Pony Style: Bridal Pony

No that's not a typo : I do mean bridal, not bridle.

I have long considered how I would want my wedding, should I ever get married in SL.

And last month my girlfriend proposed to me. Happily, I said yes.

That got me back around to thinking about how I would plan a wedding, and naturally, a ponygirl procession is one of my considerations.

After all, who wouldn't enjoy arriving in a ponygirl-drawn carriage for their wedding?

So I went through my pony tack to see how such a bridal procession ponygirl might look.

For this, I used the MB Ultimate hooves, and selected white texture for the boot, black for the straps.

The harness is the Morbid Play bikini harness in white leather. The tail is also from Morbid : braided with 4 bows.

The Evo bridle in white leather to match the harness and Real Restraints arm binder in white leather texture.

The hair is Harem Girl Short from Goldie Locks, in russet red.

A team of 4 similarly outfitted ponygirls would add a touch of elegance to any wedding procession.

Freebie Pony Tack

I was standing around at Susan's Capture and Trap store, minding my own business when some green text popped up and my inventory had a new entry in the RLV folder.

It turns out the dreaded Goblin that haunts Susan's store had decided to pick on me as it's next victim, and had generously given me a gift folder to wear.

Ok, so it's not like I really had a choice, but you get the idea.

The folder contained the Open Collar pony bridle and hooves - free. Also in the pack was a sound and basic emoting HUD and I have to confess, I thought it was rather nice.

Fully customizable, RLV compatible, and not unattractive once you had played with the settings a little.

And all this for free. Well, being the victim of the goblin at least.

The only thing missing from the pack was a tail.

So, if you are looking for a cheap starter tack, use RLV and don't mind being rather patient while hoping the goblin picks on you, give Susan's a visit.

Be warned though, the goblin gives out other surprises, and not all of them are pleasant - and most have nothing to do with ponyplay!

You have been warned!

(Tip - If the goblin is ignoring you, try walking over him, or saying his name a few times - that often gets his attention)

Pony Places : Euro Pony Stables

Doing my usual search of SL places listed, I found one named Euro Pony Stables. Coming from the UK, I thought it might suit my time zone, and took a closer look.

On first impressions, this sim is full of promise, and as a new build, is still currently being worked on. But it is huge!

Occupying what appears to be at least a full sim, perhaps more, the land boasts a pony club, as well as its own mall. The mall is not reserved exclusively for pony vendors.

In the north-west corner is the Euro Pony Club : a barn with stalls around the edges, and a mini steeple course on the inside - perfect for bad weather training.

To the south, just in front of the landing area, are a pony bath and a walker, and heading east takes you to the main areas.

Up a grassy hill (leave the heels at home ladies) and through an archway finds another pony walker and a cart race track.

Veering southeast of the track and onto a path you encounter the first "pony tour" stop - a bus stop for a pony cart. Not a totally new idea, but one I like anyway.

Going along the cobbled pathways takes you past a barn equipped with grooming, breeding and even a grinding mill, all tailored for the pony (from Unbridled)

At the end of that path, as you encounter a turn, below you lies a steeple set on both sides of a small lake. Venturing East now and up the hill to the essential pony training features.

Steeple, slalom, barrel racing and of course a dressage field. exploring further takes you into a small outdoor store area, including an open collar vendor and a small freebie section.

And lastly, the entrance to the mall, one side of the entrance is for ponies, the other for humans, with tour stops inside. Shopping from a cart? Great idea!

Overall, this is a promising sim, early in development. I will be keeping a close eye on it, and exploring again soon.

My only concern is that all the vendors and mall might make it seem more a commercial venture than a labour of love. Though with the cost of running a sim, it is a necessary evil for many.

Definitely worth a look if you are trying to find somewhere new.

The SLURL : http://slurl.com/secondlife/Planet%20One/20/145/25

3Ponies HUD

I received a HUD to test from guaka Nozaki, found at Alikat Stables, which incorporates an AO, sound and basic emote all in one simple HUD.

This has been available for some time, but has recently been updated, and whilst I would have to admit that the product is not as polished as some, it shows that ponies are creative.

The AO included in the HUD for the pony walk is a fairly clean, and typical walk, and includes both a jump and pre-jump animation for jumping the steeple.

The animations are functional, but may have you searching for other animations to add. This hud uses the largely familiar Zhao AO so adding animations is a walk in the paddock.

This also means you can personalize the HUD if you feel this is necessary.

For the record, I have tried my hand at animations, and it is almost impossible to do unless you have a natural gift for it.

So I admire anyone that can have a go and succeed without leaving limbs looking as though they are disjointed or broken. Well done Guaka.

The emotes and sounds are as expected : the usual array of whinnies, snorts and yes - even a stomp, and include looking around, and caressing your owner.

The HUD is laid out in a circle, with the emotes laid out as spokes from the centre, and clicking between the spokes brings up your typical Gorean submissive poses.

Whilst this HUD may not be essential purchasing, it shows what a determined pony is prepared to do to add more depth to pony play.

Let's hope more ponies decide to do the same.

Vocally Challenged?

A designer of pony items has requested some help from the pony community to aid with a product in development.

A female with a microphone is required to provide "voice-over" sounds on a product in development.

Anyone interested in lending a voice to this project, please drop me a notecard in world, or leave a message here - making sure to include your SL name so that someone can get back to you.

I would also like to remind any of you designers or builders that if you have a product you would like featured here in the pony section, please contact myself, Jaydana Thorne - this is especially important if the product is no transfer.

I got news of a new HUD and had planned to give it my once over this week, however, as the item was no transfer and had been sent to Deirdre, I was unable to do so.

Maybe next week?

---

Anyone looking for a cheap Anthro pony avatar should take a peek at slave for bondage

Heading East up the gangway on landing, and then turning South (left) at the Prim Optic Vendor, follow the wooden path and on your right, just before you enter the meadow, is a pile of boxes containing these wonderful, if entry level quality, anthro pony avatars.

These are great particularly for those unsure about spending potentially huge amounts of money on something only to discover it is not for you.

While cheap, these avatars are cute, cheerful and fun, and while there, why not explore the rest of the Slave for Bondage sim too?

Gothic Pony

I was asked what tack I would use to arrange for a pony, suitable for a gothic owner.

After some consideration, I decided on what I felt to be a rather suitable arrangement and thought I would share this with you all.

The skin is from Apex, and is the Rihanna Skin 1 variation. which is found in the KC Fashions Main-store

Hair is Solaire style in black from SW - The store name is So What, however the landmark I have is now out of date, some hunting has thus far not provided me with a location.

Harness is the Morbid Play bikini harness, with red leather texture used, as are the hooves and bridle set.

The tail is from Mesmerize Dungeon.

This is the set I would use for a gothic ponygirl if it was me choosing, though obviously, tastes may vary.

Anyway, I hope you like the gothic pony arrangement, and if you have any other ideas for a "pony style" let me know, and I'll see what I can do.

That's all this week from "Pony Makeovers", stay tuned for the next instalment.

Pony Places: Morbid Play

If you still have not been here, and are looking for tack, either new or as an upgrade, then where have you been?

For a long time, there were really only 2 scripted bridles that most pony stables recommended, CCP and KDC.

And a few short years ago, along came the Morbid Play brand, which very quickly established itself as the bridle of choice for many.

And building on the success of the bridle, along came hooves, tails, harnesses. All prim, and many of them scripted too.

The textures are all original, and look great.

You can't help but admire the attention to details that has gone into some of the prim work.

My only gripe is that you might struggle to get some items to fit perfectly, because most of them are prim based.

Be very careful when modifying your items to fit, as they are not copyable.

That said, patience and some prim tweaking will have the pony looking wonderful in her new tack, and the bridle is very cleverly scripted.

Keep in mind that the high prim count might affect performance as a pony in race or timed events.

One of the starter pony kits, which includes the fantastic Evo pony bridle, a chain and leather strap prim harness, the strap hoof set which includes AO and sound HUD and an interactive tail will cost about L$2608 at the time of writing.

It might not be cheap but the amount of work gone into the prims alone makes this understandable, and is worth it if you are serious about your tack.

The store also includes other BDSM and fetish items too, just in case you wondered.

The SLURL : http://slurl.com/secondlife/Blue%20Spirit/185/78/27

Pony Places: KDC Store

What self-respecting pony play feature and fetish blog could go without mentioning KDC?

Kyrah Design Concept has been making latex and fetish wear in SL since 2004!

I would be lying if I didn't confess to having quite a few KDC items in my own inventory.

On visiting the store, you will find a pretty impressive selection, ranging from full hooded latex catsuits, to arm binders, gags and strait jackets.

But we are mostly interested in pony tack!

And yes, there is certainly an impressive selection to choose from there.

First is the bridle: a start kit which includes a bit or a head harness with blindfold.

Then a number of separate bits to choose from to supplement your bridle.

Whilst the KDC range is now a little dated, my favorite feature is that you can add separately available blinker hud sets.

Attach the mesh blinker kit, and the pony sees through a thin mesh eye screen, perfect to keep the flies or grit and dust out of the pony's eyes while running track.

Or the racing blinker kit which gives the pony only a narrow view straight ahead.

Or carriage blinkers which afford a slightly wider field of vision for the pony, but ensure the pony is paying attention only to where she is going.

And then you have the difficult task of choosing hooves.

You will also find show pony cuffs, which keep forearms held up by clipping the cuffs to cuffs on the biceps.

A great place to shop to look for something new or different to include in your pony play - and well worth a visit - and be sure to check out the rest of the store too!

The SLURL : http://slurl.com/secondlife/dead%20realm/149/168/597

Pony Places: Pony Pony Store

If you ever find yourself unsure as to what cart to get, or looking for some pony accessory, you could definitely do with a visit to Pony Pony : the store so good they named it twice!

Lots of accessories, addons, enhancements for your pony play to choose from, and at a price that doesn't result in you having to sell your soul to the devil to get it.

Items in store range from a cowbell for those that prefer cowgirls to ponygirls, through the array of collars, cuffs and tails, to tails and sunglasses and lots in between.

The biggest attraction through for me, is the variety of pony carts.

From a simple sulky, to a sleigh, chariot to off-road buggies and carriages. But that is not all the options.

Do you want the cart to be pulled by one pony, or 2? Is there just a driver, or a passenger too?

You might find it hard to settle on just one cart. I spent a few days deliberating on which cart to get, and still have not managed to decide.

But you also have a pony shed, a full size barn and even a nursing hay-bale (you simply have to see it to appreciate that one).

Also in store is an assortment of bondage frames, St Andrews crosses, gallows and yes, even virtual bubble wrap! (Don't ask.)

So, if you have not yet found this store, go check it out. I'll bet you find something you could find a use for while there.

The SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Desperation%20South/64/209/25

Ponies on the Web

This week, I decided to share a website I found a while ago and from which I read a story or two whenever the chance presents itself.

There are not many free sites on the Internet which offer a selection of decent reading material, to inspire plots for adventures within SL, but I have found some that might.

I'm sure some of you may already be aware of Gromet's Plaza, but if not - here is the URL : http://www.grometsplaza.net/main.html

The site offers a variety of fetish themes like self-bondage, latex, doll play and others, so there is sure to be something for you all to read.

And just recently in fact, Gromet extended the selection to include ponygirl stories. There are not many yet, so if you fancy yourself as a mini author, why not submit your story?

Maybe illustrate the story using photos from SL?

Either way, there's literally a library's worth of stories; some better written than others, but, surely there is something to spark some feelings inside most of us.

And if ponygirls are not your thing, then there are plenty to satisfy your other fetishes too.

Some of the latex stories I found to be a most excellent read.

Just make sure to browse inside SL, else you might find yourself too engrossed in your story to see what is happening to your avatar.

Pony Place: AE Ranch

One of the first thing I noticed when rezzing into this sim, is the notice board right in front of you, one of the notices is upcoming events, with one being held 31st July.

Yes that's right - a pony area that holds events. How cool is that?

This must be a fairly new place, as I have not until very recently encountered it before. Good to see new places still popping up.

At first glance, we find the usual arrangements expected on a pony sim or stable, including sets of stalls in a barn.

One novel feature : the stalls are behind a prison-style caged area.

Outside the barn, next to the notice board, is the dressage field, and right next to that is the slalom track. Next to the slalom track is a steeple course.

This is a small area of land, so everything is packed close together, but it doesn't feel cramped. With luck, and enough traffic, things may expand over time.

Next to the steeple track, squeezed in between it and the barn, are a couple of pony walkers. You have to admire the effort to provide everything for the pony in such a small space.

Use the notice board to teleport up to the track where a cart rezzer is provided. But beware, this track has a slalom feature, so it's not all plain easy running.

The track is rather lengthy considering the small amount of space in which it sits.

It's great to see new places pop up for ponies, so, go and visit, support the community and let's see if there are not more area's opening, rather than closing!

The SLURL : http://slurl.com/secondlife/Treefoot/48/165/1002

If Only...

Last week I understand I missed out on a pony parade at Sarah's Island Pony and Puppy Community which is a shame, as I understand it was quite a procession.

And that got me thinking. Yes, it did hurt!

What else would I like to see come into ponyplay, if I were able to make it? I'm not suggesting I can, as my creative skills do not stretch that far.

But if someone who can make these things were to see what we want, it might bring about some fantastic new products.

So, what would you ask for? I would love to see more saddles for ponies. One that lets the pony jump in saddle would be awesome.

I would also love a hud that I can put my copyable carts into - and rez on demand. It saves so much time having to find the carts in a large inventory, I can't help but wish I had something to aid in that area.

Yes, I know it is probably a really simple script that needs adding, but I'm just not any good at scripting. And maybe have it so someone else can rez carts too if you are all tacked up, as a pony, surely the trainer or your owner would be in command of the carts?

Pony events too - more with fewer in attendance to reduce lag? More publicity in the fetish sims for ponyplay? TV coverage and magazine features? Why not?

So, over to you now - what would you want to see made? You never know - maybe someone can do it and is just needing some inspiration to go about creating it.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

One of the most often overlooked things when getting your pony tack, is how the pony is going to wear their hair or mane.

After all, not many ponies are able to weave their mane into an elegant french twist, while wearing hooves or arm binders.

A pony will obviously want her vision to be clear, so long fringes are probably not desired. Similarly, leaving long hair loose and wild could get tangled in tack or a cart.

So just what hair is best?

Some would say no hair is best - and opt for a latex hooded catsuit.

Permanent pony owners might decide to shave the pony's head, leaving a mohawk for a mane.

Many others seem to adopt a variation on the classic pony tail style.

Perhaps for a show event, the pony tail might be one worn up. Or for a more casual working pony, a relaxed pony tail.

Keep in mind that scripts and prim count in flexi hair can also add to lag if you are trying to get a record time on slalom.

Opt for a latex hood and minimal tack if it's fractions of seconds you are trying to save.

And bring on the carefully groomed ponytail mane for the show events - there is no reason a pony shouldn't look a million bucks too.

So next time you wear your tack, or tack your pony up, give some thought to the mane - it is as important a part of the pony's tack as their bridle, and some thought should be spared for it.

Hybridz - Latex Pony Girl

If you want the total latex enclosure look while still retaining the pony-girl tack, then you really should take a look at the Latex Pony Girl set from Hybridz.

Available with a wonderfully textured black latex skin which leaves only the eyes uncovered, with visible zipper detail down the spine and a choice of 3 brands or plain latex with no brand.

The foot hooves are dangerous looking, yet manage to cover the feet, and resemble hooves in a convincing way. A collar and belt also add to the overall outfit.

A small tail where you would expect to see one in matching black almost finishes the set, but of course, the head is not complete without a bridle? Right?

Wrong - at least in this case. Total enclosure, remember?

The Hybridz set also includes in my opinion a beautifully made mask that gives the pony a real horse-like head, complete with built in bridle.

Add an owner to the mask and they have control of the usual Hybridz RLV features, including lock/unlock to lock all the pony prim parts on, gag/un-gag which obviously prevents the pony from talking in public, block TP/unblock TP to keep your pony in one sim, and breathe on/off to turn breathing sound effects and breath mist on or off.

In addition, there is also an Isolate feature - which turns on restrictions to prevent the pony interacting in SL - build, edit and inventory etc.

The hooves also include Lockguard scripts, and lovely pony hoof sound effect when walking.

So, if you are looking for a latex pony-girl set - or even a fine looking pony mask, you really should take a look at Hybridz, it might just be what you are seeking.

Name : HybridZ
Owner : Fyre Furse & Natalie Serapis
The SLURL :
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tasmania/64/234/23

Pony AO - Netsui Kigyo

I occasionally get asked which Animation Override (AO) I would recommend. Short answer is there isn't one. I cycle between three different AO's depending on my mood and tack choice.

It also helps if you can find the AO's in your inventory easy enough. I already mentioned a few weeks ago one of my favorites, and from the comments, I am not alone there.

One of my other personal favorites and long standing one at that, is the Netsui Kigyo Pony AO. I have had mine a number of years, so forgive me if the newer ones are a little different.

This AO comes in a tiny prim which when worn is hidden inside the body. The AO itself includes 10 separate animations. 5 custom stands, a ground sit, 2 walks and my absolute favorite, a nice looking pre jump and jump animation.

The AO hud is modifiable, so you can take the animations and add them to other AOs you have, or put the whole AO set into some other prim item such as your hooves.

This AO has been around for ages and still comes highly recommended - and I feel it is well worth looking at when deciding on your AO.

You can of course turn the AO off using a spoken command on a pre set channel, just in case a cart animation causes some interference.

All the animations are smooth and polished, and I still have not seen the jump animation done so well yet. I would buy it just for the jump animations.

If you have not already visited Netsui Kigyo's store - then why not? There are plenty of things to look at, and pose stands so you can see the animations for yourself.

Having met with the delightful owner of Netsui, Misao Nakamura, she assures me that the pony AO is on her list of things to be updated, however a busy schedule means there is nothing set in the way of a time line for it.

Check back often to see what else she has in store!

The SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Netsui/197/210/21

Pony Places - Wild Ponygirl Island and Stable

On first landing here, you will be presented with some steps down which take you into the mall. Perfect placement to catch those impulse buyers like me!

A spacious mall, well-stocked to satisfy most looking to upgrade tack or supplies, or indulge in something a little less pony-oriented, as not all items here are purely ponyplay.

Leaving the mall and heading back up the steps you will pass under a double arched bridge which takes you out to a large field.

Across from the field you will find the mainstore to Morbid Play. Check out their store while you are here as they stock some fine tack!

At the left of Morbid's entrance, a bridge brings you to a campfire, and a social area with game tables. Beyond it, a jetty with relaxing sofas and a hot tub.

There is a lot to explore around the landing zone of this stable which shares the sim with the main store of Morbid Play, and lots of distractions even before you get into the stable proper. Be ready to do a lot of walking if you don't bring a pony and cart !

Teleporting up to the stable proper (dragging myself away from the distractions on the landing area) sees the sim set out with the same level of thought and variety as the landing area.

If you have not already been to visit this stable, then this weekend is your perfect chance as they are holding pony events from 7.00am friday 18th June for the weekend.

1. Steeple run ON top of the new mall
2. Slalom on training platform #1 ....rez the basic training course to get the slalom to appear, just click the picture of the basic training course.
3. The Original Cart Race on platform #2 .... rez it also to get it appear.....just click the picture of the cart race.

Cash prizes are on offer to winning ponies, so if you needed an excuse to get over there - you have it now!

This weekend should be a good weekend to explore, relax or compete - and get away from those annoying vuvuzelas at the World Cup!

The SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Blue%20Spirit/119/104/25

Bugshit Latex - Latex Catsuits

You have your pony tack but need a catsuit for the sake of modesty, and you're on a tight budget?

It happens, and if you missed Deirdre's post in March, then you need to pay Bugshit a visit, now!

A typical catsuit costs just L$100 and comes on all layers, in zipped closed, plain with no zippers or fully open zipped breasts and crotch varieties. That's a lot of choice for a small price.

The catsuits come in all the colours in the rainbow and a few more as well, opaque or sheer.

But this is also a store that sells one of the rarest fetish sets I have encountered so far.

A while back, I mentioned fox hunting as a pony activity in SL.

Well, you can get your very own latex fox outfit from Bugshit, complete with tail and muzzle/mask, for the same low price of L$100. And yes, I did get one myself.

So, anyone interested in fox hunting now?

The SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Soobit/196/235/31

VvB Stiletto Heels - Equestrix Platform Riding Boots V3

Following on from the recent spate of updated VvB branded shoes and boots, the updated riding boots have, yes you guessed it, been improved.

I was surprised as I didn't really feel that these boots could be improved on further, after all, the Version 2 boots were in my opinion, superb.

I rushed out to buy the version 2 set as soon as I learned of them, and was not disappointed. So when I got wind of the updated version, I was there right away.

Viktoria has worked wonders, improving the boots in subtle ways that might not be immediately apparent, but the overall look is simply stunning.

If you want a pair of riding boots that make you look elegant, definitely have a Dominant air to them, then you should kick yourself for not considering these.

The textures are simply remarkable, the 9 inch heels, platform soles, and ankle spurs are beautifully rendered, and the boot shafts hug the calves perfectly.

Add to that the fact that the spurs are re colour-able at the touch of a button, as well as a built in AO and heel click, and you have a pair of boots perfect for wearing while out with your pony.

In fact, it would really be a crime to get these boots muddy at the farm, and let's not forget, the heels would sink into the grass. These boots are to wear, not walk in.

Unless you have a slave who enjoys a little boot worship. In which case, these will keep you both happy, and when worn with your jodhpurs, create the perfect classic English riding style with that fetish flavour.

Still reading this? Why are you not at VvB buying the boots yet? Go on, get over there and get yourself a pair. You won't regret it!

Netsui Kigyo - Pony Bed

Here is another really nice product I bought ages ago, yet have never really used. And that is often a crying shame as the products are wonderful.

It's just I am often so unfocused. So it's a joy to stumble across something while "cleaning my inventory". And this is one such item.

Your pony has a stall, but the texture hay doesn't look very comfortable - and you don't want your prized pony getting cramps in the middle of a cart race?

This bed of hay fits the bill perfectly.

Comfortable and with 3 sleeping pony poses, guaranteed to make your pony look cute while they sleep.

The bed also features a water trough and a feed box which can be rezzed on demand, ensuring your pony remains comfortable and well fed and watered whilst in their stall.

The bed is a reasonably priced L$250, and without the water or hay feeds rezzed, weighs in at just 1 prim.

So why not go visit Netsui Kigyo at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Netsui/197/210/21 and check it out and treat your pony - or yourself.

While there, also check the rest of the store out if you haven't yet been. Lots of interesting, and plenty fun, items there - well worth a visit.

Pony AO from Grinning Moose

I found this pony AO a long time ago and fell for it instantly. The animations are smooth and imaginative, with a high stepping gait for the walk.

What I love most about this AO though is when you stand still. Or rather, that you don't.

The AO includes several standing animations which include slightly wobbly pose - you try to keep perfectly still and balanced while wearing hooves.

The pony shifts weight from one hoof to the other, constantly moving slightly to maintain balance.

Add to that a little hip wiggle which will cause any prim tail to swish, add to this a lovely little mane preening mane flip.

These all add up to give a realistic feeling behaviour AO.

But my favorite animation is again when standing still a while, the pony stomps each hood in turn a few times, shifting weight while leaning forwards, rearing up for a wonderful head toss.

My only criticism of this AO is it has no jump or pre-jump animation, which would have completed the AO to a wonderful effect.

Though having said this, my version is about 2 years old and it may have been updated.

I am having teleporting trouble at the moment, so I can't get to the store to check if this has been updated, but I recall the price was more than generous for the authentic animations included.

Check it out - pose stands were set out at the store to test the animations before buying.

The SLURL :
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Eventide%20East/120/77/37