Chapter 1: Exploring a New Side of Myself

When Kelly first came into this story, she was merely a teen who babysat for Sara Stanton. As the years passed the two quickly became friends. When Kelly was twenty-two, she went through a bad breakup. The emotional turmoil was nearly more than Kelly could handle and her life was on a path of self-destruction.

It was at her lowest point that her friend Sara intervened and took Kelly into her home. Sara knew that she could only hide her secret lifestyle from Kelly now that they shared the same house. It would only be a matter of time before one of Sara’s daughters let it slip that Sara and her family had a secret ponygirl lifestyle.

Shortly after moving in, Sara decided to share her secret lifestyle with Kelly in the hope that it would be what Kelly needed to repair her shattered heart. Intrigued by Sara’s secret lifestyle Kelly agreed, with reservations, to attend an event called a ‘munch.’

To ease Kelly into the lifestyle as an observer she chose to bring Kelly to a family-friendly munch. There were males and females, adults and teens, all dressed in skimpy clothing wearing harnesses and boots that resembled hooves.

Kelly learned that Sara and her daughters only participated on weekends due to Sara’s job in the finance industry and her daughters’ school. Daisy, 16, was the oldest of Sara’s two daughters. Chrissy, 13, was the youngest. Each girl enjoyed dressing up as a pony and participating in the family games.

Daisy Stanton, AKA Butterscotch, 16, 5’ 5”, 34C, Blonde hair with blue eyes, is a cheerleader and straight ‘A’ student in her junior year of high school. If things stay as they are she stands to graduate as valedictorian. She has yet to decide on college and just wants to spend time with her cheer friends and indulge in her hobby of being a ponygirl.

Chrissy, AKA Applejack, 13, 4’ 9”, 30A, Red hair with green eyes and freckles on her nose. Like her sister she is athletic and chose to pursue track and gymnastics. Chrissy is quite flexible and with her strong, athletic body, even though it is child-sized, can perform with the best of them at the weekend family-oriented munches.

It has been several months since Kelly was first introduced to the community and has made several friends with both ponies and trainers. Today, Sara was wearing a black sports bra and biking shorts. Over that, she was wearing her usual harness and bridle with the hoof boots on her feet.

Kelly, having shown more than a passing interest, shyly greeted Tara, Sara’s handler this weekend. Kelly’s familiarity with Tara put her at ease so she allowed herself to be receptive when Tara approached her after lunch. Kelly noticed that her friend Sara, AKA Sunbeam, was led by Tara as she approached Kelly.

As the three of them stood off to the side of the munch, Tara spoke, “Kelly, for the last few months you have accompanied Sara to these events. I noticed you watching, not just your friend but all of the others as well. Sara was kind enough to provide your measurements and paid for a custom set of harnesses and boots for you. Would you be willing to try them on and spend the afternoon learning what it’s like to be a pony? It would help you understand your friend’s mindset when she’s here.”

Kelly’s heart pounded at the thought. Her usual fears of judgment and exposure battled with her curiosity and the growing need to explore this part of herself. Kelly looked at Sara, who was standing behind Tara wearing her gear, a lead hanging from her bridle, the other end in Tara’s right hand. Sara gave a quick nod of her head telling Kelly it was okay to accept Tara’s offer. Looking back at Tara Kelly felt, amongst her fear, a small timid bit of courage rise within her. “I ... I’ll try it,” she stammered, “but just for today.”

Mistress Tara smiled, a glint of approval in her eyes. “Let’s start with something simple then,” she said as she led Kelly to the nearby stables. Kelly’s usual attire of jeans and a graphic t-shirt gave way to the special outfit she had not planned to reveal so soon. Her undergarments, adorned with glittery stars, seemed almost prophetic at the moment. As Tara carefully fit the harness over Kelly’s shoulders, she remarked, “These stars on your undies ... how about ‘Stardust’ for your pony name? It suits you.” Kelly blushed but nodded, the name resonating with a part of her that wanted to be seen and acknowledged. The fear was still there, but it was overshadowed by the warmth of acceptance and the thrill of new experiences.

As Kelly stood there, the harness snug around her, she felt a transformative pull—like stepping through a doorway to a place where she could be free, playful, and wholly herself. This was the beginning of Kelly’s journey as Stardust, a path that promised liberation and perhaps, in time, something more.

Mistress Tara noted Kelly’s stiffness as she continued to gently position the harness around her body. “It’s okay to be nervous,” Tara reassured her, her voice steady and soothing. “Just breathe with me, slowly.” She demonstrated a deep, calming breath, encouraging Kelly to mimic her. With each strap adjusted, Tara made sure to maintain eye contact, offering a comforting smile that eased Kelly’s tension bit by bit.

“Good, that’s perfect,” Tara said as she checked the fit of the harness, making sure it was snug but not too tight. The leather felt foreign against Kelly’s skin, its weight a constant reminder of the step she was taking. Tara’s hands were firm yet careful as they moved over the buckles, her expertise evident in each precise adjustment.

“Now for the bridle,” Tara announced, her tone still gentle but with an undercurrent of firmness that reminded Kelly this was part of the experience. She held up the piece, letting Kelly inspect it. “This goes around your head, like so, and this bit,” she pointed to the small silicone-covered metal piece, “rests in your mouth. Even though it is new, it’s been cleaned and sterilized, I promise.” Kelly nodded, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and excitement. As Tara lifted the bridle, Kelly instinctively turned her head away, a subtle retreat. Tara paused, her expression softening. “I know this is new, and it can feel overwhelming.” She said, reaching out to gently turn Kelly’s face back toward her. “You’re doing incredibly well. If it becomes too much, we can stop. You set the pace here.”

Encouraged by Tara’s reassurance and the safety in her words, Kelly allowed herself to be guided, opening her mouth for the bit. The silicone-covered metal settled between her teeth; the sensation strange but not unpleasant. Tara fastened the bridle carefully adjusting it to ensure it wasn’t pinching or too loose.

“Almost there,” Tara whispered, as she stepped back to asses Kelly. Seeing Kelly’s arms instinctively crossing over her chest, Tara gently guided them down to her sides. “Let’s keep your arms at your sides, like this,” she instructed, placing them so they wouldn’t interfere with the straps of the harness. “This is how you’ll need to hold them. It helps with the posture, see?”

Kelly felt exposed standing there in her star-spangled underwear yet strangely secure as Tara finalized the adjustments. The ensemble was complete, and Kelly stood transformed in the mirror that Tara pointed her toward. The sight was startling—she hardly recognized the woman staring back at her. Her usual guarded self, hidden behind everyday clothes and shy demeanor, was now clad in leather and metal, the persona of Stardust reflected back at her with an unexpected spark of boldness.