It is commonly believed that wherever a Rapidash runs, the land itself will soon burst into flame. The grasses of the Eurasian steppe used to burst into flames all along the border with civilization whenever a khan's Ponyta evolved, which the various tribes would use as a signal to launch a great raid, or even an invasion. In more forested regions, they caused wildfires – in civilized areas, well, they aren't only banned from most civilized areas because of their association with either the barbarian hordes or the old aristocracy. Far too many have starved before they were, when harvests were burnt because rogue Rapidash ran across farmland.

It is lucky for all of us that Rapidash are proud beasts, tamed only by the most skillful horsemen. Those they judge unworthy they burn to a crisp when the hapless would-be rider attempts to mount them. It is luckier still that Rapidash can be easily stopped by earthquakes or hydro pumps, provided there is time to set up a defense before they run past; few pokemon can attack at sufficient speed to hit an escaping Rapidash.

In pokemon eschatology, it is said that War, Famine, Death, and Plague all ride Rapidash, Of these four, only plague seems inapt; Rapidash learn no poison-type attacks more powerful than poison jab, and many theologians have opined that it'd make more sense to make it ride a Muk. Some have stated that Death should ride a ghost type, and some say he does: not a ghost pokemon, but a black and ghostly wraith of a Rapidash. As for War and Famine, no mount could possibly be more suitable.