Entering

1. Handler leads the pony into the circle area.

2. Handler leashes it to the leashing post at the center (*)

3. Handler sets the leash length and optionally tells the pony which circle to use.

(*) Some bridles have problems getting attached to the leashing post; in such situation, the Handler is allowed to keep holding the leash without tying the leash to the post.

It is also possible to lead more than one pony into the circle area, thus providing another challenge to make the ponies move in sync.

Possible Commands

• 1 whip = orders the pony to the circle.
  Pony walks to the designated circle and stands at attention facing the Handler.
  Enter the "Pony Standby mode"

Handler should tell the pony which circle it must go to. But Handlers can optionally be silent about this and let the pony finds out itself by walking to the end of its leash (which will tug the pony back).

Pony Standby

Pony is standing in its designated circle, not moving.

Possible Commands - if pony is facing Handler.

• 3 whips = orders pony to turn left 90° and face the path of the circle

• 4 whips = orders pony to turn right 90° and face the path of the circle

• 5 whips = orders pony to return to the Handler, and pay the handler respect (bow or at least curtsy), ending the session

Possible Commands - if pony is facing the path of the circle

• 1 whip = orders pony to start walking, keeping itself on the path

• 3 whips = orders pony to turn left 180° and face the path of the circle the other way around

• 4 whips = orders pony to turn right 180° and face the path of the circle the other way around

• 5 whips = orders pony to return to the trainer, and pay the trainer respect (bow or at least curtsy), ending the session

When "5 whips" is issued, Handler is not required to be at the center of the whip circle; they may be standing anywhere within the whip circle area. Wherever the Handler is, that is where the pony must walk to and pay respect.

Pony Walking

Pony is walking around the designated circle, staying on the circle's path

Possible Commands

• 1 whip = orders pony to run

• 2 whips = orders pony to stop and return to "Pony Standby" posture

• 3 whips = orders pony to turn left 180° without stopping and keep walking but in the opposite direction

• 4 whips = orders pony to turn right 180° without stopping and keep walking but in the opposite direction

5-whip commands are to be ignored.

Pony Running

Pony is running around the designated circle, staying on the circle's path

Possible Commands

• 2 whips = orders pony to stop and return to "Pony Standby" posture

• 3 whips = orders pony to turn left 180° without stopping and keep running but in the opposite direction

• 4 whips = orders pony to turn right 180° without stopping and keep running but in the opposite direction

• pull rein/tug rein = orders pony to walk instead of running

5-whip commands are to be ignored.

Not all whip HUDs have "pull rein / tug rein" action. In such situation, the "2 whips" command becomes the "walk" command. Handler must inform the pony beforehand if this is the case.

Session End

After pony has returned to the trainer and pay respect (bowing or at least curtsying), the session has actually ended.

Possible Commands

• 1 whip = starts a new session, and the process as in "Entering" applies

Other commands after Session End is at the discretion of the Handler.

The meaning of whip commands after ending the session -- aside from 1-whip -- is at the discretion of the Handler.