How to Make a Pony - Custom work

Some ideas to consider before you buy off the rack

From Water Hole

In designing your pony tack, there are many things to consider. One is your theme, meaning the colors and style of the tack. It should all look like it came from the same place. Next is where will you be using the tack? Scene events only, or the privacy of your own company? Many places require "Street Legal" scene wear. One last thing to consider is what type of pony are you going to be, or combination of styles. A pony does not have to be just one kind of pony, Buck for instance is a two legged saddle pony and a cart pony. Yours could be cart and show or all three of these any anything else that the two of you want to be. SpellBound is also a Cart pony and shoulder riding pony and every so often all fours riding as well. Her tack was designed just for her with the colors and theme she loves. One thing with pony play is that it has the freedom of doing what feels natural. So now you done some thinking and have come up with an idea, but you want to see how it will work out. First, put on a thong and possibly a bra for fillies. This will represent the parts that need to be covered for most events. Leave off areas you wish.

Then get your self some ½" rope and design your harness for looks. Stand back and look at the design. A lot of tack out there looks hot with the complexity of it all. If this is the look you like fine. However, many times, too much is just that, too much.

Below is what was done to design Buck's tack. We took into consideration he does many shows in very public areas so all private parts are covered. However, his trainer likes certain parts accessible when she desires. In addition, she likes the harness to control all parts of him when she wants without having to change tack. Therefore, we designed a modular system for Buck. First, we started with the snap on jock this unit can be used by itself or as a base to build from. First with a 1" wide belt to hold it up. You can see the snap on cover so all parts are available, also there is internal restraint system to hold them parts in proper position and cause as much frustration as the trainer desires. The side shows it only covers what is necessary, and back view shows where the tail can be attached. In addition, the back can be dropped down to access also. You may notice some pins sticking out these are so that part can be locked on. All buckles are lockable as well. This helps the pony be more dependant toward his trainer, which in turn makes him easier to train.

Next is the wide waist belt. This was designed as a weight lifters belt to help his back when carrying some one in the saddle also the rings on the side is where the cart mounts so he does not have to hang on with his hands and can use his whole body in pulling the cart. Buck's theme is all black with red stitching, highlights and hexagon studs. The two sets of rings let's him use a variety of cart designs. Other than the basic features for pulling the cart and protecting the back, the rest is just for looks. This belt replaces the 1" wide one the same jock snaps onto this unit the same way and can be locked. In addition, by the jock snapping right to the belt, you avoid any skin getting pinched between the two pieces. This is something to take into consideration on any part of the tack. Ponies do a lot of moving around and physical work they need balance and flexibility to perform properly.

Other variations are like the one that SpellBound Pony wears. Looks real good on pony girls almost like a corset and has rings for cart pulling and tieing off the pony.

For cart pulling or for just show buck has a war pony looking chest piece. This also snaps on to the waist belt. Again, this was done only for looks, it has no practical use. Or decorative chest pieces like Spellbounds that was hand carved along with hand carved shoulder straps to fit in with her Irish look The collar, ponies usually do not wear a collar. Buck likes them so we designed one to match his outfit. This is also garment lined with rolled edges like most of his tack. This makes it smoother on the skin, easier for long-term wear, and cleans up. Ponies sweat a lot and the easier things are to clean the easier it stays looking like new. SpellBound's collar is same construction but only forest green suede with garment lining and rolled edges and a simple locking pin in the back so it always has to be locked.

The halter or bridle for human ponies they are basically the same. For the physical work Buck does, we used an open face design with snap on ears for looks and snap on blinders that can close as a blindfold. Ponies train a lot easier when they cannot see; they have to listen to the trainer totally with out question when they cannot see where they are going. The bit is attached with a snap so the halter does not have to come off to feed or water the pony. A gag can also attach when the trainer needs it to help enforce the rule ponies do not talk human. SpellBound's halter is the same except with green stiching and a special medalion she provided.

The wrist gauntlets, When we designed Buck's tack and he wore it we found the arms were quite bear. They needed something. When we tried regular cuffs, it was not enough. When we tried traditional gauntlets, his hands went numb very fast as the shape of his arms made a cone shape that kept sliding down and pressing on the wrist enough to make them numb in less than ten minutes. Therefore, what we came up with looks like a gauntlet on the out side of the arm where every one sees it but on the inside is a 3" wrist cuff. There were no more problems. Lots of Dee rings on them to assist the trainer in immobilizing his arms in what ever manner she finds necessary to assist in the ponies training and behavior. SpellBound has hoof mitts to match her hoof boots with lots of fringe and a real horse shoe. Also there are hoofmitts with the same hoof design as the rear hooves we make.

Rear hooves all have same structure but can have the look that each pony and or trainer is looking for. Bucks are standard hooves with black garment leather on a wood hoof . how they go on is like this step one, step two, step three, step four, step five, step six, step seven. SpellBounds hooves is different color of her choice with lots of fringe.