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My Little Pony

My Little Pony (G1)

Also known as: マイリトルポニー, MLP G1

The first generation, sold from 1982 to 1992 in the United States, is the one that makes most collectors' hearts beat faster. In Japan, Takara adapted it from 1985 with redesigned ponies, now highly sought after.

In Japan right now

My Little Pony (G1) listings spotted this morning by the radar, not checked by hand. Photos by the sellers.

At a glance

Created by
Hasbro, in 1982, after My Pretty Pony (1981)
First generation
1982 to 1992 in the United States
In Japan
Takara, from February 1985
First ponies
Blossom, Blue Belle, Butterscotch, Cotton Candy, Minty and Snuzzle

Their story

It all began in 1981 with My Pretty Pony, a big plastic horse by Hasbro. The following year it became My Little Pony: six little colourful ponies, each with a pretty symbol on its flank. The family kept growing until 1992: pegasi, unicorns, babies, flocked or glittery ponies.

In Japan, Takara adapted the range from February 1985, with ponies redesigned for Japanese taste.

Why we fall for the first generation

G1 ponies were the childhood companions of a whole generation, and their bright colours have stood the test of time. In Japan you find both imported American ponies and the Takara versions, which are rare in Europe.

What to check

Always turn the pony over, or ask for a photo of the hooves: it is the surest way to recognise its generation. Look at the state of the mane and tail too, often trimmed by enthusiastic young hairdressers, and at any stains on the plastic.

Tips for dating an item

  1. G1, from 1982 to 1992Chunky body, simple painted eyes, hollow hooves marked with the country of manufacture (Hong Kong, Taiwan, China…).
  2. The very first poniesThe earliest ones have flat feet, with no hollow under the hooves. Collectors call them "flat feet".
  3. The year moulded under the hoofIt gives the date of the mould, not of manufacture. A pony marked 1982 may have been made later.
  4. G2, from 1997Slimmer body, flat hooves marked "© 1997 Hasbro": this is no longer the first generation.
  5. G3 and later, from 2003A magnet in one hoof (G3), then big cartoon eyes (G4, 2010). Outside Fleaven's scope.
  6. Japanese Takara version, 1985Drawing and proportions differ from the American model, with the "おしゃれなポニー" and "かわいいポニー" ranges.

Things to collect

  • Earth ponies, pegasi, unicorns and babies
  • Flocked "So Soft" ponies
  • Original combs, ribbons and accessories
  • Houses and playsets, such as the castle
  • Books, records and lunch boxes

Price guide

The price guide grows with every find: it will appear here once I have enough comparable listings.

Current finds

  • Pink plastic lunch box printed with ponies having a party, with its blue and pink flask.

    My Little Pony · 1988

    My Little Pony, Bluebird lunch box and flask (1988)

    Playtime snacks never looked so good. This pink lunch box from 1988 is British: it was made by Bluebird, the future home of Polly Pocket, under licence from Hasbro. The partying ponies are printed onto the plastic rather than stuck on, and the original flask is included. The seller bought it in a vintage shop in England and mentions a few small scratches, but no cracks. It measures 22 × 20 × 10 cm: perfect for keeping treasures in.

    Toy line
    My Little Pony (G1)
    Condition
    Good condition, small scratches, complete
    Listing price
    ¥15,000 · about €83
  • Pale blue sea pony with a curled tail and a mauve mane, lying on pink fabric.

    My Little Pony · 80s

    My Little Pony G1, 80s Sea Pony

    Sea Ponies were the first generation's water family: a curled tail instead of legs, and a mane to brush like all the others. This one has kept its pastel colours, pale blue and mauve. The listing names it Seawinkle, a name to check against the photos. Before you fall for it, look closely at the mane: that is what suffers most on these ponies.

    Toy line
    My Little Pony (G1)
    Condition
    Used, looks in good condition, completeness to check
    Listing price
    ¥4,000 · about €22
    Sale ends
    3 October at 15:30 (Paris time)
  • Zig Zag, a small pink and white zebra, in its blister on a “My Little Pony Pony Friends” card.

    My Little Pony · 80s

    My Little Pony G1, Zig Zag the “Pony Friends” zebra, never opened

    Among the ponies' friends, there was a zebra! Zig Zag belongs to the “Pony Friends”, the first generation's line of animal companions, far rarer than the ponies themselves. This one has never left its blister and still has all its accessories. The seller mentions sticker glue marks on the plastic and small creases on the edge of the card. It is an expensive piece, for a collection looking for something exceptional.

    Toy line
    My Little Pony (G1)
    Condition
    Never opened, card slightly creased, complete
    Listing price
    ¥59,000 · about €328

Guide updated on 26 September 2026.