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While I originally wanted my design of Applejack to be more natural and "earthy", the colors I used just seemed to bland to me. So I decided to revamp her in my redesign and use orange and blonde colors like the Hasbro design while keeping the colors more natural.

Applejack has always towered above her friends and even when Twilight became an alicorn, she still stayed taller than the whole group. Even her partner, Autumn Blaze, is considerably shorter than AJ. Everyone always comments on how tall and strong she is, to which she says: "Wait until you see my brother".

Those who don't know Applejack as well as others expect that her wheelchair is a show of weakness. While she did injure herself during a tough day at Sweet Apple Acres that led to a chronic condition, she doesn't let it get in the way of her getting work done. On better days, she can step out of the wheelchair and take a small walk with her partner or family member. But most days, Applejack has no choice but to strap herself into her wheels and manage without being able to use her back legs. To her and her friends, AJ's wheelchair is a sign of her strength. A sign that even though she may be hurting, she has the will to carry on and work though her condition.
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As someone who uses a cane (and previously a wheelchair) for mobility reasons, getting to see a strong and capable character have a mobility issue means the world to me. When I was injured and later learned I had a chronic condition that would limit my movement for the majority of my life, I felt so embarrassed and upset that I needed help with things I took for granted. I got weird looks and stares from people when I used my wheelchair in public, just as I now get the same looks for using a cane. People find it odd that someone as young as me can suffer from a condition like this without managing to heal. And because I injured myself in college as a full-time student with two part time jobs, I literally had no time to rest and recover which is ultimately what turned my injury into a chronic condition.

While I know that I may be projecting a bit onto my design of Applejack, it means so much to me to see someone like me. And if I can be represented by this, I'm sure someone else can be too! And that's what I really want: for people who aren't normally represented to be represented.

Upvotes at import: 28 | Stars at import: 17
Posted previously at: 2019-04-29T17:07:10