Mike Jackson’s Hartland Photos:
Head Down Prancers

Text & Photographs Copyright Mike Jackson 1998-2009


The Head Down Prancer was the last mold Hartland created for the Horse and Rider series. There is a good chance it was designed for Gil Favor all along and then switched to the Rebel but it could have easily been designed for both. The Palomino version was also sold individually as 800P without a saddle towards the end. I have never seen a Prancer with painted martingale.
Gray Head Down Prancing Appaloosa with black points:
This was the standard mount for Johnny Yuma, the Rebel—Hartland’s last 800 series Western Horse and Rider set. It is fairly hard to find in general and it is very hard to find in near mint condition. The gray paint is very thin and wears easily. Some of these original horses had the little gold sticker on his rump indicating it was for the Rebel.
Palomino with white points:
I have one reliable source that says he got this horse with his Custer set when he was little. Since later Lee sets did get this horse, I tend to believe him. Most have unpainted bridles, but I have another friend who has one with a black bridle which he thinks is a factory paint job. This horse was sold individually for several years, too.
Coffee Dunn with black points:
This is probably my favorite horse, especially when combined with his only rider, Gil Favor. They are very hard to find. I believe this was Favor’s first horse which was replaced by the mane down Coffee Dunn horse for his most common mount. The details are still sketchy right now though.
White (dunn) with black points:
A dealer called me one time wanting to sell me one of a dozen mint in the box Lee sets with this horse. They were from a crate saved by one of the Hartland employees or owners, so I know this combination exists. Lee normally shipped with a walking horse with similar trim.
Solid Black:
Gil Favor is reported to have been shipped with this horse. I don’t have any supporting evidence but I have heard it enough times to include it here. I’m still a bit on the skeptical side right now. I don’t believe this horse was painted after the fact and I bought it from a reputable collector. It had a couple of normal rubs showing white plastic underneath which I touched up. All five of these have the crimped leatherette reins.
If you have, or know of any other Head Down Prancers, please let me know!