Spirit War Pony was introduced in the FIRST release of the Trail of Painted Ponies in Winter 2003. Spirit Way was retired two years later in February 2005. The last numbered Spirit War was #3E/847 which means 30,847 were manufactured.

The Santa Fe artist Tavlos is credited with originating the famous howling coyote imagery that became a trademark of Southwest art in the '80s. The artist, Tavlos, is known for his bold colors and vivid designs. Tavlos took a pop art approach to the Native American tradition of painting their war horses, giving Spirit War Pony a turquoise coat and decorating it with dazzling accents.