I feel the need to explain the situation with Torrential and the 'Laughing Mare' a little better just so people get the point.

I'm assuming two things about the Laughing Mare. 1) It would take a major effort on the Cult of Laughter's part to bring her into the mortal world in any way, shape or form. 2) The Cult (And most likely her) have plans for Ponyville at some point. 

Since she would want the place defended but can't do it herself or camp cultists there without drawing attention to the thing she is trying to protect, The Laughing Mare instead fashioned a powerful demon into her image and sent it there to protect the place from trespassers and those who meant Ponyville harm. While by no means as powerful as the Laughing Mare herself, her demon double was still quite powerful in its own right. Maybe not stronger then an alicorn but definitely enough to make one take it seriously.