Dear LH, I have a Question Regarding the Domestication of Rapidash: Is it true that the breeds used by Kalosian Knights and Nobility were originally from Kanto, or are Rapidash and Ponyta also Kalos natives? Also, I noticed that the Local Renaissance Fair often holds Jousts with Rapidash wearing full Armor and Dress. Is this uncomfortable for them? THird, is it possible for a Ponyta with a Zebstrika Father to have faint Stripes, or are my eyes playing tricks on me?

On the Origin of the Kantonian Ponyta: Actually, fossil evidence suggests that the reverse is true. Or, well, sort of. From what we can tell, ponyta and rapidash as we know them emerged on the Eurasian continent, which Kalos is part of. Eventually, those pokémon migrated eastward. Some managed to get to Kanto to develop an ancient regional variant, but this variant actually wound up going extinct, either on its own or through assimilation into the more common variant. The common or continental variant, on the other hand, arrived in Kanto and the rest of Japan from China and Korea sometime in the fourth century. Meanwhile, the Kalosean variety is descended directly from the first ponyta that appeared on the Eurasian continent, and it was domesticated by the Kalosean people long before Kanto had seen them.

On Armor: It’s possible, only in the sense that anyone would be uncomfortable if they had to dress up in full costume every single day. But joking aside, the armor you see in a renaissance faire is often crafted specifically for both historical accuracy and the comfort of the pokémon wearing it, so while it might be heavy, it’s usually not uncomfortable for a rapidash to wear it so long as it’s taken off between bouts.

Also, the armor has some level of practical use too: even though renaissance faires probably don’t use weapons that are actually designed to kill a person, getting struck with it while running at a full rapidash’s gallop will still hurt, but the armor helps take the brunt of the strike, at least.

On Stripes: Pigmentation can be a funny thing sometimes, so actually, yes! You may be looking at faint stripes. Either that, or it may be uneven brush strokes or an uneven trim, depending on where you’re noticing the stripes and how you groom your ponyta.

Dear LH, do you know anything about what an Absol is judged on in the Kennel Club shows or if i can even get my Absol into said Show as an Absol Aficionado? Also, I need some pointers on Ponyta/Rapidash Care and Biology to disabuse a niece of mine of her belief of some of the stuff she watches in My Little Ponyta. downside of living with pokemon: Cartoons are harder to prove as impossible.

Oh! Yes! Canine pokémon shows judge absol and all other participants on a list of criteria based on ideals of each species and breed. Generally speaking, that means things like the quality of the pelt, balance, height, weight, teeth and strength of bite, the way the tail arches, etc. Absol are judged on these too, as well as a few extra criteria: the quality/strength/curve of the horn and the thickness and sharpness of the claws. Also, there’s usually a second round where participants are tested for obedience and the strength of basic attacks. In all, canine shows are very much like pokémon contests, but they focus more on the natural qualities and capabilities of each pokémon, rather than advanced style or strength.

Also, for the most part, most shows will consider absol to be canine pokémon as well, but there are a few that think of them as too different to count. It’s worth it to look at the rules for each show you’re interested in, although the largest ones (including the Camphrier Kennel Club, probably the most famous) will accept absol entrants.

Well, the important thing to know about ponyta and rapidash is that they don’t live indoors, contrary to what the cartoon will have you believe. They’re field pokémon, so therefore, a trainer should give them plenty of space to roam and exercise. A field filled with wild grass would work best. Contrary to popular belief, neither ponyta nor rapidash would set a grassy field on fire so long as they’re calm; rather, that’s what they eat and relieve themselves in, so in all, a large, grassy field is just home for them.

Of course, they can also live in a stable for short periods of time, and it’s a good idea to have one ready for them during rainy or other inclement weather. These stables should have stalls large enough for a rapidash to move comfortably from side to side—rapidash, not ponyta, because you never know if you’ll have an evolution on your hands. These stalls should be cleaned daily and stocked with fresh water and food (fodder, or hay and oats—rarely carrots and apples and never sugar cubes because these are all loaded with sugar that can disrupt the bacterial ecosystem of their digestive tracts). Also, if the weather is cold, give your ponyta or rapidash a blanket to stay warm. So no, they don’t live in libraries or wear dresses either. They do wear shoes, of course, but not the sort you see in the cartoon. They’re simply those bands of metal that a human needs to fix onto a horse’s hoof. (They also require daily maintenance.)

Ponyta and rapidash don’t have wings, so they pegasus type of ponyta unfortunately don’t exist. As for the unicorn type, those do in a way, as rapidash technically has a horn, but it can’t simply perform any kind of magic. It’s more that they can shoot beams of concentrated light, and even then, only if you use the TM system. Their fire attacks, on the other hand, actually come from the mouth because the fire gland for ponyta and rapidash is located in the throat (as it is for most fire-types), not the horn. Really, the horn of a rapidash is used more for impaling or jabbing than channeling attacks, so it’s much less … glittery than you would see in the show.

I know. It’s not as exciting as multicolored emissaries of friendship and love, but ponyta and rapidash are easy-going pokémon in their own right. While I wouldn’t recommend getting her a ponyta if she’s only seen the cartoon, maybe having her learn more about them through children’s books or by seeing one in person on a farm or at a breeding center might help her understand what real ponies are like. One of the great things about cartoons like My Little Ponyta is that they’re often the first step for young girls to gain an interest in pokémon; it’s just that they need the right materials and experiences to take the next step of learning what those pokémon are really like.

But if it makes things any easier, you can tell her that ponyta and rapidash do make wonderful friends.

i have a rapidash that i love very much, but he’s very timid and skittish, to put it nicely. i used to take him to a groomer who was also a trusted friend of my team, but she’s moved to a different region and he won’t trust anyone else to do the job. he’s overdue now to have his hooves trimmed, but he gets freaked out no matter who i take him to. and since he knows i’ve never done it, he won’t even trust me to try. do you have any tips? i don’t want any more burned groomers on my hands.

Find a reputable, experienced groomer. It’s not unusual for rapidash to be skittish around strangers, so your rapidash’s behavior shouldn’t be surprising for them. In fact, a good groomer should already have in-depth knowledge on how to keep even the most unruly or anxious rapidash calm throughout the entire process.

For extra reassurance, stand within view of your rapidash, preferably with your hands on his snout. Not only will this position keep him focused on you (and possibly calm, as his field of vision will be taken up by someone he trusts), but it will discourage fiery outbursts, as you will be in physical contact with your rapidash at all times. Don’t worry if you yourself get burned; unless your rapidash is particularly anxious, the likelihood of that happening is low.

Also, be prepared to offer positive reinforcement in the form of apple slices or carrots after the session. The more you reward your rapidash for being well-behaved (and, for that matter, the more you promise rewards for good behavior prior to your first session), the easier the transition will be.

My Rapish has quite a large wound, which is being treated and I must take her to the local center to get checked up. The issue is that she HATES going. I’ve tried to explain to her that this is for her own benefit and I’ve even had a nurse visit my home hoping that she’ll be more comfortable there, but nothing seems to calm her. She’s now started thinking of me as the devil and I fear she is going to start hating me, though I’m trying to help! How am I supposed to gain/regain her trust?

Cases where a pokémon’s life may be threatened are the only sorts where I recommend forcing a pokémon to do something it doesn’t want to do. Your pokémon’s well being is your top priority as a trainer, so even if she’s protesting, you really should get her the medical attention she needs.

With that disclaimer out of the way, it’s understandable that your pokémon refuses to get help. Pokémon centers can sometimes be hectic, frightening places for pokémon, and even if a trainer offers comfort and reassurance during the visit, pokémon can sometimes be resentful afterwards. To counter the stress and trauma of the situation, try giving her treats before going to the center, reassuring her that it’s for the best, and possibly having another pokémon sedate your rapidash with Sing.

Regaining her trust, then, should begin when she’s released. Ensure that her space is comfortable and full of her favorite things, and be sure that you have plenty of her favorite foods. Stockpile her favorite berries and consider making pokéblocks, poffins, or poké puffs from them, as some pokémon respond better to these forms of treats. Spend plenty of time with her (even if she seems hostile to you) and do your best to follow Nurse Joy’s directions for care.

Once she recovers, allow her to see that she’s far better of having gotten treatment than letting the wound go, but go back to your normal training routine as quickly as possible. Apologize to her for forcing her through treatment as well—pokémon can understand a simple “I’m sorry,” after all.

Essentially, as contradictory as it might seem to say this, the best way to rebuild your relationship is by spending time helping her and taking care of her. As she recovers, she’ll realize that you had your best intentions at heart and, eventually, forgive you.