How would the ponies react to petting?

[Lucky Star 972]

The English language is heavily steeped in English history. It's a twisted fusion of Germanic (thanks to the invasion of the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes in the 5th century) and Romance languages (the Norman invasion 600 years later). It also has a heavy influence from Celtic (thanks Welsh people!), old Norse (thanks Vikings!), Latin, Greek, and Arabic (thanks scholars!). And more than a handful of loan words from various African and Indian languages, including Hindi (thanks Empire!).

 

I can't see English evolving as a spoken language without that very specific set of circumstances.

 

Rather I think whatever language is spoken in Equestria is represented as English by the very talented cartoonists who provide dramatisations of key events from Equestrian history for our viewing pleasure. (Yes, I am aware.) This is similar to, say, Tolkien's work where the majority of speech is written in English but he was always clear that he was just using English to represent the language "really" spoken in Middle-Earth.

 

Similarly, with his play Julius Caesar, Shakespeare wasn't really trying to suggest they all spoke English in ancient Rome.

 

I'm assuming that whatever factor that changed her body from pony to human also affected the speech centres of her brain.

 

 

This is roughly the device used by the writers of Doctor Who.

wow! you're really smart!

 

but can't we just say that they speak English with a bit of the own terminology mixed with horse terms to fill in the rest?

 

because I doubt 'their' English formed the way ours did. x3

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I would assume that it would depend on the situation, if you just randomly went and petted one, they'd probably be confused and ask what the heck you're doing! 

Ahem, excuse me while I get into character... "What the FUCK are you.... stroking? me for you disgusting two-legged freak of nature!". Of course this would not happen, as I would have a chat with Twilight beforehand and she could warn the others of the uhh... two-legged freak of nature walking around... "petting" the citizens of ponyville. It would be fine, as long as I gave Twilight the heads up on my petting intentions beforehand.

even if you say that, she'd probably still be weirded out, but too nice to say anything! xD

Edited November 25, 2014 by Lucky Star

[sweetolebob18 728]

Twilight had some difficulties in EQ Girls, but was basically able to talk to people.  If that's the case, it would be like an alien from space showing up & wanting to hug people.  Back in my Hippy Dippy days, yeah sure -if it's not too slimy, or gross looking  (Especially if I was drunk or stoned).  These days, well, "Hug him 1st & let's see how it goes"

 

Actually, Rarity would probably be the easiest to talk to -assuming you are wearing clothes.  Do ponies have zippers? I'm also pretty sure I haven't seen madras, paisley, or tie dyed clothes.

 

Twilight &  Fluttershy would be the next easiest.  The CMCs, well, that depends on how they feel about you.  Adults might not be too pleased at you just grabbing kids, though.

 

But, (Voice of Experience, here) if you just show up & start grabbing folks, you are just asking for them to break your head open to let all the stupid out

[Virgil 685]

Well, if you just did it all of a sudden they would at least be taken back by it. As I would think it would be on part with someone you barely know, just giving you a hug with no warning in the middle of a chat. If you spent time with them, after a while you could potentially have them let you pet them if you explained what you were about to do first.

 

Having trouble deciding who I would want to pet more, Sweetie Belle or Luna (I want to know what her mane feels like).

[They call me Loyalty 1,949]

The reaction may be different, depending on the pony, and relationship we're speaking about.

First off, they're sentient beings. Ponies are far less instinctive(animalistic) than most human beings. A far more advanced race in many regards. Highly developed in consciousness terms.

I would hug and kiss a pony I've developed an emotional relationship with. Treating her with respect and appreciation. Not like an animal myself.

 

Equality.

[Singe 2,111]

Seeing how Equestrian society doesn't have any signs or concepts of "sex crimes or sexual abuse", their society is more laxed around physical contact.

 

AppleBloom can be picked up by a random stranger and kissed. Rarity took more issue with being called a mule rather than being spanked. Pinkie Pie is fine with sitting her entire butt region on Rainbow Dash's face and smother it.

Edited November 30, 2014 by Singe

[Lunas Husband 2,777]

Well I'm sure they don't mind as long as you don't go to far down when petting them... in less they want that.... then by all means go for it! never the less, as long as you ask and they don't mind I say pet away....

[Andrebeccus 17]

Hmmm...I don't know. Like humans, I'm sure they would let only certain ponies/people pet them. Yeah, for sure it would be strange for both the human and the pony but again, like humans I think the pony would realize it was a friendly gesture and respond accordingly. After a while the pony would probably start petting you back

[KokuraiNoSenshi 3,463]

Uh so long as I ask first, it would probably not be as creepy lol... I would sooner touch their mane or something just to make sure I am not dreaming or something. Anyways, their reactions would most likely be as follows:

 

Twilight; More than likely would be interested to see what it would be like, though hesitant, but would most likely be ok with it so long as the hand doesn't go near the horn (I don't know how the horn would feel if it were touched, but I imagine it would be awkward, if only as if grabbing onto a bony part of someone's body)

 

Rarity; Big, freaking, no lol. No touchy the mane-y

 

AJ; More hesitant than Twi, possibly a no, possibly a yes, but if you do I'm sure she'd be ready to buck you like mad if you try anything lol

 

RD; Idk if her mane is as personal as her hooves, but most likely a no, but if you do somehow succeed in getting to feel her mane, she would most likely be much like a Tsundere (someone who acts like they hate something, but secretly likes it, mostly found in anime and is portrayed with an annoyed look and a blush, especially on girls)

 

Pinkie; Perfectly ok with it, though the cannon she keeps stuffed up there and the fact she is made from cotton candy would most likely make proper stroking/petting/cuddling difficult

 

Flutters; Stiff as a board lol

[Singe 2,111]

I rebuff Fluttershy being scared. Her fear stems from being shy around other ponies, her own insecurities around ponies, and her natural fear of dragons. She's brave enough to deal with a manticore and bear which are more dangerous than a human.

 

Out of the Mane 6, she's the one most capable of handling interaction with a new species. You seen how she gave Discord much leeway to do what he wanted to be friends. If allowing a human to pet her is a way to make a friend, she'll let them do it. It would be hypocritical if Fluttershy who pets other animals, refuses to be petted herself.

Edited December 1, 2014 by Singe

[GXPBlast 597]

Well based on this video.

 

 

They should like petting lol.

Being sapient beings though if you just go up to a random pony and pet them it would be like a random human going up to you and petting them. Very awkward.

But I am sure if you get to know the ponies which they all seem to like to make friends and tolerate things most humans would not stand in terms of having more patience and are more forgiving, I mean they forgave Discord twice and sunset shimmer for the crap she put the ponies through, I am sure they would tolerant to petting and hugging. Humans have hands to I am sure they can give ponies great massages. Rubbing behind the ear would be nice as well even for ponies like RD and AJ.
 

Edited December 1, 2014 by GXPBlast