Pony play, sometimes called equestrian play, is the desire to be treated as a horse or pony, or to treat someone else that way. Usually one partner takes the submissive role of the pony while the other acts as rider, trainer, groom or owner. It often involves dedicated attire and tack such as bridles, reins, lunge lines, saddles, hoof boots, attachable or insertable tails, artificial ears, and crops or switches.
A pony might be put on display, trained in dressage-style movements, harnessed to a cart, or ridden either upright or on all fours. Players often describe three broad kinds of pony:
- Show ponies, heavily decorated and performing dressage-style routines.
- Cart ponies, harnessed with bridles and blinkers to pull a cart or sulky.
- Riding ponies, ridden upright or on all fours.
It is a form of pet play. For many, the transformation into a pony is a way to leave behind the stress of everyday life. Power exchange is often central, with the pony trained, ridden and rewarded for obeying. Some are drawn to the physical sensations and restriction of the gear itself, while others love the pageantry of elaborate tack, plumes and costumes, and equipment tends to play a large part in the kink.
