Category Archives: Merchandise

Year of the Horse

Happy 4712!

Year of the Horse

Year of the Horse

No, that’s not a typo. Today’s new moon is the start of the Chinese Year of the Horse, year 4712 in the Chinese calendar. The Chinese follow a lunar calendar, much like the Jewish and Islamic calendars. Lunar calendars do not match the Gregorian solar calendars that western cultures follow and for this reason we are left with the impression that the start of the Chinese new year “drifts”, but in reality, it is the second new moon after the winter solstice and on the Chinese calendar, the Gregorian new year drifts through random dates in their eleventh month.

Chinese astrology breaks years out into one of twelve corresponding zodiac earthly branches – Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. 4712 is represented by a horse. Likewise, Chinese astrology has five heavenly stems – Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth. The stem for 4712 is that of Wood, making it the Year of the Wood Horse.

The horse represents decisiveness, travel, adventure and drive. It is a symbol of speedy success. Wood represents spring and growth. It represents family. It represents strength and flexibility, all together making the year to come one of promising opportunity.

But all of that is far eastern astrology. The hard facts are that the Chinese calendar is one of the oldest in the world and that visitors to Chinese restaurants love to look at the dates on their placemats to identify their zodiac animal and get a little basic astrological advice. And we are now starting the Year of the Horse.

Year of the Horse by Lori Musil

Year of the Horse by Lori Musil

Lori Musil, the prolific artist for the Trail of Painted Ponies described the Year of the Horse as a “classic celebration of the different horse breeds” and Rod Barker, the founder and CEO of the Trail of Painted Ponies, announced that The Year of the Horse will be full of surprises!”  We anxiously await to see what this astronomical convergence will mean for the premiere line of horse collectibles.

As the Chinese say, Jíqìngyǒuyú! – May your happiness be without limit!

[whohit]2014-01-31 Year of the Horse[/whohit]

Wolf Moon

Call of the Wolf

Call of the Wolf

On a cold winter night freshly fallen snow hides the tracks of those who recently passed this way, making it easy to become lost in the wilderness.  The light of the full moon reflects off the freshly fallen snow, giving the forest an appearance of twilight rather than total gloom.  Trees tower all around as silent sentinels of the night.  Off in the distance a howl of a wolf pierces the darkness, followed by another and another … the hunt is on.

We’ve all grown up with the stories of wolves howling at the moon, but recent studies at the University of Vienna in Austria (Christian Science Monitor, ABC) show that wolf howling isn’t related to the full moon.  Wolves are not recluse solitary creatures stalking the night, but are very social animals with tight bonds within their pack.  The howl is a form of communication and it is more common between wolves who spend more time together.  It is a way of staying in touch when separated, which makes howls a common event during a hunt, when the pack splits up to stalk their prey.

The howl is the Call of the Wolf.  It means that a member of the pack is outside of visual range.

Even though wolves have a bad reputation, it is extremely unusual for wolves to attack humans.  Most of the bad reputation that wolves carry comes from old European superstition and lore where wolves are the supernatural predators who stalk human villagers.  The greatest threat that wolves pose today is to commercial cattle, which they will stalk and take down when their natural food supply grows thin, especially in the cold of the winter.

The January full moon is called the Wolf Moon by Native American tribes and we wish to take tonight to remind you about the rest of the pack.  Howl for your friends tonight.  Be sure to stay in touch with them!

[whohit]2014-01-15 Wolf Moon[/whohit]

Things That Stood Out

It goes without saying that there is common merchandise that one would walk by and merchandise that makes you take a couple of steps back to get a better look.  We live in the west and our store is in the west, but no one here at a Snaggy diMe is by any means a cowboy or a cowgirl.  A wall of lassos is an unusual site.  A wall of multi-colored lassos that form a rainbow visible from across the show hall requires a second look.

A wall of hats is fairly normal.  A wall of Stetsons and assorted multi-colored hat carrying cases is somewhat out of the ordinary, especially when those cases aren’t cylinder shaped like regular hat boxes, but have a vague Stetson shape to them.  We’ve all seen weather protective covers for cars and barbecue sets, but weather sheaths for horses and dogs tend to stand out and make no mistake, there were tons of life-size dog and horse displays modeling all sorts of accessories that your animal may be interested in wearing!  We’ll be honest.  We’re city slickers, somewhat out of our element.  None of us has ever seen a horse wearing spandex.

Horse Covers

Horse Covers

Trail of the Painted Ponies, Winter 2014

Trail of the Painted Ponies, Winter 2014

The WESA Market was a surprising opportunity for us to see and touch the new releases for Enesco’s Trail of Painted Ponies and Westland Giftware’s Horse of a Different Color.  Both sets are about six weeks away from official release, but they were present here as a preview of things to come.

Horse of a Different Color, Winter 2014 Herd

Horse of a Different Color, Winter 2014 Herd

 

 

 

 

 

We are thrilled at the opportunity to touch and see the new release early and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of these ponies!

[whohit]2014-01-14 Things That Stood Out[/whohit]

Trail of Painted Ponies Christmas 2014 Ornaments

Enesco has announced the release of the Christmas 2014 Trail of Painted Ponies ornaments. Due to ship on February 15, 2014 are five new ornaments comprising one of the two Christmas 2014 ornament sets of the Trail of Painted Ponies.

Included in the February release are:

Don't Fence Me In Ornament

Don’t Fence Me In Ornament

Don’t Fence Me In Ornament
Developed in Great Britain after World War II by Gypsies who wanted to create an artistic breed of horse to pull their highly decorated and colorful caravans, Gypsy Vanners are small draft horses popularly recognized for their long and flowing manes and tails and the lush feathers on their lower legs that swish when they move. When a Vanner stallion kicks up its heels and runs across a pasture, it all but calls out, with class, presence and style, “Hey! Look at me! I am special. I can do anything. Don’t fence me in.”

Rhinestone Cowgirl Ornament

Rhinestone Cowgirl Ornament

 

Rhinestone Cowgirl Ornament
Every horse-loving girl knows the secret … it’s all about the sparkle! From bling on Western belts to dazzling earrings, bracelets and more, Cowgirls know how to ride through life in style. And, no self-respecting Cowgirl would ever head out on the trail without her favorite rhinestone purse. Bring on the bling and saddle-up for the ride of a lifetime with Rhinestone Cowgirl. Shine On!

Trail of Tears Ornament

Trail of Tears Ornament

Trail of Tears Ornament
A dramatic and moving follow-up to the bestselling “Wounded Knee,” “Trail of Tears” respectfully remembers one of the saddest episodes in American and Native American history: the forced relocation of the Cherokee Indians from their Tribal Lands to Oklahoma during the brutal winter of 1838. This Painted Pony represents the struggle of the Cherokee people who were made to march more than a thousand miles under the worst possible conditions. There were many losses during this long march, it is said that a beautiful Cherokee Rose grew wherever a tear had fallen, in remembrance of those who were lost. Somehow the Cherokee managed to survive the cold and the snow, their dignity intact, in the belief there were better days to come.

Storm Rider Ornament

Storm Rider Ornament

Storm Rider Ornament
The sky darkens ominously. Gusting blasts of wind kick up dust. Z-bolts of lightning flash from cloud-to-ground like jagged spears thrown by an angry mythological god. There is a sudden loud crack of thunder that sounds like the floorboards of Heaven have collapsed under the weight of the rain, snow and hail that pour down from above, as “Storm Rider” charges across the landscape, snorting, rearing and bucking like a wild stallion.

Painted Harmony Ornament

Painted Harmony Ornament

Painted Harmony Ornament
Known for its distinctive markings the American Paint Horse is a colorful naturally intelligent and a versatile Western breed. Characterized by a broad chest well-muscled hindquarters and refined head Paint Horses come in a variety of coat patterns. “Painted Harmony” was inspired by the close relationship between mare and foal, exemplified here by the seamless blending of this mare’s coat pattern into her foal’s.

Due to ship on June 15, 2014 are four new ornaments comprising the second Christmas 2014 ornament set of the Trail of Painted Ponies.

Included in the June release are:

Ornament Santa Pony

Ornament Santa Pony

Ornament Santa Pony
Was Santa’s sleigh really pulled by 8 tiny reindeer? Or perhaps it was his magnificent pony helping to guide the way! Santa’s pony is dressed and ready to help deliver toys to all the good little girls and boys.

 

 

Ornament in a Manger Pony

Ornament in a Manger Pony

Ornament in a Manger Pony
For many young people, Santa and Baby Jesus go hand in hand as far as loving us and wanting us to be happy and that’s what is expressed with this pony – the real meaning behind the season.

 

 

Ornament Christmas Canter Pony

Ornament Christmas Canter Pony

Ornament Christmas Canter Pony
The red cardinal is a popular symbol of Christmas, and did you know that the bird’s name, cardinal, is actually derived from the royal red vestments worn by Catholic cardinals.

 

 

 

Ornament English Holiday Pony

Ornament English Holiday Pony

Ornament English Holiday Pony
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the stables … Plaid garland was draped, from the posts and the gables. Sound the trumpet, for Santa is British today, Happy Christmas to all, it’s an English Holiday.

 

 

Both ornament sets are available for pre-order on our website.

February 2014 Ornament Set:

Trail of the Painted Ponies, 2014 Ornament Set

Trail of the Painted Ponies, 2014 Ornament Set

June 2014 Ornament Set:

Trail of the Painted Ponies, Christmas 2014 Ornaments

Trail of the Painted Ponies, Christmas 2014 Ornaments

 

[whohit]2014-01-07 Trail of Painted Ponies Christmas 2014 Ornaments[/whohit]

Trail of Painted Ponies Christmas 2014 Release

Enesco has announced the release of the Christmas 2014 Trail of Painted Ponies. Due to ship on June 15, 2014 are four new figurines comprising the Christmas 2014 Herd of the Trail of Painted Ponies.

Included in this release are:

Santa Pony

Santa Pony

 

Santa Pony
Was Santa’s sleigh really pulled by 8 tiny reindeer? Or perhaps it was his magnificent pony helping to guide the way! Santa’s pony is dressed and ready to help deliver toys to all the good little girls and boys.

 

In a Manger Pony

In a Manger Pony

 

 

In a Manger Pony
For many young people, Santa and Baby Jesus go hand in hand as far as loving us and wanting us to be happy, and that’s what is expressed with this pony – the real meaning behind the season.

Christmas Canter Pony

Christmas Canter Pony

 

 

Christmas Canter Pony
The red cardinal is a popular symbol of Christmas, and did you know that the bird’s name, cardinal, is actually derived from the royal red vestments worn by Catholic cardinals.

 

Christmas Holiday Pony

Christmas Holiday Pony

Christmas Holiday Pony
Christmas is a holiday celebrated around the world and this year we are including a horse from “across the Pond” to share in the festivities.

 

 

We expect these new additions to the series to be available to ship in late June. Pre-orders are now being taken on our website.

Trail of the Painted Ponies, Christmas 2014

Trail of the Painted Ponies, Christmas 2014

[whohit]2014-01-06 Trail of Painted Ponies Christmas 2014 Release[/whohit]

Call of the Wolf Winter 2014 Release

Westland Giftware has announced the release of the Winter 2014 Call of the Wolf pack. Due to ship on February 28, 2014 are four new figurines comprising the 20th pack of series.

Included in this release are:

Dark Wood Wolf
Eagle Spirit Wolf
Iron Moon Wolf
Stone Magic Wolf

We expect these new additions to the series to be available to ship in early March. Preorders are now being taken on our website.

Call of the Wolf, Winter 2014 Pack

Call of the Wolf, Winter 2014 Pack

[whohit]2014-01-05 Call of the Wolf Winter 2014 Release[/whohit]

Trail of Painted Ponies Winter 2014 Release

Enesco has announced the release of the Winter 2014 Trail of Painted Ponies. Due to ship on February 15, 2014 are five new figurines comprising the Winter 2014 Herd of the Trail of Painted Ponies.

Included in this release are:

Rhinestone Cowgirl Pony

Rhinestone Cowgirl Pony

Rhinestone Cowgirl Pony
Every horse-loving girl knows the secret … it’s all about the sparkle! From bling on Western belts to dazzling earrings, bracelets and more, Cowgirls know how to ride through life in style. And no self-respecting Cowgirl would ever head out on the trail without her favorite rhinestone purse. Bring on the bling and saddle-up for the ride of a lifetime with Rhinestone Cowgirl. Shine On!

 

Krystal Knight Pony

Krystal Knight Pony

Krystal Knight Pony
For a thousand years, artists, scholars and dreamers have been inspired by the romantic stories associated with the fabulous Camelot, the legendary King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table. Along with the love affair between Lancelot and Queen Guinevere, there were other romantic side-stories told, including the tale of Krystal Knight, a beautiful blue mare adorned with crystals and pearls who roamed the countryside and forests with a hot-blooded black steed that was dressed in armor, trained for war and loved her dearly.

Guardian of Sunset's Gate Pony

Guardian of Sunset’s Gate Pony

Guardian of Sunset’s Gate Pony
As night falls, evil looms. Sunset is the time of day when Indian maidens, children and their horses are at highest risk of being stolen by warriors from other tribes. It is a dangerous time when braves with keen senses take responsibility for the protection of their people and along with their ever-alert horses, become watchmen of the night … guardians of sunset’s gate.

 

 

Yankee Doodle Pony

Yankee Doodle Pony

Yankee Doodle Pony
Fireworks, a starry sky, an American flag and notes of music strung across it all, this Pony reminds us of the song that was originally sung by British military officers before the Revolutionary War to make fun of the ragtag farmers that made up the colonial army, whom they perceived as country bumpkins. When the “Yankees” defeated the British, however, they began singing it as a proud anthem to taunt their English foes. Today, “Yankee Doodle” is one of America’s most popular patriotic songs.

Don't Fence Me In Pony

Don’t Fence Me In Pony

Don’t Fence Me In Pony
Developed in Great Britain after World War II by Gypsies who wanted to create an artistic breed of horse to pull their highly decorated and colorful caravans, Gypsy Vanners are small draft horses popularly recognized for their long and flowing manes and tails and the lush feathers on their lower legs that swish when they move. When a Vanner stallion kicks up its heels and runs across a pasture, it all but calls out, with class, presence and style, “Hey! Look at me! I am special. I can do anything. Don’t fence me in.”

We expect these new additions to the series to be available to ship in late February. Pre-orders are now being taken on our website.

Trail of the Painted Ponies, Winter 2014

Trail of the Painted Ponies, Winter 2014

[whohit]2014-01-04 Trail of Painted Ponies Winter 2014 Release[/whohit]

 

Horse of a Different Color Winter 2014 Release

Westland Giftware has announced the release of the Winter 2014 Horse of a Different Color. Due to ship on February 28, 2014 are six new figurines comprising the 9th herd of Horse of a Different Color.

Included in this release are:

          Rhinestone Mustang

          Western Mustang

          Mardi Gras Mustang

          Chieftan Train Mustang

          Run Thoroughbred Horse

          Wolf Princess Mustang

We expect these new additions to the series to be available to ship in early March. Preorders are now being taken on our website.

Horse of a Different Color, Winter 2014 Herd

Horse of a Different Color, Winter 2014 Herd

[whohit]2014-01-03 Horse of a Different Color Winter 2014 Release[/whohit]

Year of the Trail

January 31, 2014 starts the Chinese Year of the Horse. Coming around every twelve years, one would think that this is a “non-event”, but for the Trail of Painted Ponies, the Year of the Horse is a big thing, not just because it recognizes the spirit of the series, but more importantly because the Trail of Painted Ponies has not been produced during a Year of the Horse.

Trail of the Painted Ponies, Herd 1

Trail of the Painted Ponies, Herd 1

Yep, you read it here first. The inaugural herd from the trail, consisting of the now legendary original twelve pieces, was released in 2003, which happened to be the Year of the Goat, the zodiac sign following the Year of the Horse. Now, in 2014, for the first time ever, Trail of Painted Ponies figurines will be produced in the Year of the Horse.

In a New Year announcement, Rod Barker, the founder and CEO of the Trail of Painted Ponies, announced that “The Year of the Horse will be full of surprises!” The upcoming January release announcement will consist of five new ponies, including a special “Don’t Fence Me In” Beauty of the Breed pony, much like the special “Painted Harmony” pony a year ago.

The 2014 ornaments will include five non-Christmas specific ornaments from the regular herds released over the last few years.

“Autumn Pony” and “Halloween Pony”, finalists of last year’s art competition, will make an appearance later this year and the Trail will also be introducing two new pony forms, a re-sculpted rearing horse and a new trotting horse form.

We will provide more information as it becomes available and we will talk a little more about Chinese year 4712, the Year of the Horse, as the holiday approaches.

[whohit]2014-01-02 Year of the Trail[/whohit]