Painted ponies mark HorseWorld 60th

Thursday 3rd May 2012

Sixty colourfully painted model ponies will form a trail through a city's shops and public spaces to mark a charity's anniversary.

HorseWorld's Trail Of Painted Ponies will be displayed this summer to mark the 60th anniversary of the animal charity, which is based in Whitchurch, near Bristol.

Shoppers will be encouraged to follow the trail of ponies which will be hidden in public spaces and shops around Bristol, including Harvey Nichols, throughout Cabot Circus and Quakers Friars.

The figurines will be painted from designs submitted by celebrities, local businesses and sports clubs.

Members of the public are also getting the chance to enter a competition to design a figurine which could feature in the public art event.

HorseWorld's managing director Mark Owen said: "It's easy to get involved, and you don't need to be an artist to submit your idea.

"All you need is a creative idea or two about ways a model pony can be painted for decorative purposes. You could have your design painted by an artist and displayed in a prestigious store for thousands of people to see."

Kevin Duffy, centre director Cabot Circus said: "We are delighted to be involved with this innovative public art trail and are looking forward to the arrival of the painted model ponies throughout Cabot Circus and Quakers Friars."

The trail, organised in association with USA-based fine collectible company The Trail of Painted Ponies, will run in the city from mid-July through to early September.

Artists who wish to take part will use a template that can be printed from HorseWorld's website to create their design.

Winners could see their designs painted by a professional artist and featured in the public art exhibition this summer.

Entries must be made by May 18. To enter or print a template visit http://www.horseworld.org.uk/paintedponies.

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