Whip Circle

There are many variants of the whip circle (also known as a Training Circle) in secondlie ponyplay. They are used at pfs for events and training ponies to obey the whip commands used in carting.

The standard pfs whip circle consists of a leash post in the center and two rings. A larger outer ring and a small inner ring connected by four spokes.

Ponies always start lined up clockwise unless overwise instucted. The trainer or groom must indicate which ruleset is to be used before begining the exercise.

When working with multiple ponies it's advised you have them line up on opposite sides to each other. For example first pony at point one, second pony at point three.

Ponies must keep on the path at all times during the exercise and when returning to bow. Never walk on the grass!

Whip Circle (Basic)

Basic ruleset used mostly as introduction. Ponies start lined up clockwise. There is no running in basic and both direction commands are used to turn 180° around in the direction indicated.

Note: Basic is also known as v0.

Whip commands

1. Walk. when in motion ignore (no running)
2. Stop
3. Turn left around, without stopping your movement if you are walking
4. Turn right around, without stopping your movement if you are walking
5. If stopped, back to trainer and bow, otherwise do nothing

• turns are done 180°
• there is no running

Whip Circle V1

PFS ruleset. Start lined up clockwise. Turns are done 180° towards the center of the circle. Always turn towards and never away from the trainer/center of the circle (do not "show your butt").

Whip commands

1. Start walk. When in motion begin running.
2. Stop when walking. When running slow down to walk.
3. Turn clockwise, in case you face already clockwise, ignore command
4. Turn counterclockwise, in case you face already counterclockwise, ignore command
5. If stopped, back to trainer and bow, otherwise do nothing

• you can also see it as a whip circle were you never turn your back towards your trainer
• the ignoring will have you turn always towards the center

Whip Circle V2

Path shows correct direction for 3 cracks

PFS ruleset. Start lined up clockwise. Always walk/run clockwise around the center pole, and only in a loop when changing directions via the 5 command. (See picture to the right.)

Whip commands

1. Start walk. When in motion begin running.
2. Stop when walking. When running slow down to walk.
3. Use the next path the goes left, and go towards the center, walk it clockwise, leave on the opposite side, and keep going in the direction you did before (e.g change side)
4. Use the next path the goes right, and go towards the center, walk it clockwise, leave on the opposite side and keep going in the direction you did before (e.g change side)
5. Use the next path towards the center, loop the center clockwise, and leave it where you came from, then walk the path in the opposite direction than before ( e.g turning )