bucking in pessoa when used for first time

[copperlawwill]

Hi, have got a 4.5 year old ID x, is a poppit to ride, lunges really well, have been long reining him for a couple of weeks too, and although he was wary of that at first, has now gained confidence, and does not mind the lines behind him.
I thought yep we are ready to use the pessoa gently now, put it on him the other evening (front end not done up - just to see if he could cope with the bit behind his bum) and he bucked and bucked (in trot at first, and then even in walk) and his bucks were so powerful, the back end part of the pessoa would eventually come off, so I would stop him, re-position it, and try again. He just was NOT having it. Should I keep trying? Would really like to use it a couple of times a week to build his topline, I am experienced at lunging horses in pessoa's so would be great to get this sorted. Any ideas???

 

[**Vanner**]

It is not an unusual response - the problem is if they learn that is the way to evade it.

I would try again and perhaps just walk and take it off after a short, successful, time.

 

[Abbeygale]

My boy was like that. I stuck with it and he got over it in a couple of short sessions

 

[copperlawwill]

Thats great thank you - will long line him again later, and make a point of flapping the lines around his bum!! Will then attempt some short sessions.........

 

[neeny5]

yeah very common, i know horses now who have had one on for couple of years but are still very erm expressive in the first canter in it

 

[PoppyAnderson]

Mine did exactly the same. They were really violent bucks too - by gum, did she mean it! I actually took another tack (so to speak!). She was a very easy horse to back and accepted everything, so I decided not to persevere, so as not to fall out with her. She got on with all other requests and did everything sweetly and as asked but she truely loathed the pessoa, so I saw little point in having a battle over this one.

 

[brucea]

Horrid, unfair contraption.

 

[MiCsarah]

My boy hated it and wouldn't have it one bit! He goes much better in long lines so would rather do that instead

 

[kirstyl]

It's a really useful and effective device which builds up toppling quickly. My two thoroughbreds I've used it on have been accepting of it and its been really beneficial. I had a tb / wb who went berserk with Pessoa on. He was more established in his flatwork than my other 2 so didn't continue with Pessoa, as much for my safety as anything else!

 

[kirstyl]

Topline not toppling! That'll have all the anti pessoa people up in arms

 

[Tnavas]

That is quite a normal response to having a rope placed behind the quarters - keep at it and you will find he will eventually give up.

TBH I hate Pessoas as the action of the rope has a see sawing effect on the mouth. My mare was broken using one and absolutely hates the contact - I'm now remouthing her and have to hope that I can overide the effect of the passoa.

 

[squirrelc17]

Don't worry too much about the bucking so long as he doesn't damage himself.or u. My 11yr old always bucks until about 20 mins into longing seskion

 

[squirrelc17]

Oops. Session.
Just persevere slowly.
Bet he doesn't mind a fillet string.......

So long as It's not tight infront he will learn he can't evade it.

 

[horsedreams]

just an idea --instead of the pessoa we sometimes use an elasticated tail bandage attached to the roller and the bungee if needed

 

[MyBoyChe]

Ive been using one on my TB since May and he still occasionally has a bit of a jump about when he first goes into trot, I just keep him moving forward and after a couple of circles he settles.

 

[brucea]

Take a prey animal who is naturally claustrophobic, tie it's head down, make it work hard so it can't lift his head even to swallow...

How is that contraption fair? It's just another "shortcut". Has absolutely no place in modern horsemanship.

It's our obsession with this "outline" that is the real problem.

Sorry - seen some horses being really abused by stupid owners with this device, and other cheaper clones.

 

[kirstyl]

Take a prey animal who is naturally claustrophobic, tie it's head down, make it work hard so it can't lift his head even to swallow...

How is that contraption fair? It's just another "shortcut". Has absolutely no place in modern horsemanship.

It's our obsession with this "outline" that is the real problem.

Sorry - seen some horses being really abused by stupid owners with this device, and other cheaper clones.

The Pessoa if used correctly doesn't tie the head down. I generally have it on the longest setting to encourage the horse to be long and low and work through the back, increasing topline. The uneducated horse can still lift his head without restriction. I too, wouldn't condone anyone trying to fix the horse in that position. It is just another method of training and building correct muscle and outline. It isn't suitable for every horse but can work extremely well, particularly for horses with weak toplines.

 

[Pebbles]

Has anyone tried the Kavalcade - much simpler and supposedly kinder and without anything around the quarters but does encourage the horse to work with a lower head carriage?