Probably your first acquisition, when it comes to pony play, will the halter and bit. Unfortunately, that is also the area where the majority of beginner mistakes is being made. So let us help you and prevent a lot of disappointment.

First of all, the functionality. As opposed to all other forms of BDSM the halter and bit in pony play are for COMMUNICATION! The main idea is not to shut her up (as in gag her) but to steer, dressage and guide her. This places a set of entirely different specifications on the halter and the bit – many of which are frequently overlooked by commercial producers.

The Halter

There are many different designs. Here we will try and give you some guidelines that will help you to decide.

First of all: the halter should FIT – preferable to perfection. It shouldn’t be uncomfortable, preferably made out of soft leader and with a bit that can easily be disconnected (to allow for feeding and drinking during play and training – both are very important). Hence, never go out to buy the halter alone, but bring your pony and fit it on her before buying it. Make sure there aren’t any annoying rivets and studs. Preferably, the halter should be lined, especially around the mouthpiece.

Try and opt one with multiple options. If the halter allows for detachable eye shields or attachments on top, that is good, since it will make it more versatile.

The Bit

Eventually you will learn to steer and guide your pony through the bit (that is what it is there for), hence the bit requires a lot of attention. Question number one to answer is the size of it. Since the pony eventually will have to learn to respond to even the slightest signal, the bit needs to be comfortable. Large bits don’t work in pony play – smaller in this case is better. You don’t want a constantly drooling pony so the bit must allow her to close her mouth and swallow her saliva. It needs to be broad enough so it touches the corners of the mouth (where much of the steering is done) and sticks out a bit on either side of the jaw so the bridles won’t irritate her cheeks and draw her attention away from the bit itself.

Question number two is the material. Experienced pony owners prefer a stainless steel bit, since it is likely to be in her mouth regularly and for longer periods of time, that is simply more hygienic. Plus, it doesn’t wear out and since ponies get used – and eventually very attached – to their bits you want one that will last for a long time. A rubber bit isn’t a bad choice, it simply won’t last as long as a steel one. Since it is IN the mouth opt for stainless steel only, not some cheap coated variety.

One piece or two piece? A two-piece bit has a flexible joint in the middle (that is the type real horses use). Again experienced owners prefer this one, since it allows for more subtle guidance. The solid one-piece bit is more suitable for novice ponies, since it will quickly teach her to listen and respond to the bridles.

One aspect you will really need to look into is the way, the bit is attached to the halter. Most commercial designers do this with one large metal ring. This is USELESS for any actual steering. There will need to be steering-spoons (see picture above) on the rings. The bridles will be connected to these spoons (or paddles) and the bit will move independently from the halter. You NEED this for any successful attempt to steer and guide your pony by means of the bit.

The other thing is that these paddles will make the bit a lot more comfortable for the pony. Whenever signaling the owner, by pulling the bridles, it will not pull the bit into the corner of the mouth (as happens with all poorly designed bits and halters), which is painful and irritating. Instead, the paddle will make sure that the bit moves backwards and downwards at the same time, giving a signal to the lower jaw instead of the sensitive and easily irritated corner of the mouth.

A few more words about the halter. Many novice owners make the mistake of thinking of the halter as a head harness (i.e. something the pony cannot take off). It isn’t a harness, it is a means of communication and expression. A pony usually will have no intention to remove the halter (instead she may very well start to feel naked and vulnerable without it). Hence it should be very comfortable, easy to wear and something she will fall in love with. It is the most personal item any pony can have. Make sure it is comfortable, easy to use, doesn’t deform her face (nothing is worse than the infamous “bit grin”) and something that she falls in love with.

All articles are provided for informational or entertainment purposes only. We are NOT responsible for any injures or other results that participating or partaking in such activities might cause. Everything you read on this page is based on the personal opinion of the author and does not always reflect those of the owners and / or staff of Wasteland. If you try anything found in this article, you do so at your OWN risk!

Always remember! SAFETY FIRST! and please use common sense.

The above article is a reprint from our information/educational site Kink Culture.
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Copyright © Hans Meyer