GETTING STARTED WITH PONY PLAY: TYPES, TACK, AND TRAINING

Content Verification

Written by:✓

Tatyana Dyachenko
Psychologist and Relationship Adviser

Medically Reviewed by:✓

Veronika Matutyte
Medical Doctor

Fact Checked by:✓

Katie Lasson
Sex and Relationship Adviser

Pony play is a form of pet play such as dog play. It is similar to dog play or horseplay because the same tools are used in dog and horse training. The trainer is depicted as the dominant player in many pony play situations. The submissive becomes the pony, and in some situations, the submissive may be compelled to act like a pony. This doesn’t change their identity if he is still a person. The dynamic between the owner and pony may change when the submissive voluntarily engages in an animal role. Essentially, pony play has been adopted by enthusiasts of BDSM role play.

Ponies are often referred to as ponyboys and pony girls. The participants can also adopt nicknames they will use during the play, like in bondage play or other forms of sexual role play. According to the rules and culture of pony play, ponies and masters come with names, and you may identify other pony players by such nicknames. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at pony play, types, tack, and training.

Pony Tack

Ponyplay has a lot in common, but it does not share its aesthetic with BDSM gear or costumes. PVC, Black Leather, and suede are commonly used for worn and wielded items during a pony play event. The reason aesthetics differs is that there is the involvement of many horse-specific gears known as tacks. Examples of tacks include;

• Saddles for riders to perch on
• Reins to direct the pony
• Harness connecting the pony to a cart
• Collar
• Tongue ports hold down the tongues
• Bits go into a pony’s mouth for control and to control biting or noises
• Martingales connect bridles to a belt
• Bridles attach to a horse for the trainer to control a horse
• Hoof boots to give the impression of hooves.
• Hoof mitts perform a similar function on the hands
• Bodysuits consisting of basks, tails, and manes
• Masks for covering pony’s head. It consists of snout and mane
• Tails. Maybe pony's anal plug is usually attached with a tail.
• Wrist or ankle restraints
• Brushes for a pony’s fur. It can either be real or costumed.
• Blinders for blocking the pony’s peripheral vision
• Plumes sit on the head during shows and events
• Hobbles and restrains. They are worn between the calves for limiting movement.
• Crops for direction during movement and punishment.

For basics, all you need are tail, crop, and bit. These will help you save more dollars as getting all the above tack for pony play will cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Types of Ponies

As a master or trainer choosing a specific skill for the training of your pony is allowed. Nevertheless, it might depend on the pony that you have. Below are common types of ponies.

• Breeding ponies: this type of ponies engage in sex with other ponies.
• Cart ponies and team cart ponies. They help to pull the cart
• Work ponies: these are strong ponies that are trained in handling heavy workloads
• Riding ponies: they help in carrying the riders on their bodies.
• Show ponies: may be trained in dressage and are outfitted extravagantly for show.
• Dressage ponies: they are meant for performing movement such as trotting or walking at a gait for contests
• Event ponies: perfume in dressage, cross country, and jumping events just like horses
• Pleasure ponies: these are for the pleasure of the owner
• Rubber ponies: fancy as rubber aesthetics

For ponies to have various skills, some owner chooses to cross-train them. The reason behind this is that pony training can be so involved.

Training in Pony Play

A wide variety of training is involved, much of which is based on the actual horse training. This is because this type of pet play is among the most involved. Beginner's training can proceed to intermediate. It is then followed by advanced training as the pony gains more skills. The pony can choose whether to go to advanced training or not.

Basic Pony Training

This is basic training for more advanced training of ponies of all kings. It comprises different activities such as leading, tying, grooming, and cross ties. This activity encourages bonding as it helps you get into the roles of pony and trainer. Always make sure your pony gear fits you well. This will help you avoid injuries during training.

Leading

This places the trainer slightly to the front and left of the pony while holding the reins in your right hand and excess in your left hand. For the left-handed, it may take them to switch sides to hold the reins in their dominant hand and the remainder on the right. Always give them enough space to follow as you lead. When the attention feels distracted, use a quick snap of the rope to redirect it into position. For a naughtier pony, constant sideways pulling may help force a circular trot. You can circularly pull your pony towards you if you need to offset balance. Don't forget to use verbal cues such as halt, and always pay attention to your tone when issuing commands.

Tying

A Pony's rope can be tied to another object on the ground when you need him to be still. The pony needs to stand squarely and should be in a proper form. When your pony can remain in the same place for minutes, you can complete the training.

Crosstie

As the name suggests, ropes will cross and restrict your pony to a stable position. This requires an obedient pony.

Grooming

It works as a type of aftercare as you wrap up the session. You might find this to be more intimate. You need to stroke the pony's hair and body with your hand and brush. Basic training will leave you with a well-mannered and groomed pony.

The Bottom Line

Ponyplay is similar to dog play or horseplay. The same rules used in pony play are used in dog and gorse play.  Before engaging in the play, make sure you have the necessary tacks. During the play, the participant can also adopt names that they will use during training and play.