//------------------------------//
// Chapter 3: Pony Anatomy 
// Story: Human's Guide to Surviving Equestria 
// by setablaze53 
//------------------------------//


Chapter 3: Pony Anatomy






It occurs to me that the last chapter may have been a little... heavy in some areas. And since you're still new to all this, it might be good for me to pull back a bit and talk about something a little more lighthearted. This time around we're talking about no-no zones. I know this seems strange, but knowing some basic facts about how ponies work could be the difference between you being able to get away with just about anything, or you ending up getting kicked through a wall.






Section Only: Petting Zones and Friendship Levels Required to Achieve Them






Every race of pony loves to be pet, and I mean loves. Of course, there are no-go zones when it comes to petting ponies. Most of said no-go zones should be obvious to anyone with more than three brain cells. Other than that, everything else is free game when it comes to petting ponies. (As a side note, DO NOT slap a pony on the ass, in jest or otherwise. You WILL get kicked. Jay learned this the hard way, and he got two broken ribs for his effort.) 

Please be aware that where you are allowed to pet a pony is based on the relationship you have with said pony and the level of closeness you have to them. The list below will give you a basic understanding of friendship levels required to pet ponies in certain places.


Strangers

You probably shouldn’t pet the pony.



Aquatinted

Anything past head pats is not advisable.



Friends

This is where you greatly expand your petting horizons. The head is free game. Head pats, cheek rubs, ear scritches (they love that one), they’re all yours for the taking. You are also allowed access to their backs and necks. As a rule of thumb when petting the adorable fluff balls, touching of the horn or wings is strictly forbidden, unless stated otherwise. I’ll tell you why when you’re older.



Good Friends

This is where you get to the good stuff. It is at this level that you normally gain access to the pony’s belly. Nothing more needs to be said. (I know what you’re thinking and yes, they do kick their legs like dogs. Just make sure you are out of the line of fire when they start kicking. Jay learned that  the hard way too.)

If you would like to test any of this knowledge, tell Luna. She would gladly let you pet her in any of the previously mentioned friendship levels.


P.S. Luna likes chin scratches.


P.P.S. If you ever get to pet Celestia, she really enjoys belly rubs. She gets the most dopey grin on her face. You have to see it yourself to truly understand just how precious it is.