After my last rant, one fiction in particular really inspires me to take another, more balanced look at earth ponies. An Earth Pony's Guide to Magic, written by Sereg, interprets the magics and possibilities available to the Earth Ponies.

Plus, the ability to grow food is no small thing. As human beings with a history of agriculture, we tend to take that for granted. However, if you are a Pegasus who couldn't raise a plant if you wanted to, the ability to bring plants to maturity must seem a very special talent indeed. Anyone with an inkling to garden or farm must be an earth pony for this to be even possible. Because of their connection to the harvest, earth ponies arguably have a hoof up in cooking. Anyone with a love of sports and outdoor adventuring would love the stamina and hardiness a typical earth pony could offer.

And there are always exceptions to the rules. Sereq's fanfiction is all about an earth pony whose special talent is a deeper understanding of magic. Earth ponies can have other talents that define them more than the typical Earth Pony role- such as pinky pie as a party-loving comedian, Ms. Cherilee the school teacher, or Filthy Rich the successful businesspony.

I think being an Earth Pony, and writing as one, has a lot of potential- it just takes a bit more flexibility and imagination to tap into that.

How does a person decide on an Equestrian avatar? First off, you have to pick what you are. Aside from ponies, a person could represent themselves as a donkey like Cranky, zebra like Zecora, a gryphon like Gilda, and more. That doesn't begin to cover other hoofed creatures more utilized by the fandom- e.g. deer (Corrupted Equestria Wiki- "Races of Equestria") or elk (Wiggle's Ask King Sombra).

There are some situations where you are strictly limited to pony, such as the Optimalverse from Friendship is Optimal or Chatoyance's take on The Conversion Bureau. That still leaves a person with plenty of decision making. Which of the three kinds of ponies are you? How do your talents and passions fit into a world of magic? What colors would you be? What about cutie marks?

In the case of Friendship is Optimal, the form you take is whatever you would find, well, satisfying. Of course, there's a difference between what we think would satisfy us, and what actually would satisfy us (which our friendly neighborhood AI would be more than happy to nudge us towards). It doesn't matter what type or coloration you become- if half the population was the most satisfied by being rainbow colored alicorns, then one way or another half the population would wind up rainbow colored alicorns,

In the case of Chatoyanceverse, what you turn out to be is based solely on your genetics- so your own wishes and personality has little to no influence. So... what then? The colors in human skin, hair and eyes is varied and complex. Still, violet eyes are much more common among ponies than among humans (Rainbow Dash, DJ Pon3). I also never heard of a human with skin as bright orange as Apple Jack's (the closest anyone gets has Carotenosis), or naturally rainbow striped hair such as Rainbow Dash's mane.

It gets even more complicated, and personal, when deciding which of the three kinds of pony you are based on genetics. Each of the three have their own unique abilities and magics. However, unicorns and pegasi are capable of things we can only dream of: respectively flying and actively using magic. Earth ponies are known for their ability to nurture plants, which humans can already do via agriculture. Earth ponies also have the most strength and stamina, but a human can build this up by training. No amount of work or patience makes flying or teleportation spells possible for any human. An Earth Pony's reported deep connection to the Earth is not something a lot of my tech happy peers are going to relate to as much (or at least not as much compared to the freedom of the skies or the tangible results of magic).

And yet, it is indicated in cannon that Earth ponies are the most important. Much of fandom uses the assumption they are also, at least by a little bit, the most common. In Chatoyance's work, 50% of converted humans are Earth ponies. In a cute tumblr blog, Ask Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, it was mentioned that by default the chances of conceiving an Earth pony are greater (with a unicorn, by default, having the lowest chances of being conceived), otherwise the numbers of the three kinds of ponies are roughly equal.

So do the majority of us follow our inner hopes and dreams by creating a world where the skies really aren't the limit or magic and miracles become possible, or do we resign to the Earth pony way in the face of raw probability?

I haven't decided yet, which is why I just have a gray colored pony for an avatar. Maybe in self exploration or some leap in my sense of artistic creativity I will find an answer for myself.

Reviews can be tricky. I don't usually know what to say. If I like, then... that's it, what else is there to say? If I didn't like it, then... I really don't want to say anything. :X

Still, I know writing can be work, in of itself. Furthermore, crafting something of quality, editing it, and having the courage to share such things with the world is something I can't help but to admire.

So, in return for a treat to creativity and inspiration, at no cost to me save time well spent, I try to take a moment to convey, if nothing else, "Thanks."

My name is Sharon- I am studying civil engineering. I am pretty good at math, science, writing certain stuff (e.g. poetry, technical manuals), and seeing the bigger picture. I'm not very good at team sports and I struggle with creative arts. The straight forward humor and adventurous storyline of the newest generation of "My Little Pony" greatly appeals to me.

I like reading stuff- especially sci-fi and fantasy. I have no plans to write anything as of now. I'm still trying to figure out the controls to this account, so I might do something... odd. *Shrugs*

I can come across as a little cold or awkward, but deep down I'm a quirky nerd with a love of stories, ideas, and people in general.