1982:Flat Footed Ponies

BUTTERSCOTCH

Gold earth pony with brownish gold hair, orange butterflies symbol

Butterscotch was never really much of a star of the comics in the UK. Though she had her releases in the United States as a flat foot pony and as a concave foot through the mail order and store issues, it's not certain how Butterscotch first came to the UK.

What is undeniable, however, is that she was released again around 1984-5 with a highly British playset known as the 'Gymkhana'. This featured jumps, trophies and rosettes in red and yellow, with a saddle, bridle and reins to make Butterscotch feel part of the action. She was featured in the fact file, but otherwise she remains on the fringes of UK action. The Butterscotch issued with this set was probably a Concave Foot version of the pony (but it's not impossible there might have been flat-footed ones as well).

Many of the accessories sold with the Gymkhana are variations of those sold with the Show Stable. However, due to their difference in colour, it seems likely that the Gymkhana was always intended as a specific issue and not a surplus stock exercise.

Thanks go to Garej for the above image from the Argos catalogue for the My Little Pony Gymkhana.

GYMKHANA BOX (1983-4, UK)
The original release box for the Gymkhana was quite plain in design.Thank you to whoever loaned me this image (it's been way too long for me to remember...)

GYMKHANA BOX (1984-5, UK)
This is my Gymkhana box, and as you can see, it's significantly different from the original. The second release of the box was a lot more ornate, and really embraced the theme of My Little Pony and illustration that would flourish through the next few years of UK releases. This is the box undoubtedly released in 1985, though it features the earth ponies from 1984, especially all around the borders. The box is very flat and narrow, just big enough to fit a pony and all her bits and pieces. The accessories are the same as the original release.

BUTTERSCOTCH and the GYMKHANA
(Missing brush clip)

As can be seen from this image, the unique items to the set are the red jump and stands and the red rosettes, all of which have been recoloured for this playset alone.

GYMKHANA BOX (1984-5) instructions and braiding tips.
Hasbro UK were really obsessed with telling you how to braid your pony's tail this year! Another variation on the hair braiding graphic that featured on most pony cards in 1984, 1985 and 1986 in the UK...with some added information about the Gymkhana and how to decorate Butterscotch's bridle.