For a long while, I've been thinking about what is special about Earth Ponies. They can slave over food and animals for the other races? That can't be right! From what I've seen in canon and fanon alike is that is appears earth ponies have a sort of inferiority about them. Pegasi can fly, Unicorns can consciously cast spells and use magical abilities, and Earth Ponies can...walk. When looking up earth pony magics, I came across that they "are generally stronger than the other ponies and have a knack with nature and animals." What about Rainbow Dash? She's a Pegasus and she was able to contest Applejack's strength multiple times, there was even an entire episode about it! In another episode, there's a Pegasus that is so buff he looks like his muscles are about to bust open. Even Big Macintosh can't attest to that freak of nature! Earth Ponies also have aptitude for working with nature and animals. What's preventing unicorns from planting a few seeds and watering them? Heck, Fluttershy has her own garden and takes care of multiple animals! She can do this just as well as any Earth Pony ever could, if not better! The entire reason Fluttershy goes to the Gala is so she can meet the animals and examine the various plants living around the castle. I've never seen an Earth Pony with that kind of dedication. Every Earth Pony I've seen has just been a labor-worker or some kind of caterer for other ponies. Unicorns and Pegasi can do these jobs perfectly well, too! This makes Earth Ponies seem less wanted, seeing as Unicorns and Pegasi can practically do anything that Earth Ponies can do, if not better. I feel like Earth Ponies are just unknowing slaves for the other races, seeing as they do nothing but services for other ponies. If My Little Pony wasn't a show for little girls, I'm sure there would be some sort of racism involved somewhere about this (a Unicorn would be better suited for this because they can do more faster).
As proven, the average Earth Pony is a lot stronger than the averages of other races in theory. This is proven with the fact that even without wings, AJ can catch up to RD. Not to mention, they seem to have the most talent with plants. The Cycle of Equestria as I see it. Alicorns make the sun and moon along with other stuff revolve. Unicorns find jewels and manipulate the material realm in a way. Pegasi control the weather and work out the skies. Earth Ponies supply food and are the stronger of the races. Zebra are like tribes on Earth. Griffons are like Pegasi I suppose.
All right, we've proven I'm awful at making arguments, but it all checks out in my mind. And then they kept pace with eachother, meaning RD is just as strong as AJ. After that, in The Mysterious Mare-Do-Well, Rainbow uses lots of strength to prevent accidents from occurring. AJ can do the same, but she can't fly.
I have actually heard that it is the earth ponies "inferiority" that is their greatest strength. As they are not born with any way to use their magic/wing to take shortcuts in their work and life, they have a tendancy to learn to be tough and determined. As nothing comes to them easily they learn to earn it, by doing so, they are most accustomed to hard work and hardships and could survive in circumstances the pegasi and unicorns could not. And then we have Pinkie Pie, who despite being an earth pony seem to possess powers beyond even the grasp of the alicorn. I feel even earth ponies have some kind of magic.
Keep in mind RD is in top physical condition, and if I remember correctly AJ won in most contests of raw strength. Also, there are unicorn waiters who use levitation to carry food and earth ponies that are capable of pulling trains which, in my experience, have proven to be quite heavy.
Think of earth ponies as farmers. They're still one of the most important groups in society. Sure, other races can do the same thing, but because they have wings, horns, or both, they're more qualified to take on other duties.
I'm going to throw down my TRAP card. Pinkie Pie. She is an earth Pony and she can sort of predict imminent events, she can break the fourth wall. Etc, etc Not to mention, Earth Ponies are the ones who make pretty much all food, Grow said food and are majority stronger than others. Also, I agree with Prince Darkmoon.
I had this discussion with my friend previously and she was saying that if a unicorn was to try to grow crops, it wouldn't turn out as well as if an earth pony tried. Apparently this is what Faust said in an interview. Also, Earth ponies are generally stronger.
Big Mac can move a house, Cheerilee knocked down doors and AJ can do rope tricks. Rainbow Dash could demolish a barn, while Twiligth and Rarity could lift Tom without magic.
That's exactly why Earth Ponies are destined to rise up and destroy the Unicorns and Pegasi! Soon Earth ponies will finally take there place as the master race!
I'd guess that, while earth pony abilities are not as flashy and immediately obvious as unicorn magic and pegasus wings, they are no less important. Less convenient, maybe. But not less important.
