Mare-itocracy (WIP) (Patreon)

more earth pony notes

Ponies, like horses from our world, are a matriarchal species. Even before the Sisters rose to power, pony herds each demonstrated a hierarchy of rank, led by a dominant individual, typically a mare. Though modern Equestria is fully egalitarian when it comes to gender, earth ponies cling the most to the traditions of the past, and most earth pony families follow their respective matriarch (typically the oldest, wisest mare, often the grandmother). Ponies reflexively look to mares for leadership and guidance (be warned doing that with Granny Smith tho, she's a little nuts)

Celestia is the ultimate matriarch. She is the favored princess among earth ponies, because she is the bringer of sunlight, which sustains all living things. In some circles, Celestia is revered as Queen of the Harvest. Tributes are often crafted in her honor, in the hope of a bountiful crop, or safety during foalbirth.

Earth ponies are the longest-lived of all ponies, and there's tale of some individuals living for centuries. Granny Smith (formerly Annie Apple) is older than Ponyville, and still as apt to go wrangle a timberwolf for fun.