On the other hand, even primitive tribes have certain cultural rules and taboos; clearly the ponies do as well. I’ve already learned that grabbing hooves is bad, and apparently there are rules in place about touching the marks on them or petting a stranger’s mane. Lyra had said something about that—I forgot when the yellow one was in the room, but otherwise I’ve kept my hands to myself. That might be why the guard was so uncomfortable when Kate was touching him.