Zebras occupy eastern part of the Old World because of savannah on the Cutiemap at the west from Equestria and, well “Fallout: Equestria” where they are used as China. They are rather unstable feudal empire where small tribes live by the old ways under protection of mighty kings who have actual armies.
Formally, guardians are slaves, but this does not mean at all that they like to revolt. They live as elite should live and are one of the best armoured zebrican warriors also with great skills with their wearpons.