EquiAmi v Pessoa v JW training aid

[Saxon_Jasmine]

I'm getting a training aid to help my TB ex racer to start working properly. She is 8 and has been out of racing for about 5 months. Her basic flatwork and jumping are established but I'd like her to start coming into an outline as we are starting competing soon (unaffiliated this year and hopefully BE next year). She also needs to develop topline.

The EquiAmi seems good as it has a riding aid and a lunging aid so the horse can be taught to come into an outline on the lunge and whilst being ridden, however this could teach her not to listen to my aids but the training aid instead. The Pessoa is the only one that doesn't attach to the girth, and the John Whitaker one is a cheaper copy of the Pessoa.

Which one to get? I don't want her to be forced into an outline or held there by a training aid and I don't want to use anything harsh as she is un spoilt.

Thank you.

 

[loren]

I use the pessoa, love it andmy horse works really well in it. I have also owned the JW version (trying to save some cash) and the rope wouldn'tstay in place, kept slipping through the keepers until eventually the whole lot just came loose, took it back and paid the extra for the pessoa and have had no problems since.
Is there somebody you could borrow one from to try your horse in, not all of them like them and they aren't cheap of your horse doesn't like it (assuming you haven't tried one of course).

 

[saddlesore]

I have JW one, really like it and no problems! Tried an equiami and horse didn't like it. Despite claims that they cannot lean on it he seemed to manage just fine and alternated between leaning and going like a giraffe lol. Much better in JW.

 

[abercrombie&titch]

I use the pessoa and have found it has really helped, washes and wears well. I found it particularly helpful with my very forward thinking, 'engine at the back end too big' type horse... he was able to slow down and use his ample engine without it continually overtaking the front end!! And we never had a problem in him transferring what he had learnt on the lunge to under saddle, so the fact that it is only suitalbe for lunging in was never a problem for us. Definately recommended by us!!

 

[bitlessbill]

After reading that they can get socked in the mouth with the Pessoa I sold mine and bought the Equi-Ami, which I think is great. I am however easily influenced and believe everything I read so probably not the best person to take advice from!