Lunging Aids

[LittleBayCob]

Hi, just a quick question on lunging aids. It was recommended to me that I start lunging my horse with an aid to help him lower his frame and work across his neck and back more. However, I was told that I should use a pessoa or one of the ones which run across the back and between the front legs - personally I don't like any device which creates a mechanical pull between the limbs and mouth.

Does anyone know of any other aids which can encourage stretch without this sort of mechanism?

 

[Wheels]

I agree with you about the pessoa but I feel the same way about all lunging aids

You dont need any training aids in order to get the horse to stretch down, you need the correct pace, rhythm and a little inside bend by taking a feel on the line to ask the nose to come in a little and ask the shoulder to move away with the whip.

 

[greenbean10]

I lunge in a bungee which works well and I just have it very loose and make sure the horse is working forward.

I've also got some bungee bands which I haven't used yet...basically a bandage that goes under their belly and around their backend (with clips to attach it to your saddle pad). These help the horse engage behind with no pull on the mouth (as it's just making them more aware of their backend). Provided the horse is working from behind they should start to stretch down naturally so this could be a good option if you're worried about restricting the front end? A cheaper option is just to use an exercise bandage around the bum!

 

[LittleBayCob]

Thanks for the opinions! Much appreciated

 

[Kat]

Look at the bungee band, it is like a resistance band to encourage the horse to work from behind. It isn't attached to the head at all. It was developed by an equine physio too so if you go for a genuine one it is safe too.

The poster with the grey horse called Skyla has some impressive photos showing the improvement in her horse through using one.

 

[Cortez]

I find Vienna reins very helpful with horses which tend to go inverted, and they are much less restrictive than side reins. Pessoa's are the Work of the Devil as far as I'm concerned, so well done you for looking for alternatives. Lunging over flat-on-the-ground trotting poles are also great for encouraging the horse to work over his back.