I'd like to thanks Alicia of Alikat for doing an interview with me, and here is the notecard with her responses. As I said before, I will attempt a monthly spotlight with various and any members of the pony play community in SL. Our first interview was with Button, and I hope to get more. I still do have a list of people interested, and I will get to you.
- Evangeline Eldritch
How did you get started in pony play in Second life, and I know that you possess experience with pony girls and boys in real life as well, how did you get started there, and how long has this been a part of your life?
My RL experience with ponies dates back to about 20 years ago. I found myself working as a Domme who was approached by a crossdresser wishing to enter bondage, but not necessarily being tied up and bound. I dressed her as a pony and fast found a new fascination as she entered a deep sense ponyspace. I continued to add pony experience throught my years working in the lifestyle until I met two fabulous ponygirls with whom I still shoot occasional pony scenes and give pony demonstrations.
One of those ponies brought me to SL to see what she was exploring through SL. I realized soon it wasn't the life for her, and thought I could add my experience to the community. My pony has since left SL, but I hope that through the AK, we continue to offera view of BDSM and pony play for those interested to explore.
How did you get the idea for starting Alikat Stables, and how long have you been in operation? Also could you tell us about your vision and idea for the stable, and how it continues to grow? Is the stable a public or private facility?
AliKat stables was started with the idea of offering a place of friendship, communication and focused ponyplay. Too often I found pony play to be about "looking pretty", "you've been bad, and must be whipped or caged" or "dress like a pony and be tied up/have sex" in SL. I have never believed that to be what ponyplay was about (though admittedly it is my vision, and play can involve those things...just not exclusively.) So the best solution I could come up with was to offer my own vision of pony play. For over 2.5 years now, we have offered our brand of pony play: Friendship, trust, and communication. I hope to continue this philosophy, and continue to innovate the training process much as I do in RL.
We have come a long way from that 8192 sq m island to now span 5 island sims, 18 full time ponies and over 60 boarded ponies; public facilities for training, discussions, play or just socializing. Most importantly, we talk about our goals, and pony play is allowed to evolve to adapt to the needs of each and every pony. We hope to have developed a system that is applicable to any pony's desires and vision of their pony life. I have assembled a staff I cannot be more proud of or trusting to care for the ponies under the stable's collar.
What do you look for ponies and trainers and anyone else interested in joining Alikat Stables, and what types of activities does the Stable do? If anyone were interested in joining the stable, what should they do and what is looked for?
Above all they must share my philosophy of pony play. They must be patient, dedicated, believe that whipping a pony for punishment is the fault of the trainer, not the pony. We operate on the positive re-inforcement system, shaping ponies to be their best...sometimes that is more than a quiet passive sub. I have always belived that subs and ponies are different, forgive the pun, beasts.
Joining us is easy. Let us know, and then be yourself. If it is right, then the AK won't feel like a place to be, but a home. That is my desire...to make a home for like minded ponies and trainers to have an enjoyable time.
What kind of activities do you hold at Alikat and how often?
We try to have one to two competition style events each week as RL allows. MOre and more often we have discussions with guest speakers to expand everyone's knowledge of BDSM and to give those who wish a forum to ask questions and give perspectives to others. Above all we try to be social. No one is turned away as long as they are respectful of others.
Any advice out there for anyone new to pony play and even old alike? In the sense of owner, trainer, groom, or pony or any role really?
Patience. There is no need to rush into things. A collar is precious beyond all. It should mean here what it means in RL. A committment on both sides. A contract of understanding, trust and patience. Make sure you are comfortable...when that happens you'll be able to let go and truly search yourself.
What would you like to say to everyone out there in the pony play community in SL?
This is a wonderful and diverse community that I am proud to be part of. I want to thank everyone for their contributions and support. The outreach shown by most stables is breath taking considering the most we see of each other is a digital image and a few words. We are all exquisite as a whole.
Where do you see pony play growing and continuing in the future?
It is hard to say. With talented scripters and builders pony play seems to only become more realistic with each passing day. I feel it has strayed away from the trust and bond between trainer and pony sometimes. It is my hope this swings back the other way and the beauty of ponies becomes more personal again.
How have you brought your RL experience into pony training in SL, and also your year of experience with training horses? Has that influenced you at all in training pony girls and boys?
I've trained dressage ponies and jumping horses as far backs as I can remember. My time with training horses with the native americans however is where i draw the most influence from. I firmly believe in befrending a pony more than breaking them; in observing them to learn about them before attempting to insert myself into their lives. Every pony is unique and special...and every pony is as devious as the horses they emulate. I cherish every personality i'm gifted the chance to discover.
As you look back over the time passing in pony play in SL, such as tack and gear, what you changes have you seen since beginning?
Have you found any differences from training ponies in SL as opposed to RL, and could you tell us some of the differences from that, and perhaps how SL can add to the experience or how it differs?
What do you see as the strong points of pony play in SL and the weak points, and any advice?
IN RL i love looking at the pony's body language and getting a feel for their state of being. I also miss the chance to just scratch a mane or a soft pat on the flanks. Not to mention I miss the latex and leather smell.
Could you describe for us your training technique if you don't mind or perhaps your philosophy about it?
Successive approximations...small steps leading to big actions. We reward a pony for moving in the right direction just as much as we do for the correct behavior. We develop trust, often interacting without training for weeks developing a bond between trainer and pony. We also spend so much of our time just talking and feeling out what the pony is really after in their life style. Above all communication is key to what we are after. Its not our pony life...its theirs. I try not to let my trainers visions of a pony become what they train.
What's your favorite activity of the pony activities in SL?
I am partial to water work, but I enjoy the grooming most. It is the most intimate pony moment in my opinion; truly demonstrating the care and worth placed on a pony. Its my chance to give back to them all they give to me when pulling a cart or working on their steps on the trainers.
Any suggestions or advice for what could be improved in pony play in SL or see more of? Anything that you see to be improved upon?
There is a lack of ponyplay in the community at times. And I am not excluding the AK from that statetment. I hope in the future we can have more group activities that mimic those in RL. More pony play training activities and less competition and beauty contests. Again I am just as guilty of falling into that trap and start the finger pointed at myself. I'll start by challenging me and my staff to take that first step.
Please tell us any words you have or would like to say and I thank you for taking out of your time to do an interview for the SLPC and the blog.
We are an amazing group, both D and s; ponies and trainer. Thank you all again for what you've given to this community and to the AK and its staff. We wouldn't be where we are without everyone in this group/community.
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