Pony play is the kinkiest type of role-play this side of a racecourse paddock. It often draws on multiple elements of BDSM; from restraints, gags, and harnesses to domination and submission. This form of role-play has seen an increase in both popularity and public exposure over the last few years. Pony play has become more common within the porn industry, and human ponies even occasionally appear in mainstream television shows. Despite the growth in interest, there is still a lack of information on pony play – this article will cover the basics.
Types of Pony Play
Pony play takes many forms; although all are based around a role-play that involves one person acting like a pony, stallion or horse. Their partner can take the role of trainer, caretaker or rider; depending on the scenario. The horse is often two-legged – with the emphasis on the treatment and actions of the horse, rather than the physical appearance. However, there are those who enjoy dressing up and there are plenty of toys and accessories on the market to make this possible. For example, the American porn star Tasha Reign recently released her own set of ‘pony butt plugs’, ‘pony ears’ and similar toys for the pony play community to enjoy. It’s all a matter of preference.
Ponies, the people who partake in pony play, generally divide themselves into three groups, although many enjoy all three.
Cart Ponies
As the name suggests, cart ponies are used to pull carts, chariots, sleighs, and so forth. Depending on the size of the cart; cart ponies can be two or four legged. Cart ponies need to be physically fit to pull a cart and driver, and so some sessions can involve ‘training’ and building the strength of the horse.
Riding Ponies
This category consists of ponies who are ridden; either on all fours or on two legs, the latter with the ‘rider’ sitting on the shoulders of the pony. Human backs are generally not strong enough to carry the weight of another adult, and so four-legged riding tends to be more symbolic – with the ‘rider’ taking most of their weight on their own legs. However, most will still instruct their partner like they would with an actual horse; using reigns and applying pressure with their legs to control their human pony.
Show Ponies
This is the most common of the three categories. The term ‘show pony’ does not exclusively refer to a pony that is trained and taken to shows. It’s a term that differentiates ‘working’ ponies (the previous categories) from other ponies. Show ponies are usually taught the various gaits and how to perform them gracefully. Some will also undertake intense training in dressage and jumping, both of which are challenging and strenuous activities.
Dressing Up
Pony play doesn’t require dressing up, but toys and accessories can often add to the fun. Common items for pony play include wrist restraints and cuffs, a bit of gag, whips and a tail. As most of these toys can be used in BDSM, they are easy to come by. However, other accessories and toys are a little more specialised and can be harder to find.
While a bit gag and tail can probably get the point across, quite a few ponies have bridles and body harnesses of some kind. Hoof boots and hoof mitts are also popular. There are several designs of hoof boots out there, and the best hoof boot depends strongly on what type of pony play they engage in. Some boots are designed purely to look good, while some are designed to give a pony some type of support, or padding for extra comfort.
Saddles are a common accessory for riding ponies, but are often seen on other types where they tend to be purely decorative. Depending on the saddle, they can be somewhat heavy, adding to the feel of restriction that some ponies enjoy.
Rubber Ponies
Rubber ponies have become increasingly popular as it combines the pony play fetish with the rubber fetish. As the name implies, rubber ponies are ponies whose tack and equipment is mad primarily from rubber. Depending on how kinky they want to be, rubber ponies will often be totally encased in rubber. Costumes can include; a rubber catsuit, a rubber pony mask, rubber fist hooves, rubber gag and harness and so forth. Rubber ponies are not a distinct category – most will also be cart, riding, or show in addition to being rubber ponies.
Pony play is more than just dressing up – it’s a multifaceted role-play that often combines more than one fetish. For those looking to try, or are wanting to explore various types of, dominance and submission, bondage and/or role-play; ponies could teach you a thing or two. There’s no need to get on all fours (unless you like it that way), but there’s plenty of ideas that could be introduced into the bedroom.