Cantering on a pessoa! ??

[SunshineTallulah]

Hi all!

I have been using my Pessoa (John Whitaker version) for about 6 weeks now twice a week in the long and low position.

The lad works really well in it and already my ridden work has improved so much and I can only put it down to the Pessoa helping him develop his topline and strengthen his back, by engaging his butt!!

The trot work he produces on the pessoa is good, though I find he does not always track up, so need to push him on to do so. The trot work when ridden is staying more consistent and round and secure and working from behind, however he is a monkey and ducks behind the bridle, so more leg needed.

My ridden canter work is coming, slowly, but getting there. Its his worse pace. He tends to lock and evade and escape through the outside shoulder, but with some better riding from me, this is improving, however the elusive self carriage in this pace does elude us, and I am wondering if the Pessoa can help me.

My questions are:

1) As recommended, I have been using the system on the first setting for 6 weeks, so should I keep him working long and low (setting 1) or change the fittings to the next up? I have only been trotting him in it.

2) Do you/would you canter on the pessoa?

3) If so, should it be down long and low or on the next setting up?

4) Also if moving to the next setting, I would then build up the trot work fr 6 weeks again and then start cantering on it?

What do you think?

I'd be hugely grateful for any tips/experiences.

 

[Ferdinase514]

I can only tell you what i do!!

I have it on the middle setting and use it in all paces. Has def improved Finnus' canter, he is far less tight in the back.

 

[meggull]

I would go to the middle setting as this will be the next level up and will encourage muscel development and balance- I have pasted the 4 stages below and what they do from the internet. Cantering in the Pessoa is fine as long as it is fitted correctly!

The Pessoa has four positions to choose from – the low position is ideal to introduce the horse to the system. The middle position helps the development of the upper neck muscles. The high position is similar to the position of the horse when ridden, developing muscles needed for perfect balance when cantering. The crossed and dressage positions are for riders needing a high neck position for top level dressage.

 

[SunshineTallulah]

Would you suggest trotting on the middle level first for a couple of weeks to build him up gradually ie: for 6 weeks and then start cantering?

 

[wallyevent]

My horse and another at my yard both turn themselves inside out in canter on the pessoa, even though it is fitted fine and they are perfectly happy in trot. Just a warning really, I have lunged many more horses in it without a problem! Obviously doesn't suit some horses.

 

[Pep12]

You will need to put it up to the middle setting for canter work and possibly shorten it up a tad from your long and low position. You will see wen he starts cantering. It definitely helps but if he naturally has a lazy canter or goes hollow in his canter transition then he will probably have a min fit cause it will jab him up the arse. Mine didn't appreciate it to start with but is fine now. Definitely improved his canter work. be careful and only canter for short periods as it is very hard on them, especially in the beginning.

 

[SunshineTallulah]

Thanks Wallyevent!

I will be careful!

 

[Thistle]

Try just putting it up tp the middle setting just for a few minutes each session, having done the initial work long and low, gradually increasing the length of time.

Cantering is fine, just ask for a few strides at first.

 

[SunshineTallulah]

Pep = my lad tends to rush off to hollow to avoid contact, so as you say, it will be interesting.

I will start him off in the new position in trot and get him accustomed to that, and adjust the ropes accordingly and then try a canter..... and wait for the explosion!

How did you react, did you try and send him forwards in the canter? Or stop and start again?

 

[SunshineTallulah]

Thanks Thistle - that is kinda what I was thinking, for the next session, long and low then adjust to middle. Then when that is "normal" for him then try a canter!

 

[Pep12]

I just spoke calmly to him and brought him back to halt and then sent him off into trot again and repeated as necessary. think he was ok by about the 3rd attempt??

 

[SunshineTallulah]

I see I see!

Merci etc!

Much appreciated to everyone who replied.

My horse will thank you for it I am sure!

 

[ccooxxyy]

i was under the understanding that the Pessoa's developed the pessoa lunging aid to help their showjumpers achive the bouncy ,round showjumping canter hence def can be used in canter!! I have used all settings in all paces, the low setting is also pretty good for canterwork as helps them work round and over the back with an engage hind leg. as said before if using the middle setting you would probably want to tighten the contraption up as they can tend to holow out in the canter if too loose! i tend to work on the low setting after a warm up then go onto the next setting but that is personal preferance!
it has really helped my horse build up lots of topline and improve muscle strength over his back and hamstrings.

 

[jess_asterix]

dont worry about cantering in the pessoa on long and low setting.

My boy canters for the first ten minutes as he won't stop and its never damaged him!

 

[SunshineTallulah]

So pleased to hear all the good advice.

A lot of people seem so anti "gadgets" but I figure if it improves the horse then why not!

My back lady also recommended it!

 

[SunshineTallulah]

Today I switched him from the long and low to Setting 2, which is the rings on the side of the girth of the pessoa.

He still worked long and low - is it cos I have shortened the ropes at his butt enough?

On my training aid, its says setting 2 is to help engage the hocks. But I didnt see much engagement, he doesnt track up in trot - in walk he does but not trot.

Any tips?