58th & 59th Release & Fall Gathering '24 - Design Meanings - 2023 Summer & 2024 Winter

from Betsy at www.fjordpony.com

Love of a Warrior Mother Artist: Kaitlyn Lentz Warhorses were bred and raised from foalhood specifically for the needs of war. From the day they were born they were kept fit. At a young age they were exposed to the sounds of battle. They were trained to be responsive to leg pressure rather than reins so the rider's hands could be available to shoot bows and arrows and guns. But a foal's first teacher is its mother, and with "Love of a Warrior Mother," a mare, whose markings identify her as a war horse, is grooming it to follow her example. This is Kaitlyn's first pony created for TOPP.

Texas Range Artist: Lorna Matsuda An icon of American western culture, the Texas Rangers have a heritage that traces to the earliest days of the settlement of Texas. They first made a name for themselves as mounted lawmen covering vast territories on horseback protecting frontier settlers against marauding Indians and Mexican bandits. But as the frontier disappeared, the Texas Rangers turned to handling criminals within our own society: outlaws, train robbers and highwaymen. Today they are known as a professional investigative force dealing with major violent crime, public corruption, border security, and their mystique lives on. Lorna has also created: Spirit of the Chief, Friends Forever, Ebony in Harmony, Bells n Elves, Magical Mystery Mare, Panda Paws, Crimson Joy, Fawn Memories, Turquoise Princess, Rope My Heart, Eagle Spirit, Peppermint Sticks, Santa's Little Helper, Mistletoe Kisses, Winchester, & Peacekeeper.

Rain Dancer Artist: Courtney Moore For weeks on end, the sun bakes the earth under a sweltering heat, until at last it cries for relief. Mother Nature hears the call and sends Rain Dancer, a horse of majestic beauty that possesses elemental powers, to the rescue. At the beckoning of her echoing neigh, a Thunderbird appears, beating its feathered wings and carrying clouds as it rapidly ascends to the sky and circles the plains. The clouds grow darker in color. And then, with a thunderclap, a storm floods the thirsty earth that sings with thankfulness for the gift from Rain Dancer. Courtney also created: Keeper of Dreams & Woodland Brave.

Monarch Beauty Artist: Mackenzie K. Wertman Easy to recognize by their striking orange, black and white markings, Monarch Butterflies are known not only for their beauty and their remarkable annual migration journey from Canada to Mexico, but for the superstitions that surround them. The saying "Butterflies are the heaven-sent kisses of an angel" was conceived with Monarch Butterflies in mind, as it is believed that if a Monarch Butterfly lands on you, a loved one may be trying to send you a message of hope or peace. But while we enjoy its beauty today, we should remember that its existence is fragile. Monarch Butterflies were added to the Endangered Species List in 2014, which means we must do our part to assure that they will be enjoyed for generations to come. This is Mackenzie's first pony created for TOPP.

Special Release April 2024

Fall Gathering Artist: Lorna Matsuda As the leaves fall and the air chills, the ravens gather in a noisy celebration. Their black feathers glisten in the bleak cold sky as they dip and dive to the music of the autumn winds. The wisdom and courage of the ravens is brought to you in "Fall Gaherings".

59th Release 2024

Horse Dreams Artist: Amber Stirling ---- also created Trailblazer Combining the look and feel of intricately designed hand-tooled leather with the flow and form of a beautiful horse – fantasy creatures and wildlife are this artist's specialty – Horse Dreams leaves an imprint on the mind long after the gaze has moved on.

Buffalo Medicine Artist: Kevin Kilhoffer ----- also created Woodland Hunter, Runs the Bitterroot, Little Brave, Stars and Stirrups, Crow Warrior's Pride, War Eagle The buffalo was an important part of many Native American cultures. It gave them food, clothing, and tools, and was honored in songs, dances and prayers. With Buffalo Medicine, a Painted Pony has been decorated and adorned with assorted accessories to show respect and give the Pony sacred powers.

Spirit of the Wolf Artist: Joe Watkins - This is Joe's first pony. Combining two prominent symbols of the American West – a wild horse and a wolf – into a single design, this artist, a former Illustrator/Photographer in the U.S. Air Force and a product of the West himself, has created a design that creatively captures the spirit of both creatures

Landing Spot Artist: Emily Overman - also created Mystic Dreamer, Forest Spirit, Starlight Dance The friendly interaction between two different species is sweetly rendered in this design that shows how comfortable birds are with horses, and horses with birds.