Animal roleplay
[citation needed] The origins of animal roleplay and petplay are probably various and diverse, again depending upon the participants involved.
Some of the equipment that can be used in animal roleplay include leash, chain, bit gag, neck collar, bondage harness, catsuit, bodystocking, butt plug, muzzle, ballet boots, etc.
In 1911, Julia Tuell photographed the last Animal Dance ("Massaum") performed by the Northern Cheyenne of Montana.
[citation needed] Some superheroes, heroines, and villains also feature elements related to pet play; such as DC Comics's Wildcat, Batman, Catwoman, the Penguin and Vixen, Marvel's Tigra, Man-Wolf and Black Cat, or even Nastassja Kinski's Irena Gallier in the 1982 film Cat People (a remake of the 1942 Simone Simon film), and Miss Kitty from the Brendan Fraser movie Monkeybone.
To the greater extremes of dressing up as a pony in modified horse tack, masks, prosthetics and temporary bondage based body modification (such as binding the forearms to the upperarms and/or the calves to the thighs).
A couple could inconspicuously role-play a pet play scene in public, which would look to the casual observer like one partner is merely stroking the other's neck.
In some cases, pet play is seen as a loving, quiet cuddling time where there is no need for verbalizations and the simple act of stroking, rubbing and holding the other partner is satisfying or reassuring in and of itself for those involved.
Some feel closer to their animal totem, while others may identify with something akin to a deeper side or part of their own psyche (known as therianthropy).
Though commonly misinterpreted as being associated with furry or other alternative lifestyle activities, that is generally not the case though some instances may exist.
For most participants, it has no connection whatsoever with bestiality, which is controversial and would usually be considered edgeplay in BDSM circles.
In the BDSM scene, people engage in animal roleplay to build stronger emotional connections.
The dom may demand unconditional love and obedience, but they may also train their pet to be more emotionally perceptive and empathic.
Pony play is where at least one of the participants dresses to resemble and assumes the mannerisms and character of an equine animal.
A documentary film Pony Passion was produced by British pony play club De Ferre in 2003 showing their club's activities and the 2005 documentary film, Born in a Barn, depicted the lives of several pony-play enthusiasts.
