As a way of honoring America’s first horse painters – Plains Indians who decorated their mounts with images and designs before ceremony or battle – The Trail of Painted Ponies plans to introduce, in the Spring of 2009, a special collection of four artistically rendered Painted Pony figurines, each of which will capture the spirit or represent the significance of the horse to four different North American tribes. The “Tribal Collection” will be in addition to the general release of Painted Pony figurines.

While we are making a special effort to include Native artists, we believe that artistic inspiration and integrity rises above matters of race and ethnicity. As such, we are opening this competition to non-Native artists as well as Native artists.

If you are an artist who would like to participate in this competition, we welcome you. Please follow these instructions:

1. You are encouraged to explore the Native Figurine section on our website to familiarize yourself with imagery that has already been created so you do not inadvertently repeat a design.
2. You are also encouraged to peruse our Books and review our Collectors Checklist for the same reason.
3. At the bottom of this page you will find links that will allow you to download all three horse forms: Standing, Walking, Running. You may use any or all of the forms for your design(s). Multiple entries are allowed.
4. Do not feel that you must be restricted by the outline of the horse. Attachments and accessories that add dimension to your design are encouraged.
5. Each design should consist of two drawings: a left side and a right side. With this competition you will not be required to actually paint a three-dimensional form. Winners will be chosen based on the drawings that are submitted. You are welcome to work off an enlarged form.
6. Your design must be accompanied by the downloadable Application Form and answer questions, including a statement about your design and its tribal meaning.
7. The deadline for receiving submissions for this distinguished competition is December 1, 2008.

The four artists whose designs are chosen will be asked to sign an Artists Agreement which will spell out conditions for participation in this competition, and detail the promotional and financial benefits that come with being a winner, including but not limited to a $2,000 honorarium.

Click Here to Download Standing Horse Application	Click Here to Download Walking Horse Application	Click Here to Download Running Horse Application
Completed Application and Submission forms should be mailed to: USPS Mail The Trail of Painted Ponies Attn: The Tribal Collection P.O. Box 2629 Carefree, AZ 85377-2629 UPS or FedEx 7301 E. Sundance Trail, C 102 Carefree, AZ 85377 Electronic formats will also be accepted. Please email trailmaster@trailofpaintedponies.com