It’s really hard to say what does and doesn’t make something attractive to any one person, but I’d definitely have to agree with the idea that it’s exotic and different. Especially with how things like ears and tails can be very expressive and can also add to the emotions conveyed in a picture. That’s actually one of the things I hate the most, is when people
don’t take advantage of such things to convey emotion in furry or pony art.
You know, I think that’s actually what originally drew me into being a fan of My Little Pony, was how well the show uses things like their ears and wings. Also too, I think that’s what makes me so interested in doing original species like
lamias, is that it opens up so new possibilities.
Also if you don’t mind a little personal opinion (because why
not post it lol), I’m actually the complete polar opposite in opinion to you on anthro pony art. I’m interested in humanizations and
especially putting a human and pony together because it’s a lot of fun making them interact, but I’ve always been “meh” about anthros at best. It’s not to say that I even
dislike them, but given the choice I would take a pony or a humanization over an anthro any day of the week with very few exception.