I like the term "ex-so soft." that was cute.
I've done a couple myself.. it just takes an awful lot of patience. I've tried bleach and things like soap, but it only really thins the flocking, and not removes it completely. I found the best method is using something that will remove the glue also, acetone works best for me. You have to be very, very careful around the eyes (I use toothpicks), and the symbols too, but not as much.
with acetone, find a way to get some on the pony without pouring it directly (because it'll almost always run to someplace with paint that you want to stay on), and then scrub ferociously with a toothbrush. Wipe the area with a towel or something handy, and move on to another small area. should take about an hour and a half total, for your first one.
Certain ponies are easier than others - Magic Star's glue comes off very easy, but Ribbon is ridiculous and almost always stains greenish blue because of the glue.
