Would a Rearing Painted Pony Add an Exciting Dimension to The Trail?
Written by Rod Barker on August 14th, 2008As everyone familiar with the history of The Trail knows, we started out in 2001 with one horse form for artists to paint – the standing horse. The next year we added the running horse. Then, in 2006, a walking horse form (a Masterwork) was introduced in the context of the national competition, the Native Art of Horse Painting. What artists have done with these forms continues to amaze. Who would have thought that a blank horse sculpture would turn out to be such a versatile and powerful medium for artistic creations?
Well, the mind never rests at The Trail of Painted Ponies offices. Recently we’ve found ourselves talking about coming out with a fourth form for artists to let their imaginations run wild with: a rearing horse. There are some practical considerations. In the design, a sculptor would have to consider the inherent fragility of the hind legs and tail. But on the upside there would be a whole different, dramatic and dynamic energy to a rearing horse and it would be fascinating to see what artists did with it.
There have been collectible rearing horses around long before the days when Roy Rogers rearing on Trigger became an American icon that could be found on everything from movie posters to trading cards to lunch boxes to fan club memorabilia. The Renaissance drawings of Leonardo da Vinci celebrated horses balanced on their hind legs, their front hooves charging the sky. In other words, we would be honoring a legacy.
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Hi Rod, I like his idea, have thought about it myself a few times and the subject was also brought up in my AAOPP group. While it might limit some designs we work with, it would open a whole new perspective and I say Go for it! LOL! It would definitely be interesting to both work with and see what so many fine artists do with it.
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I absolutely agree with Rod and Joani that we need a rearing horse with their front legs charging the sky! I’m googling D..A..V..I..N..C..I…to get some new ideas cause I doubt many of us know much about the Renaissance horses. Must be a new Indian tribe of some kind. Oh well, I can put a feather duster on his head and a lot of gaudy beads if it is. I’m excited about this!
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As a collector I would love to have some rearing ponies. I just love that stance! To me it shows strength and a willing to stand your ground. Oh please go for it!!
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I agree that a rearing pony would be great but I would think there would be more breakage in shipping?
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I would love to have a rearing stance as well. I like the different molds as they add to the collection.
They would also be wonderful as PYOP’s for all kinds of new ideas.
Nothing like a horse rearing to the sky.
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So when are you going to publicise a prototype of this pony on the website so we can visualise it? It sounds like a great idea and I am sure the artists would do a fine job in producing beautiful ponies in this mode. Eagerly awaiting in much anticipation of seeing such.
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Yes..I agree with every ones above..I would love rearing horse as long as it doesn’t brake “too” easely.
I love Michelle idea..maybe we should see the prototype on the website and vote.
The other shape that I love…is the bust…painted ponies had some at one time..large neck to work on..beautiful elegant head..hummm..I sure would love that too.
FAb
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The rearing horse exudes power and strength. The imagination of the artists would be exhilarating to see. I would love to have that as a PYOP Pony too. What a glorious idea. It puts me in mind of the wonderful Lipizzan Stallions in the Airs Above the Ground. The Movements were first taught to horses to give them and thier rider some additional safety in Wartime. All of the movements are designed with defense or offense in mind. Thank Heaven we don’t have to endanger our horses like that anymore, but we never would have made it out of the Renaissance Era without them. I say YES! Bring on the rearing horses!
Julie
PS I would love to see lapel pins brought back too. I always get questioned about the 6 that I wear. People are very interested in the TOPP project after seeing a small example. I think Sacred would be a great pin…
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Being a beginner collector of the Trail of “Native” Painted Ponies, I too would love to see a rearing horse to add to the beauty of my sothwest decor!!!
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A rearing horse would be awesome! I can see so many possibilites with this idea. I wonder though, would they be closed or open mouthed???
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Gads, if they do a Rearing Horse, I’d hope I’d hope the mouth would be closed….
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I love the idea of a rearing stance from an Artists’ point of view, however, business wise, I do not think it will have as long a life as the others did. Perhaps, a limited edition of this stance would be lucrative for TOPP. I think there definately could be a better head pose, mane and tail. Just my humble opinion.
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I think the idea of the rearing horse is excellent. Just like the Silver Lining, I believe it will give a completely different image to the line. I can see more excitement and majesty to the Pony
in its stance. As a dealer I think it would add a whole new dimension. Shipping would be an issue, but if each of the ponies could have a small steel rod inserted in the back legs and the tail at the time of casting it would give enough strength to help with the rigidity of the figurine and insure less chance of breakage.
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Well, you know me! I’ll paint on anything! Just give me a shape….and watch out! Maybe the next “people’s choice” or “collectible of the year”! Go for it, Rod!
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Gee I know I for one would love to see what you would do with it Lori. I will be keeping my eyes peeled if they do release one to see what you do. I agree go for it.
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Thanks for the kudos, Michelle! I would love to see what Lynn, Maria and Ross would do, too! He’s already done a couple rearing horses for other projects. What a wiz with car paint he is! Where’s Ross and his comments? Ross, where are you?
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I accept the challenge of a rearing horse - I have one I did a while ago - it has a base that goes up and supports the underbelly - that might help with the breakage issue.
You first Lori!!!. (sorry Kat - mine has his mouth open)
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I love the idea of a rearing horse too. I would love to put my hands on that form and see what ideas I can come up with. It would be awesome to see what ideas the other artists would come up with. I don’t have any car paint tho!!! I third go for it Rod!!!!
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This is a great idea and would be a welcome change along with a
challenge to create a design for this stance. I agree with kat for a closed mouth, the one I am working on has an open mouth and the ears are pointing back ,I think they should be pointing forward for a less frightened look.
Go for it Rod!!
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Thank you LaMarr, & I agree w/you ’bout the ears being pricked forward as well. That would make a pretty Rearing Horse Statue.
In real life, when a horse rears, unless it’s 2 horses fighting which is never a pretty picture, the mouth is closed. Horses typically don’t vocalize while rearing.
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Yes, Yes, Yes, please do a rearing pony or something different. As far as the breakage issue, do it only in resin. I enjoy those because I don’t have to fear someone dropping and breaking them.
Keep up the good ideas!!
Deanna
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It is a very good idea. I have painted a total of four 10 foot rearing horse forms so far this year this year, and from experience, it does change the perspective as well as create a lot of new design opportunities. You can view the designs on my website.
Best Regards,
Ross Lampshire
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Ross wonderful designs all unique. I really like the eagle one, must have taken a longtime to complete but what a piece!
Just loved the picture of you with the three largies they look so lifelike.
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OH ROSS! those horses are absolutely AWESOME! The one with the eagle is the coolest!!! But they are all very beautiful! You do stunning work! Thank you for letting us know about the pictures, they are great!
I think a rearing horse form would be a nice change:)
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About the rearing pony, I think it would be a FANTASTIC pony.
As far a shipping, the quality of your method of packaging is superior to Breyers method and look at all the rearing or horses the make with legs outward. A long as you would keep it in the resin version I think it would be great!
Thanks
Ann
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Not only would a rearing pony be well accepted by collectors but it could also open up a world of new designs as well. Themes are very popular in the model horse business, as we have seen with Breyers seasonal collectibles, and the painted ponies have done well with the Christmas ponies. I would like to see a Halloween pony, a Mother’s day pony, a Thanksgiving pony, or how a about a pony for each state? I have often thought of what a pony from North Carolina would be, or one from Virginia. I’m sure other people are just as proud of their home states as I am( born in Virginia, live in North Carolina). I would also love to see a proud standing pony some day, or even a foal pony. The Outer Banks have the Equine Extravaganza horses that have a stallion and a foal model that are awesome. Lots of possibilites…
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I too am a collector and I would love to see a rearing pony come in to the mix. I think it would be a nice edition.
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i’m a colactor now!it took a little while. buti got some from the adouption center and my aunt bought me one 2 years ago!
keep up all the good work!
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how do you even do that?
is it really hard to draw it all?i would like a rearing pony to!
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As a collector with limited space, I have concerns about the size of the boxes and the height of the displayed horses. My shelves work great for the typical sizes, but outsized horses and boxes really mess up my system. I should add that I am a traditionalist — I still prefer the standing horses, just like the full-sized ones I saw in Albuquerque.
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When will we find out if you are going to come out with the fourth form. It seems the bulk of the respondents to this blog want the rearing horse form.
Also can you please tell if you are going to come out with another Paint Your Own Pony Kit in a different form to that of the current running stance.
Thanking you, in anticipation - Michelle.
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I think the ones who have blogged here would find it amazing that there has been no response from the Trailmaster or the TOPP to our eager anticipation and excitment for such a form even though 4 and a half months have passed since this blog begun.
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Hi, i am all for a rearing model, yes it will mean moving ponies around,or even changing display cabinets, with most of the modern ones in the UK the shelves are movable so as you can have different heights available for different ornamental items, and i am sure the same could be said for anywhere else,but, my concern would be packaging, and postage. For instance,in the past, when i had Silver Lining posted , she arrived safe and sound, now it seems that something has changed in the design mix, as she only makes it here in 2 pieces, and it is always the near-side (left) wing that has broken.I have also noticed that it is from the 3rd Edition of her that is breaking, has anyone else experienced this???
So yes if the packageing and design were well thought out it should work. Beswick has had a rearing cob for years, and not had any design/packing problems.
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Hope a friend had one in the first edition posted out to Australia from the TOPP a fair while ago now as it was a 1E - when she opened it she too had a broken wing. I was fortunate as I bought from the States a 2E and she arrived in perfect condition. I thought the styro was of a good design as mine had travelled around the world without incident from the States to Australia. But looking at the actual pony I can certainly see how the wings could be easily broken. Such is its design that the wings could prove to be very fragile. Seems if one is going to break in transit it would most likely be that one or Reindeer Roundup - those antlers are a problem. I had mine arrive with broken anters, ear and it was off its base.
So I agree with you the packaging would have to be real good.
No problem at all with the other ponies travelling the world. Just those two.
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Hello everyone..
Reading all of the above, I would mind to try to paint a rearing horse..!!As a personal artist experience , I would love to see what I could come up with
Wonder..are we going to see a Rearing horse design contest in 2009 ??
I am ready…LOLOLOl
FAb
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I would love to paint you a rearing pony. I am sure it will have rave reviews with its challenging form to design and paint. Awesome idea! Another great collectible for The Trail!
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That would be great something that would be out standing in the crowd. Love especially to have the option of new a PYOP prospect. let your spirit run wild and go for it Rod. We are looking forward to it.
Cheri