My Little Pony Toys

My Little Pony toys, which were conceived by and are still made by Hasbro, have brought magical fun to millions of little girls worldwide over several decades. They are still around today bringing enjoyment to children and adult collectors alike.

These rainbow coloured, cute little pony toys have a long and varied history but the ponies' intrinsic characters remain the same - whimsical and wonderful, just as Hasbro intended.

The first generation of My Little Pony toys ran from 1983 to 1995 (1992 in the US) and there were initially only six little ponies. These original six ponies were all Earth ponies, that is they had no wings or horns, unlike some later little ponies.

They had pastel-coloured, matte bodies with a different brightly coloured mane and tail, and their own individual symbols on their flanks. Their manes and tails were silky and brushable, and each little pony came with a ribbon and a comb for grooming them.

The first generation of My Little Ponies inspired nearly a whole generation of little girls born in the 1970's, growing up in the 80’s. Those same little girls are now adults and they still love their Little Pony toys, which have become very collectable.

Of course My Little Pony toys continued to be hugely popular after this first generation of children grew up but their shapes and designs changed over time, and copycat products came onto the market to compete with them.

Following the original Earth ponies came Unicorns and Pegasus ponies, and baby ponies became available in all three models - Earth, Unicorn and Pegasus forms.

The early babies were similar to their "mothers" but smaller and in slightly softened colours. Later babies were given more distinctive identities of their own.

In 1997 (1999 in the US and globally in 2003) the My Little Pony brand was re-launched by Hasbro, and enjoyed a huge revival in popularity. The new, second generation ponies were created in completely new poses.

They were smaller and slimmer than the first generation of ponies, with longer legs, jewel eyes and turning heads. Most of them were Earth ponies but there were a few unicorns, although no Pegasus ponies and only two baby ponies.

All the Generation 2 My Little Pony toys were discontinued in 2003 when the next, and current, generation of little ponies was introduced. Generation 3 includes the re-release of some of the original ponies but in different poses or outfits, and most of them have shiny bodies and matte symbols on their sides.

From 2003 to 2005 only Earth ponies were released, then in 2005 Pegasus ponies were released, and in 2006 Unicorn ponies were released. In 2008 Hasbro narrowed its My Little Pony toys down to seven ponies and no new ponies will be released, although some older models will be re-released.

Whatever happens in the future of My Little Pony toys, they will always retain their charm and appeal to millions of little girls and adults worldwide and they are sure to have a long, magical life ahead. Their playfulness and whimsical nature will remain for generations to enjoy, and their iconic status representing childhood dreams will hopefully stand the test of time.