Equestrian books, while not directly applicable, contain many ideas which can be incorporated into human ponyplay. Books that members of The Stampede! have found to be particulary useful are listed in the appropriate sections below.

Barrel Racing

Horse and rider race around an obstacle course of barrels. They are allowed to touch the barrels but not to knock them over. For our purposes, cones may be substituted and the horse may be of either the 2- or 4-legged variety. Winners are determined by speed and agility.

Cart or Carriage Pulling

Cart and carriage pulling is one of the most strenuous and athletic forms of ponyplay. Cart ponies are hitched to the front of a cart, and made to trot while pulling their owners along in the cart. Depending on the strength and stamina of the pony, the cart ride may last anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour. With the emphasis on stamina and grace, many cart ponies take up jogging and work out in order to provide the best ride possible.

Cavalletti

Cavalletti are a fun exercise for both trainer and pony. A low obstacle is placed on the course, and the trainer then runs parallel to the course, leading the pony up to and over the obstacle. The object of the cavalletti is to gracefully leap over the obstacle. The addition of hobbles and arm binders makes this exercise challenging for even the most athletic of ponies.

Draft or Pack Horse

The draft horse focuses on the physical aspects of ponyplay, simulating a plow horse or working horse. A common play scene for a draft horse is to be hitched to a heavy log or sledge, and driven by their trainer through an obstacle course. Often, the horse will be blindfolded to emphasize their skill in interpreting their trainers' commands. Additional weight is sometimes added to increase the physical challenge of the game. In contrast with the cart and show ponies, most draft and pack horses have very utilitarian tack, preferring to focus on strength and endurance instead of costume and fetish.

Lungeing

A Riding Hint New riders are encouraged to learn their horse's gaits and grow comfortable in the saddle by first riding the horse while it is being lunged.

Lungeing exercises involve a horse connected to a trainer by a long lead rope. Voice commands and light whipping are used to teach new gaits to the horse as it walks around the trainer. Lungeing allows the trainer to concentrate on good form and helps establish a rapport between the horse and trainer.

An excellent resource for lungeing techniques and exercises is Cherry Hill's 101 Longeing & Long Lining Exercises.

Polo/Gaming

Polo is best played atop a 2-legged pony's shoulders. The pony should have well padded shins, and fellow teammates should wear head protection. Initially, it is best to practice your polo swing while off your pony!

The following books provide other gaming suggestions:

Games on Horseback by Betty Bennett-Talbot and Steve Bennet

The Practical Rider's Handbook by Debbie Sly

Race Riding

Race riding offers the best opportunity to experience the full power and speed that a human equine can provide. Simple races such as point-to-point or timed races don't require expensive equipment. More elaborate races can involve obstacle courses, hurdles and jumps. Any of these races can be made more difficult by adding riders or by adding additional team members to perform a relay race. Protective headwear is encouraged!

Show Pony

Dressage and Show Ponies The terms "Show Pony" and "Dressage Pony" are often used interchangably, although dressage requires a rider while a show pony can just focus on costumery. The aim of dressage is to produce a horse who can carry their rider with balance and grace. The show pony, on the otherhand, is focused on exhibitionism and poise.

A show pony focuses on the fetish and costumery aspects of ponyplay. The tack and outfits of the show pony are usually elaborate and colorful. Ponies are often "judged" based on their conformation (i.e., physical characteristics and grooming) and appointments (their tack and costume). Show ponies are often taught dressage-style gaits.

Steeple Chase

Steeple chase involves tackling a course of artificial jumps. Almost every horse or pony can jump but not all have the strength or the skills to do so carrying a rider. Due to the agility and stamina required, steeple chase is a relatively rare form of human equine play. Steeple chase courses are best attempted on your horse's shoulders.

4-legged Riding

Four-legged riding is one of the most widely practiced forms of ponyplay. The pony is placed on their hands and knees, wearing a bit and bridle. The rider then mounts them like a normal horse, sitting either on the hips or lower back. In this position, the four-legged pony can be made to walk, trot, and even rear up at the rider's whim. Four-legged riding is popular because it most closely simulates riding a real horse, and requires little equipment. While riding "bareback" is popular, English-style saddles, stirrups and kneepads are common accessories.

2-legged Riding

Two-legged riding ponies stand upright, carrying their riders either on their shoulders or in specially-designed saddles. Probably the most physically demanding form of ponyplay, two-legged riding requires good leg strength and a strong back to support the rider's weight. Stirrups and reins are essential for a comfortable and safe ride. Upright riding provides the most freedom for the rider, allowing them to take part in mounted games such as steeple chase and polo matches.