Dale was suddenly regretting his impulse, but he was committed now. It was odd how they had no concerns about being nude, but were bothered by showing the bottoms of their hooves. Whatever the reason, it was probably hugely socially complicated: he’d seen Lyra point with a hoof, he’d bumped hooves with the wall-repair pony, and the nurse had touched him all over with her hoof . . . he might as well learn from his impulse; this was likely the only chance he’d get.