I’ve been meaning to draw some more primary characters, but I can’t seem to get these background ponies out of my head. They are, in all honesty, the heart of the show, and they make the MLP world feel just that much more special. These are some of my favorite background ponies, but I have so many more, it’s unbelievable xD
 
Anyway, look out for a ton of headcanon rambling ahead!
 
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Maudileena Daisy Pie is the oldest of four Pie siblings. Despite the entire Pie family being unnaturally small for Earth Ponies, she is the tallest member of the family, passing even her mother. Growing up the oldest, Maud received the most work, which included babysitting, cleaning, working on the rock farm, and even cooking- but Maud loved the rock farm with all of her heart.
 
She’s a very unusual looking pony among the colorful rainbow ponies of Canterlot, and she’s aware that she appears rather bland. Maud doesn’t mind, and neither does Rarity, who found surprising interest in Maud’s sense of style.
 
Maud is the type to keep to herself unless approached. She was homeschooled and was a teacher to her siblings, and the only friends available came from outside of the rock farm, like mail ponies and the occasional boy scout.
 
Maud’s close to her whole family and shares a bond with each and every one of her relatives, but she’s definitely closest to Pinkie Pie. She was born prematurely, and her back legs are too long for her body, but she makes do. Maud met her pet rock, Boulder, on an exciting rock journey with her college. In a situation similar to 127 Hours, Maud was stuck in a very tight space without a single tool to help her out- except Boulder, who was much bigger back then. For one week and two days, Maud used Boulder to scratch away at the walls she was trapped behind. Through much work, she was finally able to get out. Boulder saved her, and she has a close bond to him. She doesn’t appreciate when other ponies make fun of him- he was with her during the worst, and he will remain with her during her best.
 
 
Zecora was banished from her zebra herd after her witchcraft practices went too out of hoof. She’d nearly killed half the members of the herd, and that was enough to permanently remove her.
 
Zecora, however, is no witch.
 
She was the herd healer, but the medicines she used were made with magical items. They’re still healthy, and despite being unnatural, they work just as “normal” medication would. Because of her knowledge of magic, she’s able to create cures and treatments for the rarest of sicknesses. She works wonders in her little cauldron, and the half who nearly died because of her died anyway- the entire herd was practically wiped out because they no longer had their healer.
 
The zebras of this herd are some of the only zebras known to have something similar to cutie marks. The marks that appear on young zebra’s flanks aren’t exactly representations of their talents, but symbolize their coming of age in the herd, so to speak. Like cutie marks, these symbols tend to appear when a young pony has reached a high point in their lives and proven their worth.
 
Zecora didn’t always rhyme when she spoke. In fact, she accidentally cursed herself. As much as Apple Bloom believes “there’s no such thing as curses,” there are many known to Equestrians. Some curses can even be performed through unicorn spells, though illegal. Zecora is still trying to find a cure, but she’s grown to rather enjoy her way of speaking, given its uniqueness.
 
 
Zesty Gourmand, the prominent food critic and world renowned chef is quite the honest pony. She’s been around for years, one of the older ponies of Equestria, and she speaks her mind without restraint.
 
She is quite bothered by the severe case of restrained tastes in Equestria, and finds herself correcting the blandness of the modern world. Contrary to popular belief, Zesty adores food with flavor. Ponies just don’t do it like they used to.
 
The common chefs, Mulia Mild, Coriander Cumin, Saffron Masala, Donut Joe, Sugar Belle, etc, tend to hate the spiteful old hag. Zesty, similar to real life Gordon Ramsay, isn’t always trying to be mean, but she cannot stand the ignorance and stupidity of modern day chefs.
 
Due to old age, Zesty’s coat has faded a bit in color and her mane has greyed. She can be lovable, but she’s not too open and is rather stubborn. She’s married to her fellow senior citizen, Photo Finish. The two rather compliment each other, personality wise.
 
Zesty truly is an amazing chef, despite being a harsh critic. She doesn’t give away Hooves generously. They must be earned, and receiving even one is probably one of the most difficult achievements. Her food tends to make up for her harsh personality.
 
 
Special Agent Sweetie Drops, much better known under her fake name, Bon Bon, is a highly advanced assassin for the S.M.I.L.E. agency. Her role is to track potential threats and ensure they’re unknown to ponykind, but she also happens to specialize in the illegal practice of time traveling.
 
She grew up enrolled in the agency, and her mind is set on her role in the program, nothing more. She loves her best friend (and future wife) Lyra Heartstrings, but her duty is to the agency and it will always come first. She’s a hauntingly good actress, as seen by her ability to remain in character for years.
 
Lyra later joins the agency, and the two are assigned as partners. Sweetie Drops trains Lyra for years, and they are eventually tasked with the most important of cases among the agency.
 

 
Notes