Pony Girls

I guess I can understand why a pony handler might get off on this play. But what's in it for the pony?

I might better refer the response to this question to a friend who enjoyed ponyplay vis-a-vis the role of the pony -- but let me handle it myself a bit. In general the pony is the bottom/submissive in the roleplay, so it plays into the fantasies of surrender many submissives harbor; taking up the role of an "animal" the "rights" that you have as a person are gone (interesting aside - I have taught a lit class on ethics and animal rights; one of the major issues there is as non-speaking subjects, animals are easily objectified). Hence the bottom's fantasies of humiliation, objectification and exhibition can be fulfilled. There are plenty of subs who are "pleasers" and a well-trained pony getting encouragement and positive reinforcement from her Master is also an aspect of Pony Play. That positive reinforcement can be verbal or physical - if the Pony pleases, she might be rewarded after by erogenous stimulation. And depending on the bondage/outfit utilized by the Pony, constant physical stimulation can be a part of Pony Play.

oh. I get it now so it's like roleplay? But I've seen pictures of people doing this in public and everything so it's public roleplay? I've heard there are even pony competitions. How does that work? That goes way beyond roleplay to me.

It is, indeed, a form of roleplay, and it can be public or pivate. At its most elaborate, the costumes are very extensive and yes, I have heard of Pony Play being very public and showy (in BDSM events). Competitions might be graded as show-pones, where experienced "judges" would grade on form and aesthetics. Cart-pulling competitions are self-explanatory. I have not been THAT involved in Pony Play roleplay to experience cmpetitions firsthand. It is a very lively and passionate subset of the lifestyle.