Groundrunner

Groundrunner, a stalwart earth pony, holds a special place in the history of Ponyville as one of its founding residents. Though younger than Granny Smith and Grand Pear, he played an essential role in shaping the vibrant community ponies would know later. With a heart as sturdy as his hooves, Groundrunner's dedication to the town and its residents is a testament to the enduring spirit of Ponyville.

## Groundrunner

### Relatives

Cloverfield (lover)Granny Smith (friend)

Grand Pear (friend)

Ground Furrow (son)

Meadow Clover (daughter)

Soft Wings (daughter-in-law)

Wild Dusk's father (son-in-law)

Wild Dusk (grandson)

Willful Ground (grandson)

Eden Clouds (granddaughter-in-law)

Willful Tree (great grandson)

Sweet Leaf (great granddaughter)

Sweet Star (great granddaughter-in-law)

Spruce Wood (great grandson-in-law)

Star Slash (great great grandson)

Lush Sky (great great granddaughter)

## Biographical information

### Date of birth

77 years before Twilight Sparkle's coronation

### Date of death

4 years before Twilight Sparkle's coronation

## Physical traits and personality

Groundrunner shared a physical resemblance with his son, Ground Furrow. He had earthy brown fur and striking black mane. He also had a nice mustache.

He had unwavering determination and a profound sense of pride in his land holdings. These traits played an integral role in shaping the early days of Ponyville, and the legacy he would pass to his son Ground Furrow.

## Daily life

Groundrunner was one of the hardworking pioneers who helped establish Ponyville from its humble beginnings. Just like Granny Smith and Grand Pear, he dedicated his days to tending to his farm and providing fresh produce for the growing community.

Every morning, Groundrunner rises with the sun, ready to tackle the tasks that await him on the farm. He tends to the crops, carefully planting seeds, watering the fields, and ensuring that the soil is rich and fertile. His expertise in farming allow him to grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains that feed the residents of Ponyville.

The farm is a bustling place, with animals and crops stretching as far as the eye could see. Groundrunner takes great pride in his work, knowing that his efforts helped sustain the ponies of Ponyville. He often greets his neighbors with a warm smile and offer them the freshest produce from his fields.

In addition to his farming duties, Groundrunner plays an important role in the community. He participates in local events and festivals, sharing his bountiful harvest with others. His farm became a gathering place where ponies can come together, celebrate, and enjoy the fruits of his labor.

## Early life

Groundrunner, born into a simple life in the countryside with hardworking farmer parents, experienced a pivotal turning point when they decided to seek a new place to call home. At the age of 16, as they journeyed through various towns, fate smiled upon Groundrunner when they passed by Vanhoover. It was there that he crossed paths with Cloverfield, a pony whose spirit resonated with his own. The connection between them deepened as they exchanged heartfelt letters, cultivating a bond that withstood the test of time and distance. A year later, Groundrunner's joy knew no bounds when Cloverfield, fueled by the courage to embark on her own journey, joined him at his new home.

Together, they became pioneers, contributing to the founding of Ponyville alongside other like-minded families like Apples and the Pears. Groundrunner found pride not only in the establishment of a new community but also in the enduring love that blossomed between him and Cloverfield amid the fertile grounds of their shared dreams. Groundrunner's sense of pride in his agricultural heritage as a member of the esteemed Ground family was palpable. His dedication to farming various crops and his unwavering commitment to the town's development left an indelible mark on the agrarian history of Ponyville.

## Late life

In the second part of his life, Groundrunner's legacy continued to flourish through the nurturing bond he shared with his son, Ground Furrow and his daughter Meadow Clover. Groundrunner, a good example of fatherhood, imparted invaluable lessons on farming and Cloverfield instilled a deep sense of kindness and humility in his son, who, in contrast, was known for his gentle and introverted nature. He was proud to see Meadow Clover when she went to Baltimare to settle her own farm. However, their relationship faced a challenge when Ground Furrow found love in the form of Soft Wings, with her unconventional beliefs that often challenged the norms of pony society. Groundrunner, guided by his wisdom and caution, expressed doubts about the relationship, cautioning his son to tread carefully. When Willful Ground came to the world, he was a fun grandson for him.

Tragically, Groundrunner's journey came to an end at the age of 73, succumbing to a degenerative disease, mere months after his beloved wife, Cloverfield, had battled cancer. This dual loss left Ground Furrow lost and emotionally adrift, especially because it was right before his divorce with Soft Wings. Despite the profound sorrow that enveloped him, Groundrunner's teachings and enduring spirit remained a guiding light for his son, inspiring him to carry on the family legacy and the lessons of hard work and resilience that had been imparted.

## Development

Groundrunner was made in May of 2023 by Sylvain Barre to serve as an element in the backstory and development of Ground Furrow. Groundrunner's introduction was especially to provide depth and context to Ground Furrow's origins, enriching the overall storytelling experience by offering a loving and influential father figure in the form of Groundrunner. His appearance was made later that year.