How Do I Join Frilly Filly Farm?

The first thing you’ll want to do is spend some time visiting. While you’re there, pick up a copy of the Frilly Filly Farm Handbook, or look in the Documents section of this site. Make sure you read it, and understand it. From there, if you still wish to join the farm group, you can look for a Senior Trainer or a Stable Master/Mistress. They’ll talk with you a bit and learn a bit more about you, and answer your questions to be sure FFF is a good fit. Assuming that goes well, they’ll add you to the FFF group, and help you get started. If you have an owner, though, you’ll need permission (in writing!) to join the group and be trained by FFF staff.

Where do I get a Handbook?

There are at least two places to get the handbook, in addition to looking in Documents, here. In the Meeting House you will find a Handbook sign. The other is in the back of the barn, near the trophy display. You can also ask any Trainer, Senior Trainer, Stable Mistress or Stable Master for a copy of it.

What if I just want to try it out, but not spend a lot of money yet?

We have free tack at the barn for members. You can also get different pieces or a set from the Marketplace (try this one: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Open-Play-Pony/708128) for free or low cost.

Where do I buy tack?

There are a number of vendors of pony gear in the Tack Shop next door to the Farm (right across the road from the barn) in Oreanji. You can also find a wide selection of suitable tack on the SL Marketplace. Tack for ponyboys is woefully limited, but ask if you see a pony wearing tack that you like; most ponies have no problem telling you where they got their look!

Do I have to have an owner to be an FFF pony?

No! You are welcome to join as an unowned pony. While it can be a little lonely joining as an unowned pony, the herd is quite friendly and you’ll likely make friends in no time. You can also ask for a Mentor to help you get started.

If you do have an owner, they can join as a Pony Friend and train with you, so they’ll know the commands as well, especially those for carting.

What is there to do on the Farm?

There are many things to do at FFF. One of the popular activities is Pony Polo. There are over a hundred different event courses for steeplechase, barrels, and slaloms you can do if you’re of a competitive mindset. There are several dressage fields as well, for those who like the grace and precision required for that. FFF offers a Thoroughbred Program, which teaches different aspects of ponyplay and helps ponies prepare for competitions. There are classes on Roleplay, RLV usage, and various skills. There are seasonal parties, as well as annual events and tournaments.

Can I train at FFF even if I’m not a member?

Yes, you can. If you want to train on any of the courses in the rezzers at the Stadium, you’ll need to ask FFF staff (Trainer, ST, SM) to rez the course for you. We also ask that if a staff member asks you to stop working a particular course because they need it to train a FFF pony, you do so immediately and without argument. Often our trainers are on a tight schedule.

Can I live at FFF?

Yes. Once you become a member, you are allowed to claim a stall. Wear your group tag, and find an empty stall you’d like to have, and touch the sign. Follow the directions to “rent” the stall (it doesn’t cost anything). You can spend 25 Land Impact to decorate your stall.

Where can I get an owner (or a pony)?

This is one of the hardest questions to answer. Finding the sort of chemistry that makes a good owner/pony relationship is almost exactly like finding a romantic partner–and just as difficult in SL. Frilly Filly Farm doesn’t generally do any matchmaking. Still, across the road at Happy Trails, there is a message board intended for ponies, owners, and trainers to find one another. There may also be other similar boards in other locations.

I keep hearing about/seeing warnings about Quick Jump. What is that?

Quickjump is a setting in Second Life that allows you to turn off certain animations in order to move more quickly. These are the pre- and post-jump animations that are present in almost all AOs. Using quickjump, or turning off these animations, is considered cheating. The problem is, they’re sometimes turned off by default, or they may not exist in some AOs. Most modern pony AOs do have them. You can learn more by talking with a trainer or other staff, or by watching the video, “Quick Jump. What, Why, How“