David DeVary is one of an emerging group of so-called "New West" artists who celebrate the myths of the American West. His oil and gold-leaf paintings, boldly colored and dramatically toplit, present contemporary cowboys and cowgirls in the guise of romanticized American icons. Posed like glamorous fashion models on the sides of a beautiful Palomino, their eyes shadowed by a low-tipped cowboy hat, the women on this Pony intentionally glorify the freedom and self-confidence we associate with "the cowgirl."

Pottery is one of the oldest art forms in the Native American culture, and each tribe has a style which is traditionally its own. Today, however, tribal potters borrow or copy designs and techniques from each other. Drawing on the diverse animal and geometric patterns found on many authentic pots, Linda, a Delaware Indian living in Las Vegas, has painted a Pony wrapped in the traditional and contemporary ceramic designs of many tribes.

A story is told about a riderless Appaloosa, flamboyantly painted with symbols that portray a warrior's bravery during battle, wandering the prairie as if in search of his master. According to this tale, the horse would never let anyone else ride him, though many tried. The lightning bolt on his face, the sun on his shoulder, the circle around his eye, the handprint on his flank, the feathers in his mane and tail marked him as a horse with powerful medicine. And so he was allowed to roam the plains freely... to be eventually memorialized by New Mexico artist Loran Creech.

Deer and wolves that speak to man, arrows that carry prayers, serpents that bring rain - are all real in the Huichol Indian belief system. The Huichol live in the Sierra Madre Mountains of central Mexico, and for centuries these spiritual people have been beading decorative items to use as offerings to the gods. Their world is rich in symbolism and imagination, and they encode their spiritual knowledge through their art. The Trail of Painted Ponies was honored when a Huichol couple agreed to create an original Pony intricately beaded with images that represent life and enlightenment.

If you love dogs, you have come to the right place. Sedona wildlife artist Gene Dieckhoner - whose noteworthy accomplishments include serving as Art Director for Fox Animation Studios - has created a delightful tribute to our "faithful friends." Pure breeds and mixed breeds alike are gathered together on the form of a horse - another companion animal - that itself has been painted to resemble a Doberman Pinscher. For the dog and horse lover, this Pony is the next best thing to owning your own!

In the 15th Century, when knights were defenders of the faith, a woman's honor, or just about anything that endowed them with greater glory, their horses - called "chargers" - were their partners in activity and glory. Just as knights were flamboyantly dressed in spectacular body armor, so were their horses dramatically decorated. tandard equipment on this medieval steed is an elegant helmet, a sword with a jeweled hilt, a shield with heraldic markings, heavy padding for protection, and a lion, king of beasts, featured on the back of the saddle.

"My best designs come to me when I am quiet," says Colorado artist Ross Lampshire, perhaps best known as a rodeo photographer and potter. "An image or idea enters my mind almost as a whisper... and fast takes on a life of its own." Inspired by written accounts of Sitting Bull's dreams prior to battle, Ross had his own dream one night of Sitting Bull silhouetted against a full moon with clouds parting, as if in search of a vision. Working in a stylized manner, Ross has created a dramatic, powerful and flowing design that honors this famous Sioux chief.

Animals are important to the Northwest Native cultures. Using bold colors and designs based on the Haida and Tlingit styles of art, Laurie Holman, who lives and teaches art in Alaska, presents us with various animal totems featured in traditional Alaskan stories: the Raven, Grizzly Bear, Salmon, Eagle, and Whale. "I wanted them to cover the entire Pony, like a puzzle, with all of the pieces telling the great story of life, death and rebirth."