Horsing Around: Pony Play

The origin of the pony play fetish can be traced back to Ancient Rome, when people would dress up as ponies for sexual purposes. 

Whilst modern pony play may not involve any element of sexualisation, the first recorded instance of pony play is attributed to Metamorphoses of Apuleius (pub. 1566), wherein the protagonist is transformed into a donkey. The novel was written in the late 2nd Century, which highlights just how long this culture has been in existence.

Since then, pony play has been a common feature of pornography and dedicated fetish magazines, particularly in the last few decades.

What is Pony Play?

Pony Play is a unique subculture of BDSM and kink, involving dress-up and role-play activities, widely regarded as a form of pet play. 

The s-type adopts the mindset and behaviours of an equine, with a D-type often being Owner, Trainer, or Rider.

Pony Play can become very expensive and time-consuming, but those within the lifestyle take a great deal of pride in their efforts.

Types of Pony

Ponies can come in all shapes and sizes, and being one type of pony doesn’t exclude someone from being another type, too. 

The common attributes of ponies are dedication and commitment. It takes time and extensive training to become adept at the various aspects of the pony subculture. Ponies are generally labelled as ponygirl or ponyboy, but there are several different types of ‘pony’, including but not limited to:

Show Pony

Heavily focused on presentation, the show pony role often encapsulates charisma. Ponies must be ‘well-groomed’, and will embody the attitude of prestige. Individuals who are drawn to the show pony role can be presented at kink events, shows, or parties, in extravagant costumes including harnesses, latex, PVC, or leather bodysuits, masks, plumes, and hoof mitts/boots, and often compete in dressage displays.

Circus Pony

Similar to a show pony, a circus pony will also be trained by their D-type to perform tricks, often pairing with a handler who presents as a ringmaster or clown. Whereas a show pony is focused on their image, the circus pony role draws pride from the showmanship of their performance.

Riding Pony

Riding ponies are more physically involved: their handler or owner will actually ride them, meaning the person in the pony role must have the strength and stamina to carry their rider. Dedication to building core strength and wearing a saddle for prolonged periods is a testament to those who identify as a riding pony.

Cart Pony

Also a physically demanding role, cart ponies will pull carts and buggies with their handler or owner driving. As with riding ponies, individuals in this role must have  endurance and strength. A cart pony may be dressed up for presentation by their D-type, or be in more of a working role.

Stud Pony

As the name suggests, stud ponies are used for ‘breeding’ - this tends to be a visual display with a focus on the sexualised aspect of pony play. Although ‘stud’ is regarded as a masculine term, stud ponies may be any gender.

Pony Play D-types

The commitment to being a D-type within pony play is just as strong as that of the pony, if not more so, owing to the time commitment associated with training and developing a pony. 

While ponies are diverse, so too are the D-types that complement them. The common D-types within a pony play power exchange are as follows:

Owner

Charged with being responsible for the care, wellbeing, and schedule of their pony, an Owner may take control of dietary requirements, equipment purchase and management, as well as showing their pony at events or parties. The role of Owner isn’t an  exclusive one, as an Owner may also be a Trainer, Groomer, or the person showing their pony.

Trainer 

Often requiring the most time and input within pony play, a Trainer is responsible for developing a submissive into a ponygirl or ponyboy, which includes protocols, behaviours, dress, and stances. As different types of pony require different types of training to embody the role, trainers may have a specialism, and often will build a reputation in their field. In fact, if a D-type isn’t interested in or doesn’t have the skill set required to train their pony, they may approach a Trainer for assistance.

Rider

A rider is anyone given permission to ride the pony or cart. This may be someone not involved in the dynamic, or can be the Trainer or Owner of the pony.

Groomer

Much like in the equestrian world, a groomer is charged with taking care of the pony. This can include cleaning the tack (e.g saddles, reins, harnesses), the clothing, and even aftercare, which may involve massage, bathing, or more traditional practices like cuddles, snacks, and hydration.

Where to find Pony Play clothing and equipment

Gear found in everyday Equestrian stores is used a source for pony play, too. 

Many D-types involved in pony play culture will purchase their clothing from regular equestrian stores (e.g., jodhpurs, boots, gloves), but specialist latex and leather stores provide clothing services for fetishists. Crops and whips may also be purchased in equestrian stores, or custom fetish stores.

Pony attire tends to be more customised, including fitting, specific features, and colours. The range of available attire is vast, including head dresses and plumes, harnesses, bridles, gags and bits, pony tail butt plugs, hoof boots and gloves, and even full-head masks. The level to which a pony will dress up is dependent on their comfort level, the type of training they negotiated with their D-type, and dynamic.

Is Pony Play Always Sexual?

Pony play doesn’t have to be sexual. It’s just as diverse as any other form of kink activity, and as such, consent, enjoyment, safety, and negotiation are vital. 

Pony play isn’t about bestiality, and it doesn’t have to involve sex, although dedicated dildos and strap-ons are sold to mimic a stallion’s anatomy, often being worn as part of a pony’s attire for shows and play.

As always, the level of involvement is a personal choice.

Some pony players identify spiritually with equines, some savour the deep level of submission they find in play, and others are drawn to the mindset and escapism. 

With the wide array of ponies and their accompanying D-types, pony play can be an exciting and fun fetish whether it's sexual or not.