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What can I say for this one? A little and a lot, actually. This episode, going into it, was another one I had better memories of then some. Similar to the episode previous, I had a perhaps slight negative impression but it wasn't a strong one, mainly finding it slightly boring (though still enjoyed background details) I enjoyed it more this time around but perhaps still rates a little lower than other recent episodes. Rainbow Dash and Applejack's antics earned a chuckle but not to the level of some others or whatever reason.
My favorite moment in this is hard to pin down. Nothing was negative in the slightest. I think I enjoyed the race the best but I have found that I enjoy montages and the little details that they sneak in there (little gangs, the crowd of ponies gradually getting larger and enjoying the rivalry, etc). Still, the race was charmingly whimsical yet true to the show's ininverse rules (nature doesn't work unless the ponies usher it along) and I found the idea of them running to shake the leaves from the trees somewhere between cute and wracking my brain on the logistics of that (more below in the Odds and Ends).
Moral, this time I'll brag on it, I think this is a strong one. The theme held throughout the episode. The execution, interestingly enough, was more realistic and friendly (at least among some friends). Rainbow Dash and Applejack still had moments of friendliness and comradery during most the episode's run in spite of there increasing tensions.I don't mind to characters turning it up to eleven and hating each other for awhile but this was a nice chance of place. It was also really COOL how they had Twilight Sparkle actually beat them and win 5 place. I probably am overthinking it, but modern writing would have had either have Twilight be dead last (comedy) or have won 100% outright. This was cool to have her to do somewhat realistically yet unexpectedly well for a newcomer and shows someone winning in a small way in a positive light. I feel that moral is just as good as the main lesson.
Okay, okay, now to my rating: 6.8/10. Why that number? Arbitrary, I have no complaints for this episode and still enjoyed it but rate it a little lower than what has come before. Competence is not bad and this is one I still may revisit in a secondary coziness context.