THE OTHER PONY CLUB

The largest club in the world for those who want to take a "bestial" role and their fans. Pony-girls, pony-boys, puppies, piggies, cats, zebras, anything you may want to be.

Or if you want to be an owner, trainer or spectator to games with such exotic pets.

There is no club in Europe that does what we do and is open, as we are, to every age (over 18), to every gender (male, female, TS, and those who'd prefer to pass as another gender), to every orientation (heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, Dominant, submissive, switch, voyeur), every species (pony, dog, cat, pig, zebra, etc. ...), whether partnered (in a complementary or same-sex relationship, live-in or otherwise, 24 hour/7 day or occasional, partner interested or otherwise), or coming out to play alone. There may not be another such club in the world, though there may be in the USA. But nothing in Europe, though we hope there will be.

Note that the Academy Book Shop offers our own booklets, and many books and magazines from other sources that deal with these and related subjects.

The Other Pony Club has been organising events, both those open to the public and only for Members since 1993. Several events every year, in places from Haverfordwest in West Wales, to Fraserburgh in North Scotland, taking a leading role in European events in Denmark, and organising many events in Wales and the Home Counties. Events for groups, large and small, side-shows at events with hundreds of people watching. Every kind of activity. Nobody in the world has as much experience in this field as we do.

In that time we have attracted interest from thousands of people, world-wide and have hundreds of members.

The Pony Club (with the B. H. A.) runs UK real horse events. We aim to do the same for Other, i.e. human ponies, hence the name. We play pony and similar role-play games.

The following text is derived from the very first Pony Express and gives an idea of our style. Over the years we have gained a whole lot of experience, but the basics have not changed.

Human ponies are not new. It exists when and wherever people are inspired by horsy sports. Europe, US, ex-colonial Africa, Middle East. (Though there not all ponies may be volunteers, so be warned!) From our experience we now know what works and what does not.

There seems no shortage of ponies, though fillies and mares are outnumbered by colts and geldings. (Ponies born apparently as colts who would prefer to be fillies.) We need more people building or buying carts, harness, grooms and especially lightweight drivers, marshals for events and offer or arrange venues, etc.

GUIDANCE FOR PONIES

Once someone has put you into pony role, please do not speak unless essential. Do not use hands to adjust your dress or harness, or do other unpony-like acts, until released. From then on you are answerable to that person only, unless they delegate authority over you. Only they have the right to drive you, discipline you, choose who else may do so. They have the responsibility to provide for your needs, though they may delegate.

Experience suggests that we normally have many more would-be ponies at an event than we have owners, trainers, drivers or grooms. You are welcome to come alone, and Sir Guy will try to team you up with playmates. However he will usually be very busy trying to ensure the event works as a whole. So even if you only really want to be a pony it can pay dividends to try your hand as a driver - you never know you may get to enjoy it more! Even if you do not enjoy it for its own sake you will learn to be a better pony for having a go at the other end of the reins! Most ponies too will be more than happy to return the favour.

Anyway you will have to trust the person who puts you into harness a lot, so ensure you have both fully read and understood these notes, and talked over any issues arising. If you have any particular fear, inhibitions or wants they ought to know of, discuss them first. There may be no chance later! They will have to decide for you. Do not expect them to be telepathic or to consult you if unsure!

If anyone else takes advantage; gropers, fondlers, etc. do as a real pony would. Lash out with your feet, rear-up, neigh and make a fuss in 501body-language. Everyone else will have sympathy with you! (That is, unless you are and your owner are happy about it.) Others may talk down to you, as to a pony, expecting no answer, or talk about you in your hearing. This is OK, they are accepting that you are indeed a pony. But if done maliciously to annoy or upset you, then use the same remedy as for gropers!

ETIQUETTE

Ponies are not paid to put on a show, they do it for fun. They deserve respect for being brave enough. Without them the scene is not possible. So no groping, abuse, etc. please! If you are to drive them, come round to face them and introduce yourself, as a sensible rider does with a real horse. Do not forget to thank them afterwards, with kind words, a pat, stroke, etc. As a check on the behaviour of the people who are not volunteering to go between the shafts we reseve the right to apply a custom from the colonial African Ponygirl clubs. A pony winning an event may choose anyone as pony for a victory lap. Its very rude to refuse.

Tall Trixie driven by her Master, Sir Guy

SIGNALS

As a pony you should not speak and you may not be able to with some kinds of bit in your mouth. But you may need to communicate with your driver, etc. We suggest body-language to use without breaking role. If you use others, we may adopt them too. Opening and closing your hand, palm towards the driver/owner - "Please, I would like a word." They should, as convenient, dismount, lead you to a quiet corner, come head to head and have a whisper, that nobody else can hear. Use if eg. the bridle is pinching, you desperately need a drink, etc. Deliberately touching your knees together, means, "Please, I would like to go to the loo, soon." They should then choose a break, lead you off, helping if your harness does not allow you to do it all yourself. (Unless you can do there and then, as a real pony would, and it is agreed beforehand that you should.)

A wise handler will ensure their pony has ample opportunity unasked. Going as flat to the floor as possible means, "Stop the game, I cannot go on." If a pony does this their driver/owner/trainer and everyone else in sight, should come head to head with them, find out what is wrong and do whatever is necessary. Even releasing you completely if that is what you ask for. Others are needed as in the heat of the moment some riders may try to bully their pony beyond this point, which we cannot allow. Not to be used lightly, of course.

OTHERS

An Owner is a pony's permanent partner. Sponsors are friends who help get the kit together. A Trainer is a third party who takes responsibility to help prepare. Grooms help, with no leading role. All are Handlers. Singleton would-be ponies and drivers should try and pair-up, to borrow or hire a sulky and tack at events. Spectators should please remember they are there by permission, no event is run wholly for their benefit. So please be patient and help out if possible. Please look after your pony. Ensure they have enough to eat, drink, get to the loo, to smoke in private if you must let them. Adjust the harness, bridle, bit, etc. for maximum comfort, so long as it works.

The owner may discipline their pony and only their own pony, by appropriate means. A crop, whip, stable cane is OK. Best used as a signal in themselves or as a means of emphasising signals given eg via the reins &/or voice. They may delegate this right. (A wise owner will find out in advance, to whom they may assign that privilege!) . Causing lasting marks, permanent injury or bleeding is not acceptable. If they happen first aid must be rendered, promptly. Deliberate cruelty is not part of our scene - see comments earlier! Cracking the whip in the air above or behind the pony can be as effective for this purpose and more dramatic and entertaining for the spectators!

PONYWEAR

HOOVES

Indoors or on good grass bare feet, plimsolls, trainers, ankle, tap dance shoes, calf or thigh-boots are OK. No stilettos on dance floors! Ankle cuffs help support the ankles. Outdoors, trainers, cuban heels, running spikes, walking-boot type soles or even horse-shoes are better. See The Tack Rack for the ultimate - Hoof Boots!

BRIDLE & BIT

The simplest bit is just a length of cord about 5 mm square. A strap between the rings around the back of the head and reins to the rings that is all you need. More complex styles can be more comfortable and allow easier control. Showy styles using eg. real pony bits, blinkers, ostrich-feather plumes are even better!

HARNESS

As with the bridle and bit there is no standard style. Most harness we have seen involve a wide belt around the waist, with attachment points at each side of the waist, but the style varies with the cart, etc. Some have an upper-body harness to distribute the weight carried, (not much with a well-designed cart), onto the shoulders. Some go between the legs, (a crupper strap or straps) to eg. prevent a belt riding up, accentuate the buttocks, etc.

DRESS

None demanded, though in some places ponyboy colts may have to keep their private parts covered, unless the OK is given otherwise. It can look better, and is always legal! Mares and colts may sport a basque, etc., to help display their figures to best advantage. A pony may wear a G-string or fringe in front, if their owner so chooses. It is expected that the breasts and buttocks of most ponies will be on display. A pony tail in the appropriate place is a nice touch. Otherwise nothing needed, anything is allowed. Consult the organisers if you have doubts or queries. A leotard or unitard (leotard with legs) in lycra or even rubber is very popular.

HANDS

Most chariots allow for wrist restraint, to prevent a pony meddling. Whether wrist cuffs or mitts are used is up to the handler.

KNEE PADS

If ponies stumble, their knees may bang or scrape on the floor. So knee pads as for real ponies, elastic or self-adhesive bandage available for real horses may be used.

CLOAK OR BLANKET

Except in the warmest weather, a cloak or blanket over the pony's shoulders may be needed to keep them warm, after exercise or whilst waiting around, so bring one just in case. Also useful if your pony comes, or leaves, harnessed-up!

CARTS, etc.

There is no standard or proper style, though such may develop. Experience may lead to certain designs being adopted for indoor events, others for outdoors, etc. See TOPE II or III, etc. for sketches, etc. Anything to which a pony can be harnessed, which they can pull is fine for now. To protect everyone involved and the decor of venues, etc. we must ask that all protrusions from the vehicle, eg. shaft-ends, wheel nuts, etc. be protected.

*****

Letters

Dear Guy, I have been interested in human pony training/carting for more than 30 years and did not think it could be practically done. .. I think the scene encapsulates all the best in bondage, etc. . To actually see an event, I would feel rich beyond my dreams! GL - Well it is practical & you can play too!

***

Dear Guy, I am convinced that many of the horsy ladies I meet around here would be interested in this, but how exactly can you broach the subject? DB - I suggest, "I hear of groups racing human ponies & they have lots of volunteers". If they change the subject or mutter "filthy perverts", best drop the subject! But if they turn & ask, "where, who, etc.?" You have struck lucky! It is not easy, but it can be worth it!

***

Dear Guy, I would very much like to be a ladys colt. The only problem is severe nervous shyness. My time is not unlimited, but I will give as much energy and time as possible. RF - There are many like you, & few ladies seeking ponies. They are unlikely to have kit, or want to bother with any too shy or rarely available!

***

Dear Guy, My wife and I plan to visit the UK later this year. We are fascinated by pony training and would like to watch and participate. My wife is very willing but untrained! WC - We would be glad to see you! Thanks for the $, it helps, we are running on a very frayed shoestring!

***

Dear Guy, All my life I have fantasized about being a pony, wearing a heavy leather harness and pulling a carriage. .. Would it be possible to become a ponyboy and come to one of your events and finder an owner. I am 35 still quite fit. DH - Come on in & join the fun, but its up to you to pair up. Would-be lady owners exist, but they will be in a buyers market, able to pick & choose!

***

Dear Guy, Both my wife & I are interested, but too shy to take part at this stage PF - There will be lots like you, so we try to give you the info. & a chance to take it at your own pace!

***

Dear Guy, I am keen to be trained as a pony boy, if I find a strict master, who wants a boy to pull his buggy naked in harness and train me to obey his instructions with a whip. DEB - Not my orientation, but there is plenty of room for that variation too!

***

Dear Guy, I am interested in carriage racing, chariot racing & show jump, as a pony. SC - I had not thought show jump possible until a pony proved me wrong! But I do not think we will do a Grand National for a while!

***

Dear Guy, [it seems ponies are] first trained with hands holding the cart handles, freely or secured & when they have got used to this then some trainers get them to pull with hands secured behind their back. Ponies who can do this are to be congratulated. Also, many of the ponies wear some form of clothing, others who run naked except for harness & bridle, loving the feel of fresh air against their skin as an arousing agent. Whatever, I have the greatest admiration of them for doing what they feel is natural and enjoyable. DC - Amen! Further stages are for the pony to run bent over, with the back nearly horizontal, as GORD, or on all-fours (not hands & knees) as I am trying. (See TOPE 3.) The rider gets a much better view of the road ahead as well! A well-trained pony may be able to run as fast on the flat like this & exert more traction up hills.

***

Dear Guy, My previous long time ponygirl and I parted this Summer, but I have recently formed a new relationship. So I am going to have the long process of convincing another as yet unaware lady of her pony potential. DB - The voice of experience! Its not just hitch-n-go, it takes a long time & work for the mutual trust needed for ponies to feel able to commit themselves. Those who have put in the effort deserve our congratulations, whichever end of the reins they are!

***

Dear Guy, I am fascinated by pony girls/boys & puppy girls. I would very much like to receive newsletters, fiction, pictures showing women bridled & bitted, in riding gear (I love those tall riding boots) and women wearing muddy wellies [?] MB - I think you have found your source!

***

How to help yourself & us too! Join us, come to events, use the ads to meet friends & the network we need to make the scene a success. First join The Other Pony Club. Then meet Sir Guy, at the Fetish Market or elsewhere. If you want to try out the pony scene in private, this can be arranged, but there is some cost. (However for photogenic ponies we may waive both this & any modelling fees!) We want to hear from anyone who writes, illustrates, sends photos, makes tack or carts, can work here in the office or offer mutual publicity. We hope any other scene groups, mags, etc. will include us in listings, mention our services to members, or perhaps even do a feature on us.

*****

DRAFT PROGRAMME

(For the sort of big event we would really like to put on, as a sample)

TRAINING

Enough practice can be had in 10-15 min, a trainer takes you to a practise area away, make mistakes in private!

DOG SHOW

Walk at heel, obstacles, obey commands as instructed by the judges.

CAVALCADE

Carts & ponies to go round the site.

PONY TURNOUT

Ponies led on leading rein, circled on the lunge, driven by long reining.

RACING

Sulky needed. Race in heats, 2 at a time. Rests between each sets of heats, as other event staged. 2 laps for heat, final 3.

APPLE BOBBING

Ponies led by grooms using their reins, no sulkies. Pony picks apple from water bucket.

DRESSAGE

Display for well-schooled pony. Driver & sulky, or with rider.

TENT PEGGING

Drivers pop balloons with a lance, on a high speed circuit. A fun event.

FRUIT COCKTAIL

Pick a fruit from each beer barrel. Winner is first to present judge with one of each.

TEAM RACING

If possible we will have a race between teams of ponies, either pairs or four in hand.

RIDING PONIES

If possible we will have a demonstration of ponies being ridden, on all fours or two.

PAPER-CHASE

Final event of the evening, to be carried out after the final of the racing.

NOTES
DECENCY - Please ensure your dog, colt or gelding keeps their private parts private, unless the organisers indicate that total exposure is appropriate!
TIMING - See blackboard by stewards for up to date information.
PARTNERS - Stewards will try to help ponies meet grooms, dogs and handlers, etc.
TACK - For loan, but its your job to ensure you have all you need and it goes back promptly.
WINNERS PERK - Race-winning pony may pick any entrant or spectator as pony for a victory lap or two, as may the winning driver. Very bad manners to refuse!
MANNERS - Bad manners to molest pony or dog!. Gropers may have to be a pony for the winners victory lap. You have been warned!
CARE OF PONIES and DOGS - Handlers must ensure their charge has water, loo, etc. .
WHIPS - Over-enthusiastic use of the whip may be penalised.
LIABILITY FOR ACCIDENT OR INJURY - Gymkhana organisers disclaim liability for any accident or injury howsoever caused. All activities are undertaken at your own risk.

The Other Pony Club

(Now part of The Tawsingham Society)

See our other pony media.