“War Pony” Circa 2001

On a regular basis we receive emails and letters from collectors who share stories of out-of-the-way places they came upon Painted Ponies. For instance, not long ago someone wrote they had discovered Painted Ponies in a gift shop in Dubai.

But nothing quite prepared us for the article from a military publication we received titled: “Lancer Paints His ‘War Pony’”

At first I thought maybe it was going to be a story about a soldier who had created his own “War Pony” from a Paint Your Own Pony kit. We have received several letters from soldiers serving in Iraq who said they had taken a “War Pony” figurine along with them as a good luck piece. The ‘War Pony” referenced in this article had nothing to do with Painted Ponies, however, or with horses for that matter. The “Pony” in question was a fighter plane.

Remember the “nose art” that adorned U.S. aircraft during World War II? Ever since men went to war in airplanes, they have felt the need to decorate their “mounts “ with unofficial and personal markings. Often frowned upon by authorities, these colorful decorations have in turn been inspiring, emotive, aggressive, humorous, cynical or even tasteful. Well apparently there is an airman named Christopher Soce who is an American Indian from Arizona Soce, and during Operation Iraqi Freedom (the first Iraq war) he took it upon himself to showcase his artistic talent by painting the cheek panels of squadron aircraft headed for combat.

Examples of World War II “nose art” associated with horses.

“Traditionally, my ancestors would paint their ‘war ponies’ before going into battle. In keeping with tradition, I had the opportunity to paint my war pony, so to speak,” Airman Christopher Soce was quoted as saying. “The design I chose is a traditional way to tell a modern story. In fact, the symbols I used are ancient Native American symbols.”

He went on to say that the spots were hailstones, which represented unstoppable power. “I made them red, white and blue to represent the strength of America. The colors also have Native significance: white for mind, red for body, and blue for spirit. When used correctly, these colors combine to form an unstoppable power.”

Native American Airman Christopher Soce stands beside his “War Pony”

Also to be found decorating the nose cones of the Prowlers that were about to take part in an initial blistering air strike was a lightning bolt – “used to depict the power of thunder beings.” Soce noted, “The crosses under the bolts are fire symbols. This represents the result of our attack. At first glance this mural may look like a box of Lucky Charms. But when you look with more than your eyes, there is meaning.”

The piece ended with Airman Soce saying, “I’m a Skybolt Lancer. I am honored to have the opportunity to share a small part of my heritage with those who can respect it.”

At The Trail of Painted Ponies, we feel the same.