Fall Weather Friends

Lore & Background

In this episode, Applejack and Rainbow Dash engage in a series of athletic competitions that escalates into a heated rivalry during Ponyville's annual Running of the Leaves marathon. The conflict begins with a game of horseshoes at Sweet Apple Acres, leading to an Iron Pony competition judged by Twilight Sparkle. Rainbow Dash gains an unfair advantage by using her wings, prompting Applejack to challenge her to a race where Rainbow promises not to fly. Applejack ties Rainbow's wings to enforce the promise, but during the marathon both ponies begin suspecting each other of deliberate sabotage and actively try to hinder one another. Their fighting continues past the finish line, and Pinkie Pie informs them they tied for last place. Twilight Sparkle, despite her inexperience, finishes fifth. Princess Celestia arrives to celebrate, and Applejack and Rainbow Dash apologize for their poor sportsmanship.

Reader's Guide

The episode received a "C+" rating from Sherilyn Connelly, author of Ponyville Confidential, who noted that the elements of Honesty and Loyalty represented by Applejack and Rainbow Dash are less interesting than the elements of competition and distrust. Connelly observed that Twilight beats them both, though the episode avoids being overly moralistic by having her happily win fifth place. Author Jen A. Blue described the episode as "one of Rogers' better episodes this season—nothing particularly special, but watchable at least." Blue identified the main flaw as the depiction of conflict: Applejack is portrayed as calmer and a better sport, while Rainbow Dash uses unfair moves within the rules, rejecting their spirit. Blue analyzed the episode within an alchemical framework, connecting the changing leaves to a "yellowing" phase of transformation and interpreting the characters' conflict as representing different approaches to the show itself. The episode is included in the Season 1 DVD set released by Shout Factory on December 4, 2012.

Did You Know?

• The episode originally aired on The Hub on January 28, 2011.
• It was written by Amy Keating Rogers.
• Sherilyn Connelly gave the episode a "C+" rating in Ponyville Confidential.
• The episode is part of the Season 1 DVD set released by Shout Factory on December 4, 2012.