ROCHESTER, NY – My Little Pony has finally made it to the winner’s circle.

The pastel-colored ponies, who raced the same way for years, were enshrined along with Transformers action figures and the Phase 10 card game at the National Toy Hall of Fame on Tuesday.

The award winners came out on top in a vote from 12 finalists by a panel of experts and the public. This year’s area included: Apples to Apples party game, balloons, “Choose Your Own Adventure” game books, Hess Toy Trucks, Pokemon Trading Card Game, remote-

controlled vehicles, bench, stick horse and trampoline.

“These are three very valuable toys that show how people play,” Christopher Bensch, vice president of collections and chief curator, said in a statement. “But especially for My Little Pony, it’s an extra validation this year. The beloved toy was a finalist seven times before crossing the finish line!”

Hasbro’s mini horses, distinguishable by distinct “cute marks” on their hips, were introduced in the 1980s and re-released in 2003, outselling even Barbie for several years.

The collectibles have gained popularity over time as well as recognition for encouraging fantasy and storytelling, the type of creative play that the Hall of Fame requires of inductees.

“The My Little Pony series has been around for decades because it combines various traditional forms of doll play with children’s fascination with horses,” said doll and toy curator Michelle Parnett-Dwyer. “The variety of figures also encourages collecting as a pastime.”

Stage 10 was introduced in 1982 by inventor and entrepreneur Ken Johnson. Today, Mattel sells 2 million decks of card games annually in 30 countries and more than 20 languages. That makes it one of the best-selling card games in the world, according to the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, which is home to the Toy Hall of Fame.

The rummy-style game challenges players to collect groups of cards to complete 10 stages in consecutive order before their opponents.

Mirek Stolee, the museum’s curator of board games and puzzles, said: “Whether played in its original form or one of its variations, Phase 10 has become an iconic game that continues to encourage social and competitive play for generations.”

Transformers originated in the 1980s, when Hasbro purchased the rights to several existing Japanese toy lines featuring transforming robots. They were first marketed with a cartoon and have since transitioned into a series of live-action films. Social media sites allow for discussions about which figures are must-haves and for demonstrating the sometimes complex process of transforming them from robot to vehicle or other alternative form.