Pony Races
Pony Races form a major classification method for My Little Pony Toys. Throughout the toyline's history, various types of ponies have been introudced, and serve as a visual identifier for the pony. Three major races exist: Earth Ponies, Unicorns, and Pegasi. These three were introduced in Generation 1 and have appeared in some fashion in each generation since. Many Generations also introduced other types, which were usually limited in release to that Generation.
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Major Races
Earth Ponies
Earth Ponies were first introduced in 1982, and were the first race of ponies to be introduced. They are the closest in appearance to real ponies, but are more colorful in appearance. In most appearances, Earth Ponies possess no special powers, though they may have hobbies or activities at which they excel. In Generation 1, they had good jumping skills and often tended crops or served as cooks. Generation 4 media explicitly states that Earth Ponies are more physically capable and are better at farming.
While Earth Ponies make up a significant chunk of all Generations, Generation 2 is especially noteworthy in that the vast majority of ponies are Earth Ponies.
Unicorn Ponies
Unicorn Ponies were introduced in 1983 as part of Generation 1. They are marked by a single horn that protrudes from their forehead. In media, they are capable of performing magic, though the exact capabilities differ by Generation. Unicorns appear in higher numbers in G1 and G4, but in lesser amounts in G3 and G2.
In G1, all unicorns could teleport though open spaces. Each unicorn also had an individual power unique to them. For example, Fizzy could create bubbles, while Gusty could conjure wind. G3 Unicorns could also perform magic to some degree, though the exact specifics were never elaborated. G4 Unicorns can perform magic that is related to their unique talents, as specified by their cutie marks. Instead of all unicorns being able to teleport, all unicorns now could use telekinesis to lift objects with only highly skilled unicorns being able to teleport. The telekinesis is identified by a uniquely colored aura that can be seen by the viewer but doesn't seem visible to other characters on the show.
Pegasus Ponies
Pegasus Ponies were introduced in 1983 as part of Generation 1 and are marked by their feathered wings. Pegasus ponies, sometimes referred to as Pegasi, appear in larger numbers in G1 and G4, in slightly lower numbers in G3 but are extremely rare in G2.
In media, Pegasi are universally marked by their ability to fly. G3 expands on this by giving Pegasi the ability to walk on clouds and G4 expands this further by allowing them to manipulate weather. In G1 and G3, they could pass over or through a rainbow as a portal.
Minor Races
Introduced in Generation 1
Sea Ponies
Sea Ponies, as the name implies are based off of seahorses and as toys, are seen solely in G1, First released in 1983, they were designed as bath toys and came in both adult and baby forms. Mermaid Ponies are a unique type of Seapony, in that they possess front legs in addition to their seahorse tails.
In media, sea ponies lived in the waters around Ponyland and were known for their singing talents. They often helped by rescuing friends from the water or serving as scouts.
Flutter Ponies
Flutter Ponies were introduced in Generation 1 in 1985. They are similar to Pegasi but are more slender and have Butterfly-like wings. In toys, these wings were fairly fragile.
In related media, Flutter Ponies had a powerful ability called Utter Flutter, which was capable of a variety of effects.
Introduced in Generation 3
Breezies
Breezies are small fairy-like ponies that are smaller than regular ponies, have insect-like wings and antennae, can make their bodies glow, and can use flowers as houses that are bigger on the inside. In G3, Breezies were released in sets or alongside regular ponies.
Breezies reappeared in G4, with a slight redesign. They became much smaller than the G3 breezies and only their antennae can glow. The toys were fully molded rather than brushable.
Introduced in Generation 4
Alicorns
Alicorns are differentiated by having wings, a horn, and being noticeably taller than other ponies. As a race, they were not officially named until Season 3 of the G4 show My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Alicorn ponies tend to be very limited in number, with only four characters appearing regularly. There are two unique toy molds; a larger one used for Princess Celestia, and a smaller one shared by Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, and Twilight Sparkle. A few villains and toy only characters share Princess Celestia's mold.
In related media, Alicorns are shown to possess traits of all three of the main pony races: strength, flight, and magic.
Crystal Ponies
Crystal Ponies are exclusive to the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic tv show. Appearing similar to Earth Ponies, Crystal Ponies have gradient colored manes, and prismatic "crystally" coats that become brighter or more dull based on their emotions. While they have no individual magic abilities, as a whole, they are able to power their home's Crystal Heart, a powerful magical artifact.
Gallery
G1 Cotton Candy is an example of an Earth Pony
G1 Twilight is a Unicorn
G1 Firefly is an example of a Pegasus Pony
Wavedancer was one of the first seaponies released in G1
Baby Sea Shimmer is one of three Mermaid seaponies
Rosedust was a G1 Flutter Pony, and in media, was their queen.
Pink Petals was a Breezie released in G3.
Lilac the Breezie, released in G4
Cadance is an Alicorn, first seen in G4
