Thanks to Marian for sending me this letters and these original Dream Ponies adverts.

As far as I know Dream Ponies were originally made by Swallow Horsetoys. I will try and find out more about that for you if you want? This was run by Mrs. Gordon. She held a couple (?) of live shows at her home in Colchester (I think). It was rather a long time ago now so my memory isn't too clear!

I have been looking through some old Pony magazines and come across what are probably the first adverts for Dream Ponies! If not the very first, certainly close! I have some others too (and quite a pile more of old Ponys!) but let's see if these get through first!!

The oldest advert (47) is from October 1969 (most collectors weren't even born then – scary!) and is in fact for the Logbook which was produced by Swallow Horsetoys (and written - or compiled? - by Jay Swallow) - I still have one somewhere (?!). As you probably know, this was the first 'product' of that company and led to the Dream Ponies (also I believe designed by Jay Swallow, at least the first - the Welsh Ponies) - which, of course, became Magpie Models when Emma took over!

The other advert is from November 1971 (just right for Christmas!) (26).

Also the clubs listing which appeared in Emma's newsletter is from our "List of Model Horse Clubs, Societies & Magazines" which we produce annually and is sent free to Members (of Model Horses Unlimited) but also available to purchase for non-Members ..... (Many of the clubs listed are still going strong!)

All the best for 2005,
Marian.