Masks and Hoods in Ponyplay


Pony Play Tack: Horse & Pony Hoods

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An example of a horse head mask made by Fury Fantasy

A superbly detailed horse head mask. Photo by Fury Fantasy (used with permission)

When I think bondage hood, I think a tight leather (or rubber) hood laced snugly over my head. Whereas I think of a mask as more loose fitting and typically worn for its external appearence rather than for the sensation provided to me, the wearer. I'm sure some people would disagree with my definitions, so let's keep this little definition between us and just use it for the purpose of this article? Great, thanks!

Anyway, both masks and hoods provide a degree of sensory restriction and most will restrict (or at least give the wearer the feeling of restricted) breathing as well. In ponyplay, masks also (typically) serve the purpose of making the pony's head look like a horse's head. Indeed, some masks (e.g. those made by Fury Fantasy) are quite realistic, and a bio-horse bridle can be fitted on the mask for that final touch of realism.

Some bridles have attachments for "muzzles" or other partial face masks which cover the nose and mouth and provide a more equine shaped nose and face. While these do not provide the same appearence as the full face pony masks, they do provide a nice look and also add a degree of bondage and can provide the sensation of restricted breathing without really restricing breathing to a great degree.

JG Leathers pony bridle with detachable muzzle that partially covers the face

JG Leathers bridle with detachable front "muzzle". Photo by cpony.com

One example of this style is the JG Leathers pony bridle and face mask (image at right). I've used this bridle and face mask on quite a few occasions and can attest to the fact that while wearing the face mask, even without any exertion, the air heats up within the mask fairly rapidly and makes me feel very restricted. The closer fitting the mask, the more the feeling of restriction.

Thus for more extended ponyplay scenes, or scenes in which the pony will be exerting itself, it might be more appropriate to use a looser fitting mask. A tight fitting hood is thus likely not appropriate for anything except a photo shoot or a casual indoor scene (depending on your play preference - if you like breathplay then exertion with some breathing restriction might be appropriate, but do be sure you and your play partner are aware of, and consent to, all the risks involved and well versed in safety).

I've put together (and continue to update) a list of where to buy horse head masks if you are looking to buy one. You can also make your own, and there are even patterns available for purchase (here and here) you can use to assemble your own hood from leather (or PVC, EVA foam, or cardboard if you don't want to use leather).

Another photo of a horse head mask by Fury Fantasy - the blinders are a great touch

A horse head mask permits an unmodified bio-horse bridle with blinders to be worn by the pony. Photo by Fury Fantasy (used with permission)