An expression like "a pony of a different color" seems out of place in a world with ponies of all different colors, especially one in which no prejudice has been shown to any particular coat or mane color. Perhaps its origins are in a much earlier time when such prejudices were common?
Flim's line in the song about swollen hindquarters is accompanied by himself looking at the swollen hindquarters of another pony and smiling as he delivers it.
Accidental Pun: In Polish, "zrobić kogoś w konia" (lit. "to make a horse out of someone") is an expression meaning "to trick" or "to deceive". And Flim and Flam are attempting bunco here...
Broken Base: As per the norm, there appears to be two camps in regards to this episode. There's one camp that likes this episode because of its strong moral, the genuine chemistry dynamics between the Apple Family, and an real moral dilemma on Applejack's part, while the other camp dislikes it because it wastes a golden opportunity for real character growth for Flim and Flam and that the start of the episode feels rather cliched until Applejack starts to have her dilemma.
Fridge Brilliance: Perhaps the reason a simple placebo could be just that good for Granny is because of her physical ability Depending on the Writer. She's normally much more spry but could well have been merely feeling older and more feeble that day, only for the placebo to make her feel better (even if placebo effect is the only reason). Cue ability level that's actually in line with earlier depictions.
was a real thing.