1987:

"My Little Pony"

These ponies were Europe's general answer to the So Soft Phenomenon. Most of the characters who were new to the line in North America's flocked phase appeared in other countries without flocking (with three significant exceptions - Ribbon, Paradise and Lofty).

TRULY

CUPCAKE

Truly and Cupcake were sold in very few places - Scandinavia and South Africa for sure, but never in the UK or even the bulk of mainland Europe. Here they were sold in a set that also comprised Hopscotch, Posey, Cherries Jubilee and Shady, under the name "Pony Friends". Though the card design for the set was typically UK in style, these were strictly export ponies only and never made it to these shores.

My Little Pony Insert (UK, 1987)

Issued just under the name "Ponies" on the insert and "My Little Pony" on the card, these ponies were really just an extension of the ongoing traditional My Little Pony concept. In some countries the set were referred to as "Movie Star" (or Cine-Star) ponies, but, though the cards in the UK featured the movie characters and illustration, they did not have this label here.

The ugly online convention is to refer to these ponies as "Non So Soft" or "NSS". But since that suggests them to be lesser imitations of their So Soft cousins, it has drawn objections from sections of the UK collecting community. That being the case, they won't be referred to under that name on this website.

Thanks to Joss for the picture of Truly.