Symbol

The feature that separates My Little Ponies from all other toy equines is their symbols.

Generally a rather simple design repeated on both hips of a pony and confined there but many variations have been made. From all over both sides of the body symbols, Twice As Fancy Ponies, or sculpted saddle ponies like Merry Go Round Ponies. By symbol is the number one way collectors identify My Little Ponies. But since there are so very many ponies, to look for one by saying 'it's got a tree on it' is too vague, so a visual assessment is necessary.

In G3 Hasbro more officially recognized how important this pony attribute is and began referring to it as a cutie mark.

In G4, the lore behind the symbols changed within the setting. Rather than being born with their cutie mark like in the previous generations, it would appear after a youth either discovered their special talent, gained a new insight about themselves, or performed a spectacular feat.