Ponies were first produced in 1981 through 1982. They weren't the rubbery vinyl type ponies we know today. They were large 10 inch ponies made out of hard plastic and called "My Pretty Pony." They have a trigger under their chin and when you pull it their ears flicker, tail twitches, and their eye winks. It wasn't until 1983 that the first vinyl ponies were made. The originals were a set of six called "My Little Pony Assortment"; Cotton Candy, Blue Belle, Butterscotch, Minty, Snuzzle, and Blossom. These six had flat feet, but when they were re-released as Collector Ponies later through mail offers they had caved in feet like the rest of the ponies. Hasbro then made ponies or all shapes, sizes, and colors for 10 years. They even made My Little Pony animal families! Then the year 1992 came and Hasbro released the last My little Ponies in the US of the 80s line we had come to love. These 11 different types; Sweet Kisses, Colorswirl, Sippin' Soda, Birthday Pony, Wedding Pony, Flower Fantasy, Sundazzle, Sweet Talkin', Fancy Mermaid, Paradise Baby, and Teeny Baby Twins, were made to celebrate the 10th Anniversary, and the final year, of My Little Pony.
Then from 1997-1999 (longer over seas) Hasbro attempted to re-release My Little Ponies, but they looked totally different. They were much smaller, thinner, and were hard plastic. So, they got discontinued again due to lack of popularity.
In late 2003 Hasbro re-released My Little Pony again, and it has been a BIG hit! They are referred to as G3s (generation 3) and are more like the 80s ponies but a bit smaller, and have their own story lines, merchandise, etc.!

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