So, I'm still kind of awkward about this...

[RarityDash]

There's nothing wrong with collecting ponies, but it makes sense for you to hide them. My collection has already outgrown the shelf I set aside for them 4 months ago, and my G3 collection had to move to my nightstand, alternating through who gets to go on top of the alarm clock. All my ponies are in my bedroom, which is off limits to everyone because I seem to be the only one able to walk through it. As for school, I get kinda mad when my friends talk about ponies too loudly around other people, and I keep the Princess Luna necklace I wear every day under my shirt. But I know how you feel, I was really shy about ponies at first, but got over it after a few months.

[Tulips]

Ditto going at your own pace. I can be quite shy about my collection but I won't hesitate to mention it, I play it down with strangers though and joke about it even as I seriously say that I'm a collector.
I can't hide it when people come over, I keep my hundreds of ponies all on display in my bedroom (only just recently had to start storing some because I've literally run out of room lol). Since I live at the family home still my parents enjoy showing it off to visitors, even when I'm not home.

Just do what you're comfortable and confidant with, people who judge you because of your collection aren't worth worrying about.