My Little Pony started out in the early 1980's and was every little girl's dream. Each My Little Pony came with a soft brushable mane and tail and had a symbol on each side of its rump. Released by toy manufacturer Hasbro “My Little Pony” followed the success of a previous toy line called “My Pretty Pony”.
The first set of six "collector ponies" were in a standing stance and each came with a different colour, markings and names. As time went on the pony family became more and more remarkable. The first six were lovingly known as “Earth Ponies” and most resembled real horses, although brightly coloured. As well as the colour of the pony they each had a marking on their rear flank to help identify them. The first six ponies were Blossom, Minty, Butterscotch, Cotton Candy, Blue Belle and Snuzzle.
There were sitting ponies, Pegasus ponies, Unicorns, Windy Wing, Summer Wing Ponies and even Sea Ponies. Accessories and playsets such as the popular My Little Pony Castle were added.
Baby Ponies were also later available representing the existing Earth Ponies, Unicorn, Pegasus and Sea Pony forms. Now you could dress up your pony, look after the babies in the Lullaby Nursery and bathe your ponies in the Waterfall.
As time went on more and more, My Little Pony lines were made available including the So-Soft Ponies (covered in soft flocking), Twinkle-Eyed Ponies (with tiny jewels as eyes) and Twice As Fancy Ponies (with their identity symbol covering their body). For little girls who liked grooming their My Little Pony, a Brush 'n’ Grow Pony was released with a tail that could be drawn out from inside the body by brushing.
When you bought My Little Pony in the U.S it came sealed in a plastic blister card. On the back of the packaging you would find a Horseshoe Points voucher where, if you sent it off, you could receive a discount on limited edition ponies.
It was a hugely popular toy line around the world and fans of My Little Pony were able to join activity clubs, comics and not to mention My Little Pony: The Movie and My Little Pony cartoons. The success of My Little Pony dramatically exceed expectations and during a period in the 1980's it even knocked Mattel’s Barbie off of the top spot.
My Little Pony was manufactured all around the world, although the U.S mail order ponies were rarely found in Europe or Asia.
Sadly after many successful years and their 10th anniversary, the original My Little Pony line ceased trading in 1992 (although it continued until 1995 in the UK). Due to popular demand however, 1992 saw the new ‘Generation Two’, otherwise known as the “Friendship Garden Ponies” line of My Little Pony from Hasbro. Unfortunately, these more petite second generation Ponies just didn't fill the same space. After only two years of production in the U.S, My Little Pony was once again discontinued.
Ponies are back though! Re-released in 2003 the ‘Generation 3’ or ‘Ponyville’ have been a huge worldwide success.
Through all the changing times from the eighties until now these brightly coloured little ponies have won a place in the hearts of many. With their new release many more children can experience the wonder and magic of My Little Pony.
My Little Pony trivia
In the 80's a whole line of fake My Little Pony were created from legally bought Hasbro moulds. Although they looked like the real deal these phoneys didn’t have the Hasbro stamp on the hoof of the pony.
The new line of 'Generation 3' My Little Pony toys have mattel symbols on their rear just like the original line. However, they’re now referred to as “cutie marks”. The horses can also interact with their playset items thanks to a magnet on the horses’ hooves.
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MLPfan said:
MLP forever
Saturday January 10, 2009, 10:15 PM
ppp said:
horse burger fans
Saturday July 4, 2009, 11:36 PM
Lesley said:
I used to love my 'My Little Pony', I spent hours playing with them and thinking that one day I would have my very own pony, & I did. I bought some for my little girl thinking she would have the same enthusiastic play but sadly, no. Never mind, Barbie still rules the roost and probably always will.
Wednesday December 15, 2010, 09:10 AM
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