I wouldn't worry about it. I don't have any Equestris orchids, but I have a ton of NoIDs, and I'm building a collection of species phals too, and I've had the same experience as you with my species phals; the leaves are all lighter in color than my NoIDs. In fact, when my first Bellina arrived in the mail I was actually really worried because the leaves were so much lighter than all my other phals. But it turned out to be fine. And I've found the same to be true of all the other species phals I've ordered since. I'd say, as long as your plants are growing happily and have healthy roots, you're doing just fine. Be sure to post pics of that Equestris when it blooms! I've been contemplating getting one for a while now, but the violacea variations stole my heart first! LOL!
Best of luck!