Pony Play Myths Examined

There are a few myths, or perhaps better classified as misconceptions, that seem to resurface from time to time. While most of them are fairly innocuous (e.g. number 4 below), some can discourage potential ponies from trying an acitvity that appeals to them, or even worse, discourage them from trying pony play at all.

1. I'm the only one who's interested in being transformed into a horse
   Okay, if you're reading this, you know you're not the only one, but often enough you might feel that way and have probably felt pessimistic about ever finding like minded individuals. I felt that way too for a long time, now I have coffee once a month with 30 other people who like that exact same thing - and those are just the ones in my area who are able to make it out to munches. I won't make the leap that pony play is mainstream, but it's a lot more common (as a fantasy at the very least) than I ever would have believed when I first realized that I enjoyed wearing horse tack while imagining that I was being forcibly worked like a horse for my trainer's pleasure.
2. Pony Play is Expensive
   While there is ample opportunity to spend your hard earned dollars on bridles, harnesses, and tails designed with the human pony in mind, you can just as easily build up a respectable tack chest by using and adapting equipment made for bio-horses. In fact, there's a lot you can do with rope alone.
3. Pony Boots are Only for Photo Shoots
   Those hot looking heel-less extreme boots can be used during an active scene. Yes, it is possible to walk, trot, and even canter in them. I have done it. Others have done it. It can be done. Heck, I even know a pony who pulls a cart wearing Punitive hoof boots. Obviously you have to be more careful, and there is a greater risk of injury, but if you're willing to accept the increased risk of injury and put in the time to practice balancing and working in the boots, you can use them for more than a 10 minute photo shoot.
4. Aristotle Loved Being Ridden Like a Horse
   I must admit that I would have loved for this one to be true, but alas this is based upon a fictional 13th century tale, which took on a life of its own. In fact, the 13th century tale, Lai d'Aristote, is itself based on the even older "King Joy and Secretary Splendor" of the Indian Panchatantra. That being said, this is one of those times that I agree with the mantra, "never let the truth get in the way of a good story."
5. Pony Play Requires a Large Time Committment
   This is definitely not always the case. Certainly if you're part of a team that needs to practice coordinated movements, or if you're keen to compete in many shows throughout the year, more time will be required to perfect your routine. However, many ponies and trainers play solely for the fun of it, in which case playing a couple times a year, or even less, is perfectly acceptable.
6. You Need a Lot of Space to Do Pony Play
   Sure, there are more options for sessions in large spaces (however, this is true for pretty much any type of BDSM scene), but there are plenty of training options for sessions indoors and in small spaces: hand walks, vet play, grooming, all fours riding, etc. You (or your pony) can also practice all the gaits while standing in place (just like running in place).
7. I Have to be Part of a Herd
   Of course not. Playing in private is just as fun as playing as part of a herd. The dynamics involved with private, one-on-one play are different from that of group play, and each environment offers a unique experience. Preferring one over the other is perfectly acceptable, as is enjoying each for what it offers.
8. There is a High Barrier of Entry into Pony Play (Knowledge, Time Committment, Cost)
   This is sort of a combination of numbers 2 and 5 on this list. Understandably, pony play can be intimidating. There is a lot of gear available. Complicated movements and routines do exist. Not everyone has experience with bio-horses, making emulating their behavior difficult. However, pony play can be as simple or intricate as you want it be. Just like rope bondage, you get to determine if the scene will be a simple wrist binding or an elaborate tie.
9. There is a Right (or Wrong) Way to Play
   This is the biggest myth of them all. There's no wrong way to play! This is a recurring theme in my posts, I know, but I don't think I can ever overstate this. It took me quite a few years before this nugget of information trickled down from intellectual knowledge to become actual knowledge. Don't let anyone tell you how to play (including me - my site is really just me telling you what I like to do; you most certainly don't have to incorporate anything I say, and the very last thing I would want is to discourage someone from trying pony play because they don't like the way I describe something). Life's short enough as it is without someone telling you what you need to do to have fun. Nine times out of ten, you'll know what you like far better than anyone else. Trust yourself, and pony the way you want.
10. I'm a male [female], so I have to be a ponyboy [ponygirl]
    Completely untrue. You can be a male but still be a ponygirl during play (and vice versa). You can identify as ponyboy or ponygirl regardless of the gender you identify with (if any) outside of pony play. Trust me, you're not alone; there are many other male-identified humans who want to be transformed into ponygirls and female-identified humans who want to be ponyboys.
11. I'm too old to start pony training
    No, you're not. There is no age limit, and if you don't start now, in 10 years you're going to kick yourself and say "I wish I tried pony play 10 years ago because now I'm really too old to start." You're never too old. If it piques your interest, try it.
12. I'm 7'1" [4'11"] so I have to be a Shire [Falabella miniature] horse
    Your height and weight don't restrict you to any breed or type of horse. You can identify with any type of horse - real or mythical - that you like. Heck, I have a 16.3 hh Hanoverian bio-horse who, as far as I can tell, seems to believe she's a lap dog.

The bottom line is that you can put as little or as much time into playing as you like and still have fun, and odds are that regardless of how you like to play, you'll be able to find others who enjoy it as much as you do.