John Whitaker Training System / Pessoa - Questions!

[SunshineTallulah]

Hi All,

Well I have invested in a JW system, only used in three times.

The first time, horse was long and low consistently, however the last couple of times on the right rein his long and low moments are fewer and far between. He is going much better than he would on a straight forward lunge but just not as well as the first time. The first time was a lent JW system so no doubt the rope lengths are different.

My question is do I give him a couple more sessions on it as it is as the moment for him to settle in and get used to it? Or has he figured out a way to evade going long and low? Though he does go "properly" for a short while and then he brings his poll up again.

I dont want to start shortening the ropes to draw him in as that would do more harm than good and its still early days.

I warm him up with the back end on, and I walk and trot him round, then after a few mins I attach the bit and girth sections then allow him to walk round to work in further, then eventually pick up trot.

We are only doing trot for the moment and I am not even thinking about canter.

I know its hard to imagine without footage.

Does anyone have any experience / advice?

 

[dianchi]

would suggestion that shortening it might be a start.
V tricky to comment without pics.
Any chance of the person you borrowed it from to watch and give pointers?

 

[pinktiger]

is this a young unbacked horse?? if so would stay as your are make everything a simple and as 'nice' as poss, once hes more confident going forward you can tighten up, as setting is Lng and low so will only stop evaiding then and he will work out is more comfortable to stay long n low and and therefor over the back,

if hes an older horse and more established i would deffo tighten up now ,,, if he can come up is the system fitted ok,,, if hes working into a contact he shouldnt come up??? i have a pessoa and as long as side pully system isnt dragging on floor(too long) then they cannot come up is more uncomfortable for them!

 

[SunshineTallulah]

This is a nearly 18 yr old clever clogs!

I'll adjust the ropes a smidge and see what happens!