Zecora

Zecora is a zebra living in a hut in the Everfree Forest. She is initially feared by all of Ponyville but thanks to Apple Bloom and Twilight as well as her friends she becomes a respected visitor in Ponyville even though she seems to prefer staying in the Everfree Forest.

History
Zecora is described as being from "a far away land". It is unknown why she left. She would come to visit Ponyville once every month but all of Ponyville's citizens would immidiately go into hiding when they saw her. Her mysterious background and appearence would cause the other ponies to label her as an "evil enchantress". She would often be seen digging at the ground to get herbs which she couldn't buy since all the stores would close when she showed herself.

In Bridle Gossip, Apple Bloom decided to be brave and follow her into the Everfree Forest to learn more about her. However Twilight Sparkle and her friends followed Apple Bloom into the forest where they ran into the plant Poison Joke, causing them to come down with all forms of strange illnesses. The ponies suspected this to be a curse that Zecora put on them. Apple Bloom followed Zecora into the forest again where she befriended her and decided to help Zecora gather ingredients to cure the Poison Joke.

In Swarm of the Century she is visited by Twilight who tries to find a solution to the Parasprite invasion. While Zecora recognized the Parasprites she did not know how to get rid of them and simply stated that "you're doomed".

Personality
Zecora frequently speaks in rhyme. The reason for this is unclear. She is also seen to speak in a foreign language on occassion, presumably her native tongue.

She seems to have great love for her home land, having her entire hut garnered with items from where she's from.