Talk:The Cart Before the Ponies/@comment-24245960-20160806185821/@comment-4531340-20160807105815

I interpreted it as "just because someone is older than you doesn't mean they know better. It is imperative that everyone engage in critical thinking, and question what they are told, rather than just blindly accepting it". I think it's a good lesson (especially in a children's show - the earlier one is introduced to the concept of critical thinking, so they can adjust to it, the better, I feel).

Additionally, I think the second part (where Rainbow Dash states how the Mane 3 could've listened better) was a good demonstration of how the episode did a good job of placing the blame at the hooves of them rather than the Crusaders (as per Rallinale), and also a good point - how it's important for parents and children (or in this case, I suppose, older and younger siblings[-ish]) to maintain healthy communication, so that neither side feels they are being mistreated (though obviously, that still might entail different treatment for children as compared to adults).

Even without that line, though, I felt the episode made it pretty clear that the Mane 3 were, rather than respecting their younger sisters(-ish), living vicariously through them, using them as an excuse to further their own agendas (and so therefore they were clearly more at fault).