Every activity to basic life has two types of people. There are dabblers, which try out different things because they’re not sure what they want to settle in, and lifestylers, which have chosen a certain activity to be part of their life. This works in the world of fetish as well, I would be considered a dabbler because I’m still exploring all of my possibilities. Tabutoys has been most generous to provide a book into a very interesting lifestyle: The Human Pony, by Rebecca Wilcox. This book delves into the fascinating lifestyle of Pony Play, which, until now, I’d only heard of.
The Human Pony is 11”x8.5” paperback with 157 pages total. This would make a great tabletop book for those unashamed with their lifestyles, but for those that prefer their books in a bookshelf, this book is .5” thick, so it doesn’t take up much room at all. The book was published by Greenery Press in 2008.
On a physical standpoint, the book was tastefully made, where the information is the main focus. The cover is a woman with the head gear put on: blinders, mouth bit, and collar, while the rest of the cover is a simple black. The font is contemporary and eye catching. With all of the information inside, many pictures are also provided, which I found to be a great help in understanding some of the things being discussed. There is also a warning just a couple pages in:
The books starts with the experience of a pony, he explains how Elvis Presley is the reason that he came to this lifestyle and how it’s changed. The author than gives a small excerpt explaining how she was originally a horse trainer and never expected to be in this lifestyle but since she came to it she was able to use her skills to become known as Ponymistress Rebecca. There is also an introduction to the book that explains that information will be provided in a textbook style to “facilitate the widest possible range of consensual adult pony play.” It questions how the pony will be viewed. There are also various blurbs within the pages called “Try-Its” and “Training Tips” which give more information for the reader to try out.
There are 8 actual chapters as well as a conclusion, 4 appendixes and a contributors and acknowledgements page.
Chapter 1: What Is Pony Play?
The first chapter sets a great pace into this book and lifestyle. It gives explanation to the lifestyle effectively and brings personal experience into light as well.
Chapter 2: Pony and Trainer Headspace
Headspace is something that’s extremely important, not just in pony play, but in all BDSM play. Without the right frame of mind, the play may not be as fulfilling as it could be or the scene could be completely lost all together.
Chapter 3: Equipment
This chapter is mainly photos with explanation on the various equipments that can be used during pony play. Though in softer BDSM play household items may work well as improvisations, heavier play, including pony play, more serious equipment is necessary. This was a really good chapter because it went past the full costumed pictures you see, it gave a more definite outline of pieces that would be more or less needed for proper play.
Chapter 4: Training Your Pony
This chapter brings a few more interviews into the mix as well as basic information to training your pony to be more obedient and act correctly. I feel this could be a very positive chapter for the person looking to be the pony because it gives them a heads up as to what may be expected from them.
Chapter 5: Scene Development
This chapter seems to put more towards the pony’s headspace and advance from training the pony. I felt this was a great chapter in that it brought light to how the trainer needs to bring the work together to make the pony happy and learn more effectively. Even if I choose not to follow the path as a pony trainer, I feel this will help me in having a better dominant headspace and training my submissive.
Chapter 6: Handling and Grooming
Another area to remember is the grooming. Grooming not only brings a sense of wellbeing to the pony, but it strengthens the relationship between trainer and pony. There are a few different types of equipment, all of which have specific purposes to bring the most out of the pony.
Chapter 7: The Inspiration – The Horse
Those that look at this lifestyle need to remember where it came from. Horses are the inspiration behind this lifestyle, and looking at them is a way to look at what direction to follow. After talking about biological horses, it than focuses on JG-Leathers and “The Creature”, which is a sensory device created by JG-Leathers that incorporates various BDSM areas.
Chapter 8: Event Planning: Do It Yourself
This chapter looks at putting events together to bring other lifestylers together in competition or to meet up. There are a couple articles within the chapter created by actual lifestylers going over their thoughts and experiences.
Conclusion: End on a Good Note
This section is short and sweet. It says to enjoy play but to be smart about it, keep a necessary attitude to make sure all things go well.
Appendix A: Gaits
Gaits refer to how the pony walks around. The trainer may require the pony to move in various ways so knowing what the move looks like is important, so this section is completely made from pictures to lead by example. The moves provides are: walk, trot, canter, flying lead changes, gallop, high step, piaffe, passage, half-pass, and strut.
Appendix B: Quick Release Knot
The quick release knot is used to hold the pony, where they cannot pull out of it but the handler can pull it free very easily. This section brings pictures and text together to help the reader create and perfect the knot as easily as possible.
Appendix C: Pony Play Glossary
The glossary is a few pages long and it is filled with terms and definitions that are very necessary to understand. From horse terminology to some basic BDSM terms as well, this section helps bring the book together and gives the reader the best understanding.
Appendix D: Related Resources
This section gives websites on various related subjects to help those looking to delve into the Pony Play lifestyle. From meet events to gear and other books for information, though seemingly short, I think this may be an extremely valuable section.
Contributors and Acknowledgements
Pretty self explanatory, this section the author is giving thanks to those that helped her bring this wonderful book together.
Overall I loved reading this book. Rebecca Wilcox did an amazing job putting The Human Pony together. Though I am still unsure whether or not I want to pursue pony play. This book did bring valuable information to me in regards to being the trainer, which can transition to being the dominant figure in most BDSM play or just the relationship. I’ve been trying to become more dominant in my relationship and have had trouble with that, however, after reading this book I feel more confident in my ability to be the dom my baby’s looking for.
Thank you TabuToys for the chance to read this amazing book!
Today I happily bring a review for Vibrator.com, which is a rather awesome online shop for all styles of sex toys! They’ve been extremely patient with me in getting this out and I want to thank them so much for the wonderful opportunity they’ve given me. I was given the chance to review the Fun Factory Bendybeads, which I’ve been lusting after for such a long time!
