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!

A Whip Circle

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. Start Walking. When in motion ignore (No running.)
2. Stop.
3. Turn left around, without stopping your movement.
4. Turn right around, without stopping your movement.
5. When stopped, return to the trainer and bow. When in motion ignore.

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 (Clockwise)

1. Start walking. When in motion begin running.
2. Stop when walking, when running slow down to walk.
3. Ignored. (do not "show your butt").
4. Turn around 180° clockwise, without stopping your movement when walking.
5. When stopped, return to the trainer and bow. When running, ignore it.

Whip commands (Anti-Clockwise)

1. Start walking. When in motion begin running.
2. Stop when walking, when running slow down to walk.
3. Turn around 180° anti-clockwise, without stopping your movement when walking.
4. Ignored. (do not "show your butt").
5. When stopped, return to the trainer and bow. When running, ignore it.

Whip Circle V2

Correct direction for 3 whip 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 (Clockwise)

1. Start walking. When in motion begin running.
2. Stop when walking, when running slow down to walk.
3. Ignored.
4. Turn right taking the next path towards the center of the circle and exit on the opposite side, continue clockwise. (Do not loop it!)
5. Turn right taking the next path towards the center of the circle, loop around the center and exit the way you came in and head anti-clockwise. (change direction) When stopped, return to the trainer and bow.

Whip commands (Anti-Clockwise)

1. Start walking. When in motion begin running.
2. Stop when walking, when running slow down to walk.
3. Turn left taking the next path towards the center of the circle and exit on the opposite side, continue anti-clockwise. (Do not loop it!)
4. Ignored.
5. Turn left taking the next path towards the center of the circle, loop around the center and exit the way you came in and head clockwise. (change direction) When stopped, return to the trainer and bow.