Data loves Spot. Data would love ponies even more - he's interested in human (well, sentient being's) interactions, and what better interaction than friendship?
I was inspired to do this after watching an episode "Data's Day" where Data "learns the meaning of friendship" as the drive for the entire episode. He says, "There are still many human emotions I do not fully comprehend - anger, hatred, revenge. But I am not mystified by the desire to be loved - or the need for friendship." SPOKEN LIGHT A TRUE TWILIGHT SPARKLE.
Data would love ponies even more - he's interested in human (well, sentient being's) interactions, and what better interaction than friendship?