Lunging gadgets

dixie

dixie

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I lunge from time to time with a pessoa but hate it with a passion - especially with the putting it on as I'm usually time short when I decide to lunge. As my horse likes to run around with his head in the air I could do with making him work a bit harder and would like peoples opinions on something like this please. I've also got another horse with slight wobblers that I would like to start lunging with an aim to building up some muscle - he's been on field rest since November - so wonder if this would be helpful. Am a bit concerned it might be just pulling their head down and not help with them engaging the hocks at all. What do people think?
Thanks.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/371494403...49&var=640537938191&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
 
Looking at it, it does just look like draw reins you can lunge in.
I know a few people that get on really well with the Equi-Ami, but again looks like a faff to get on.
I just stick with the basic side reins for my mare when lunging, as like you, I'm time restricted, and don't have the time to be faffing with putting on loads of gadgets, for a 15 minute lunge session.
 
2 Lunge lines through a roller :) Outside one over their back.

Failing that, I get some draw reins, attach them to the bit, up between their legs to rest on their withers. Knot them if they are a bit too long but they shouldn't be tight.
 
I like side reins and an elastic tail bandage around the quarters - less faffy and kinder (imho) than pessoa
 
TBH I regard lunging aids the same way as I regard check chains for dogs - if you are good enough to use them well and properly, you probably don't need them. If you are trying to force an outline, you are going about it the wrong way, get their hinds tracking up into or in front of the front feet and the head will find its own balance and outline, and self carriage.
 
Damnation said:
2 Lunge lines through a roller :) Outside one over their back.

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Click to expand...

Ah that might be the way to go - I remember seeing a Demo years ago and it was very effective and of course you can change direction very easily.
And I already have the gear !
 
dixie said:
Ah that might be the way to go - I remember seeing a Demo years ago and it was very effective and of course you can change direction very easily.
And I already have the gear !
Click to expand...

It is a good, simple technique but do not be tempted to put the outside rein behind their bum as if they put in a big stride or a buck they sock themselves in the mouth and unless you have super long lines the circle you do will be tiny.

I usually do this for more controlled work that I want, for just a leg stretch I lunge on a headcollar with one line.

I like an easy life.
 
I've been racking my brain for who the Demo was by and it was Richard Maxwell. Its the long lines I bought from him, must be about 15yrs ago now though.
 
I use an equi-ami. Leave it attached to the roller and it doesn't take me any longer to put on or adjust than side reins or lunging from two lines.
I have seen draw reins used in the place of the lunging aid on the link but not something I have done myself as I don't own a pair of draw reins!
 
The thing that strikes me about that gadget on ebay is that it is very fixed. Lovely if the horse is going in the right shape but if they throw their head up there is no elastic and no give. Just an instant sock in the mouth. I do have a pessoa - but rarely use it, not least because its a pain to fit. The equi Ami isn't really any different in that respect. Two lines is of course great - but you do need a bit of skill and as someone else has said - very long lines which can be difficult to manage correctly.

For a quick fit I like the lungie bungie - here https://www.rideaway.co.uk/libbys-lungie-bungie - used with a tail bandage around the quarters. There is also a lot to be said for an old fashioned de gogue.

But like any gadget always be sure you know what it is supposed to do and that it is fitted and used correctly.
 
I use the de gouge from time to time just to get my boy relaxed and working through his back and getting him into a more rounded outline
 
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