Ivan is just your everyday type of guy. Middle-aged, balding, Eastern European, grew up in harsh and merciless communism, and took to smoking three packs of cigarettes a day since childhood, washing it down with vodka as well. When he heard about the great opportunities the magical land of Equestria were offering, he got one of the first green cards there and opened up shop in Ponyville. A saddle shop, to be specific, where he sells saddles and saddle accessories.

Why ponies buy saddles, Ivan doesn't know, and when he finds out, he'd like very much to go back to not knowing.

Thanks to my pre-reader RedSquirrel456 for all his help.