Am I the only person who doesn't use gadgets...

Ziggy_ said:
I lunge my mare in a chambon.

If I lunge without gadgets, she will run round in a hollow way with her head in the air. In the chambon, she relaxes, stretches down and works through her back nicely.

If any of the 'anti-gadget' brigade can explain to me why I'd be better of lunging without my 'gadget', I would love to hear it. Incidentally, I don't use gadgets when riding because I think, I can get better results as a rider using my body, than a bit of string and a few buckles. But lunging in nothing but a headcollar is a waste of time IMO.
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Lunging is not simply sending a horse in ever decreasing circles, with or without gadgets. Poor lunging will be enhanced by a gadget, but good lunging can get a horse very balanced and responsive from just a headcoller, lunging is as much a skill as schooling a horse under saddle.
 
I don't use any 'gadgets' except for side reins when lungeing.

I know a lot of novice people who use these gadgets and they can do more harm than good if used incorrectly.
 
I think OP's point in this was not to make gadgets out to be the work of the devil, nor that nobody should use them!
I simply think her point was why use gadgets to compensate our weak points on a horse that simply does not need it? Therefore creating a weak and forced working outline/balance/ethic whatever! :)
Horses which respond better to said gadgets eg, pelham, curb, martingale etc etc - fine. I occasionally ride a horse who is in a pelham with a curb chain and double reins and she works beautifully and correctly (according to RI) in that.
Personally, I wouldn't like to use anything on Kelly except her "cheek bits" on her bit :p but that's because I think she'd have strong objections to 'gadgets' and tell me where to get off!
My point in all of this was not "how can people use gadgets, its cruel, unethical and anyone who uses them is obviously a bad rider!" because its simply not true.
There are those of us whose horses benefit from gadgets and those of us whose horses don't. Its just a personal choice between horse and rider.
 
Tinypony said:
Personally, I'm not judging. I just answered the question. I don't use gadgets and am on a quest to have my horse working beautifully and in balance without them, which seems to be going pretty well so far. I'm not preaching or trying to change what anybody else does, because I simply don't care. I do what I want to do and everyone else can do whatever they like (as long as it isn't cruel) as far as I'm concerned.
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I'm with you totally on that one!!!
 
I'm anti-gadget, too many people use them in place of correct riding and good schooling practices.

I'm a snaffle and cavesson noseband type of girl ;)

I think gagdets have their place when reschooling horses but that they should only be used by the very experienced.
 
I'm not anti -gadget - I think soem are useful for the owners to feel confident - but I have seen some of them hideously misused, very unfair on the horse, and can leave them very uncomfortable. I know a horse who got very sore through the back and loins becuase of that damn Pesoa being over-used.

I ride my difficult TBxID in a saddle and a soft rope halter with rope clip on reins. I own a 12, and a 22 foot lead rope. That's it. It's all that is needed.

I ride my cob in a bareback pad because few saddles fit him well, and a similar soft rope halter and reins.

It is sadly the case that some gadgets are there to give the rider the impression of control. Why make the horse uncomfortable simply becuase your riding skills are below par?
 
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