Painted Ponies … EVERYWHERE!

In case you missed the debut of the “Painted Ponies” in downtown Southern Pines this past weekend, don’t worry…they will be around town for the next two months! This wonderful public art display of 10 almost 5-foot tall fiberglass sculptures is a sight to see.  Artists from the area have donated their time and talent to turn each pony into an exquisite work of art.  Local businesses have worked together to sponsor ponies and these colorful creatures are displayed in 10 locations along Broad Street.

My company, McDevitt Town and Country Properties

.. is one of the sponsors and we are so excited to have “Little Red” right outside our office. Grab a cup of coffee (or hot chocolate!) and enjoy a stroll to through town to view the Painted Ponies!  Take your picture with your favorite Painted Pony and share it on social media with #PaintedPoniesCHP to introduce friends and family to the newest attraction in our region! On April 2, the ponies will be removed from Broad Street.  There will be a public auction on Saturday, April 4, at the Campbell House where residents can place their bids on these one-of-a-kind sculptures and possibly take a pony home with them! I can’t wait to go! Check out this video all about the ponies…

But what if you are not in Southern Pines

… and want to check out Painted Ponies in other towns?  Well, here are some other cities who have Painted Ponies, too!  I am visiting Ocala for the next two weeks (and will be blogging about a lot of great places to golf and ride while I am here)…and Ocala is one of those cities who has Painted Ponies everywhere. There is even one at the golf course we played on yesterday and the pony is painted to look like a golf course! These ponies have been in and around Ocala since 2001. The auction of these horses raised more than $850,000 for about 27 charities. Wow! This is a truly inspiring project for artists, businesses, and the horse community of Ocala, Florida.

Painted Pony in Ocala

 

Saratoga Springs

If you happen to be up north right now, Saratoga Springs also has Painted Ponies! They called it the Trail of Painted Ponies. More than 30 fiberglass beauties were commissioned in 2007, designed and decorated by artists throughout the northeast, displayed throughout town, and eventually auctioned off. Today, over a dozen of the horses are still residing in the Saratoga Springs area, and many can be viewed and enjoyed by the public.

Saratoga Springs Trail of Ponies

 

Bucket List

I think it would be fun to add to my “bucket list” to see all of these Painted Ponies everywhere! And I am so looking forward to the Auction in Southern Pines in April. Will keep you posted on the winning Pony…maybe we will even have to place bets!!!