Multi Headcanons
HC1: The Shame
The Shame is a mysterious phenomenon that at first seemed to only affect ponies, but is now believed to affect all sentient creatures. Theorized to be a strange result of the great Chaos Era, the shame makes some creatures feel different levels of discomfort when ‘naked’. Some creatures completely cover their body with clothes, like Applejack, while some feel they only need a shawl or something similar. The shame is not a disease, and it has no cure of any sort. It’s become an accepted part of life, and it’s considered normal to see creatures fully dressed. Some ponies are completely unaffected by the shame, like Treehugger for example.
HC2: Grooming
Applejack both trims and brushes her fetlocks, displaying that she’s rugged but well kempt. Basic grooming like brushing and trimming is expected of ponies in today’s society, it lets others know you’re healthy and care about yourself. Treehugger is au naturale, preferring to keep her fur ungroomed. At the bare minimum, ponies are expected to bathe, but Treehugger prefers dirt baths. She only bathes with soap and water when her wife Fluttershy can’t stand her ‘scent’ any longer.
Kiburi, when not confined within a rehabilitation center, gets his fetlocks trimmed to the hoof line at a salon. This crisp and clean look is preferred among high class ponies.
HC3: Hoof Splitting
Less like human circumcision and more akin to tail docking and declawing, hoof splitting is a body mod performed on non unicorn foals. The doctor splits the hoof to give it an artificial cloven appearance. Cloven hooves are considered very appealing to high class ponies and ponies of wealth. Kiburi’s parents had his hooves split when they adopted him as a baby, and he will live with the dangerous side effects his whole life. Ponies with artificially split hooves run the risk of ripping their hooves open at the seam if they step wrong with enough force. Kiburi must walk carefully and avoid difficult terrain to ensure his hooves do not tear open. ‘Low class’ ponies are often against such a procedure, finding it barbaric and detrimental overall.