimmed with white fur, with an icicle studded wreath of holly upon his head. He carries a torch shaped like a horn, from which the Spirit spreads his blessing of hope and good cheer. He invisibly leads Ebeneezer Scrooge through the cobble-stone streets of London, blessing every celebration of the day, no matter how humble. The Trail of Painted Ponies celebrates this Christmas classic with its equestrian version titled “Spirit of Christmas Present”.

I have a BFA in sculpture from Virginia Commonwealth University and have enjoyed playing around with all sorts of artistic media for my entire life. My favorite subject has always been the natural world, and horses in particular hold a special place in my heart.

7.75 " Tall

Christmas Past
by Lorna Matsuda

In days gone by, pull-toys were a favorite Christmas present for children. They took delight in leading their gift by a rope or string, as if it were tamely following them on their next adventure. “Christmas Past” brings that holiday memory/tradition to the here and now.

Being a realist artist I strive to capture the true spirit and character of each subject I paint. The eyes are a very important factor when I do a painting. I work in many different mediums such as feathers, rock, leather, bone, as well as traditional canvas and acrylic based mediums, along with my beloved painted ponies. I also do commissioned work for clients. My art has been a life long journey and will be with me as long as I am able to paint, it inspires me and takes me to a place of peace and tranquility in the many hours I spend painting.

7.25 " Tall

Christmas Crystals
by Ann Yarbrough

Giving healing crystals at Christmas is the perfect way to spread positive energy at a time of year that can be stressful. This holiday season, you can bring the amazing world of crystals, and their ability to bring a boost of joy, into your home with a Painted Pony who goes by “Christmas Crystals."

Ann Yarbrough's artistic inspiration comes from her Granddad, husband, son, family and friends. She has painted 21 murals in her hometown of Cedartown, GA, designed the book cover for her county's heritage book, worked and painted on movie sets, and been part of a 3 month long exhibition of Painted Ponies called Painted Dreams. She says "being part of The Trail has been a wonderful ride and a joy to be a part of."