Raised hoof gesture

[Nature's Spell 526]

I'm not sure why I notice this, but the ponies make a certain gesture all the time. They raise their foreleg and I'm trying to decide if this is pony gesture, based upon real equine movement, or a feminine gesture. It seems to be used exclusively by mares, so I'm guessing it's a feminine gesture. I just take note of it and just wonder why it's so common.

[Righteous Fury 344]

well there's really not a lot of gestures and movements you can make with hooves...

 

which is why they focus on facial expression most of the time

[Nature's Spell 526]

well there's really not a lot of gestures and movements you can make with hooves...

 

which is why they focus on facial expression most of the time

True enough. For some reason I just notice that they do it and I have to admit it has a certain feminine charm to it. Like a woman playing with her hair.

[Argumedies 1,749]

This is because, when you have animated characters, (it doesn't matter if its pony or others creations of non human nature) with natural human movements, it makes the character more relatable in a human way.

 

When you look at a character. We as humans, pick up on these movements quickly. Raising a hoof is related to raising an arm which makes the character more real.

 

Thankfully art/animation and imagination are not limited to reality. Therefore a character that acts human registers in our minds as human even though it may not look human. Our brains have a natural tendency to fill in the gaps.

Edited April 25, 2013 by Argumedies

[Thrashy 2,800]

This is because, when you have animated characters, (it doesn't matter if its pony or others creations of non human nature) with natural human movements, it makes the character more relatable in a human way.

 

When you look at a character. We as humans, pick up on these movements quickly. Raising a hoof is related to raising an arm which makes the character more real.

 

Thankfully art/animation and imagination are not limited to reality. Therefore a character that acts human registers in our minds as human even though it may not look human. Our brains have a natural tendency to fill in the gaps.

I'd hazard a guess to say that's probably one of the larger reasons why this gen of MLP has such broad appeal - aside from the clever writing, of course. These ponies strike me as far more human-like in their expressions than they were in any previous incarnation of the show, so it only makes sense that we would more easily find ways to relate to these ponies than those of old.

 

...Eeyup.

[True Rarity 1,240]

I don't really know how to describe it, but yes it does seem feminine.

Except for Applejack, who usually just crosses her legs.

BUT more to the point, it's just a habit mares have. They do it just to do something... or to show off their hooves. Most likely the former reason.

[Nature's Spell 526]

I agree with everypony. It's just a thing I notice and wondered about. A small issue I guess. It's funny how much weight we can give to small gestures.