Deleted text from my most recent story

This was too much of a digression to include in One Wavelength of the Rainbow, but I didn't want to throw it out entirely. I'm sure other stories have addressed this subject more thoroughly and satisfyingly than the few paragraphs I've written here, but I do find it to be an interesting jumping-off point to think about.

“Sorry to work while we chat,” Applejack said as she gently kneaded the ground next to one of her trees, “but applebuck season’s comin’ up soon. I need to make sure the trees ain’t growin’ too fast or too slow so when the big day arrives, every apple is perfect.”

Twilight focused her attention on the earth and the tree’s roots about ninety degrees from where Applejack was working. She could feel Applejack manipulating something, but she wasn’t sure exactly what. “What you’re doing right now,” she said. “Is this a common harvesting procedure?”

“Naw,” Applejack said as she moved to the next tree in the row, “I don’t think it is. But at Sweet Apple Acres, we pride ourselves on goin’ above and beyond to produce the finest apples in all of Equestria. It might be a little extra work on my end, but you sure can taste it in the final product.”

Applejack took a moment to feel the earth, was satisfied with what she sensed, and moved on to the next tree. Twilight attempted to keep up. “This is magic beyond the reach of most earth ponies, isn’t it?”

As Applejack manipulated the earth again, she replied, “I wouldn’t say that. If an earth pony had as big of a farm as we have and put in as much time with the crops as I do, I reckon they’d be able to do the same thing.”

“But they don’t.”

“I suppose not.”

Twilight thought for a moment.

“Applejack, are you the strongest earth pony in Equestria?”

She dropped her head a little. “I wouldn’t go and say that. We ain’t ever compared, but I figure Rockhoof is stronger than me. You’ve seen what he can do with that shovel.”

“I don’t mean just physical strength. I’m talking about all earth pony traits taken together – that’s you. I think you might be the über–earth pony.”

“Is it an earth pony trait to not know what ‘über’ means?”

“It’s a Germane word meaning ‘over’ or ‘beyond.’ It’s used in Ponish to refer to something that serves as the most fitting example of its kind. If somepony were to create the ideal earth pony, it would be you.”

“Well, that’s mighty nice of you to say. But I don’t think of myself that way. I’m just doin’ my job.”

“There’s something I never thought about until now. Your earth pony magic is second to none. Starlight Glimmer was able to use her unicorn magic to go toe-to-toe with me even though I’m an alicorn. And while I don’t know about her expertise in weather manipulation, Rainbow Dash has mastered pegasus flight. I’m in awe that I know so many powerful ponies across all the tribes.”

Rarity stepped to Twilight’s side. “Powerful rulers surround themselves with powerful ponies,” she said. “But speaking of Rainbow Dash, I believe we should inform Applejack of why we’re visiting?”