Bow Tie was my first pony in 1985, the herd has continued to grow since then. I was active online in 1996, but that was for my first interest revival, Transformers and my love of Beast Wars. The Transformers community was so awesome then! Now it's so huge. I don't think any of my old Tf friends are around anymore in the TF community.
Ponies came back to light in 2000 when my interest in MLP Tales revived. I found Teddy's Place, found the links to The Quacker County Graffiti Board, CoED etc. I never looked back. I met a lot of pony collector and rpg fans through those sites, who are very dear friends to me to this day, who I keep in touch with via livejournal. Most of them don't collect actively, but still love ponies.
Since 2000, my pony collection grew well over 500 ponies, along with customs. My interest in pony artwork exploded, and to this day I can't help drawing them.
I was on the old MLPTP when it was the dark green and white unicorn style, and started posting here around 2004. I have been to several MLP meets in Michigan and Ontario (back when they existed), and loved meeting fellow collectors. I still miss it. I don't ever have the money or time to travel to the big conventions though. I remember when the MLP Fair first came into being. I remember a lot of seller scandals, and community drama. I loved being a part of several MLP RPGs, that in time faded out.
It's been sad that for about 6 years my herd has been dormant, in boxes, and I haven't bought a pony online in ages. I grew bored of G3s, and did not like the G4s at all.
Then FiM came out and I loved how fresh it made the MLP cartoon series. The toys are cool too, but I haven't been bitten by the collecting bug to buy anything. Except I want the entire FiM seasons when they come out as those sets. Not snippets.
I think a lot of us "oldies" have adapted our lives and had to move on or shift its place. I know I will never let go of MLP, but if I start a family, obviously I wouldn't be buying very expensive ponies.
I know some who have amassed the hugest collections I've ever seen and have started selling it all off. I have thought to do the same...MLP will always be there in my heart, and i will always keep a few around.