When I get a new pony I note it down in a journal and then moved to using a spreadsheet. I don't have a huge collection though. The columns I have are for name, body colour, mane colour, symbol, type (eg unicorn, dog, sea pony), sub-type (eg sweetheart sister, baby), gen/make (eg Basic Fun, remco, G1), when I acquired the pony.

Lovely! She goes well with the nature book background

Pass: it's the pose that puts me off

I just pick the ones I like the most Then it comes down to price if a pony is above my budget that's the end of that. I do have colours that I tend to be attracted to and I like a colourful mane, not keen on long hair, due to it taking up display space. Also what I dislike helps as well e.g there are poses I don't like.

Ebay does have a problem of common ponies in yuk condition for about £30 because non-collectors think any old pony is worth money. I think it pays to wait (if you can!) for a pony you like to come up for auction on ebay as they start lower and common ponies in good condition don't go for much. If the pony doesn't look in good condition I judge if it's something that can be sorted with a clean or I can live with. Lots are the cheapest way to get ponies although they tend to be common ones. Non-G1 ponies tend to be cheaper.

I think I want her, but I keep um-ing and ah-ing over her.

I have the standard shy pose release. I love Bow Tie's pink and blue colour combination, she hangs out with shy pose AJ in my herd.

Applejack was the first pony I bought as an adult collector. I have shy pose and collector's pose. I'd like a baby Applejack but I haven't found one at the right price either.