"Pony Bride"
Pony Bride was one of two specifically Wedding-themed
ponies that were sold in the 1990s. Wedding themed ponies were not
uncommon in the earlier pony line - with Confetti in Europe and Satin & Lace
in North America, and 1990 had also seen a bridesmaid themed club
newborn in the UK Activity Club.
Both Pony Bride and her successor, Bridal Beauty, were sold in a new pose
style in which only a few ponies were ever made. It is a taller,
slimmer pose but not as slender as the Sweetheart Sister ponies.
Pony Bride was sold in box in North America and in the UK and
Europe. Over here she had a border themed box, in silver and white
with wedding-themed patterns down the border. Rainbow Rider
appeared under the rainbow, dating this set firmly to 1991. This
box was translated for her release in other European countries.
Pony Bride Mint in Box
(Italian version pictured)
Picture donated by collector
Although Pony Bride was officially sold in the
UK from 1991, there was a club offer at the end of 1990
whereby cliub members could order her for the vastly reduced
price of £3.50. As the offer suggests, her recommended retail
was closer to £10. This club leaflet came out right before
Christmas 1990, so most people would probably have received
their Brides in the new year - but it still seems like a
pretty good deal.
UK Activity Club Bride Offer
"Funline #2", 1990
The offer indicates that Pony Bride did
include all of her accessories in this release, but that
she would not be sent in box, but in a jiffy bag (for
those not in the UK, this is a padded envelope). This
suggests that these were either left over from the US
line, or that packaging hadn't actually begun yet for the
Pony Bride release. I would love to hear from anyone who
acquired their pony through this offer, especially if they
still have the packaging. It is possible that this means
there are "Mint in Bag" Pony Brides lurking around -
though I have never seen one, so it is just as possible
they were not bagged within the envelope.
Pony Bride's Character
Pony Bride's UK story doesn't actually force her into the role
of bride (which is refreshing really!). Instead it describes an
extremely shy pony who always hid from others when they came
near. To boost her confidence, the lovebirds decided to dress
her up in bridal finery, and use this to get the attention of
other ponies. Through this she was able to make friends.
Apparently cosplay is the secret to Pony Bride's new social
circle! The story also mentions dressing her up "as a Pony
Bride", rather than it being her real identity, meaning her
actual name is unknown.
Pony Bride's Backcard Story
UK, 1991
Her American box is more standard, narrating her wedding day.
This story begins with the words "Dum Dum De Dum" and for a
while back in the late 1990s, people thought this was somehow
her actual name. There's no evidence of that, even if the naming
is a bit obscure in the UK story. She was only ever sold as Pony
Bride in English, and translations of this in other places.
Personally, I like the shy pony cosplay story concept better,
but that's just me!
Pony Bride also appeared a few times in the comic.
The comic story I remember was one where she had some kind of
curse or spell put on her, giving her nasty red spots which she
needed help to get removed. Sweet Lily and Lavender Lace took on
the task, and they wound up seeking help in Flower Bower from
the Flower Baby, using May Day dew. (This makes sense in
context. Probably).
Pony Bride is helped by the Flower Lady
My Little Pony Comic, 1991
