| Ponies in Fact and Fancy |
| Shetland Ponies have played an important part in the world of equine, and they have captured the eye, and the interest, of many equine fans. These pint-sized, and sometimes portly, purveyors of charm and curiosity have won many hearts. We all know the history--they have worked in the mines and proven themselves time and time again in the show ring, etc. This page is dedicated to ponies in "Fancy". They have been members of royal families, written about in numerous volumes of children's stories, the livelihood of itinerant photographers, sold in catalogs, advertising "gimmicks", beloved pets...and the list goes on. You can find them in everything from ashtrays to trade cards to victoriana. Ponies have been featured in all mediums one can imagine. While some of the ponies you will see in this feature will be instantly recognizable as the pony of old, (and new) others will be more generic in their "Victorian Pony" form. Enjoy!!! |
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| These darling trade cards are circa turn-of-the-century early 1900s. While I cannot attribute the girl to a source, the boy is an interpretation of an oil entitled: "A Scratch Pack" by C. Burton Barber, 1882. Trade cards like these are highly coveted by collectors, and can fetch a high price. |
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| Here is a great example of Folkart. A wonderful, somewhat stylized oil on canvas of a young Scottish lad, his trusty Shetland pony, and his faithful terrier. (note the fly fishermen in the background) Just a totally colorful and delightful scene. Painting circa 1880s. |
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| Here is a great hand-tinted photo. These were often the work of itinerant photographers, who made their money by traveling from town to town, and city to city with their camera and pony. Don't you just love this sleepy-eyed pony!! This photo was taken on Irving Avenue in Astoria, Oregon. The subject is 6 yr old Paula Beyer. circa 1937. |
| Here is an example of a contest featuring a shetland pony as the first prize. This is the stuff of a child's dream!! This is taken from a periodical circa 1929. |
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| Above, a beautifully engraved print taken from the portrait by William Salter of the 5 year old son of British Colonel James Grant. Circa 1845, Engraver: J. Cochran |
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