Pessoa Training system

Big Ben

Big Ben

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I know that there are those who love it, those who hate it, having read both sides of the argument I am thinking it may be a useful aid to own, to help my saddlebred cross horses get more comfortable with long and low as an idea. I don't know if they are all like it, but I believe that there was a particularly spooky giraffe bred into the mix at one time, which means that head up and body inverted is their default setting.

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And while it is nice, I would like them to be able to go a different way:D

The question is, shell out for the real deal, for something that I don't intend to use for a long time, or can I get away with a knock off? What does paying for the name get me? Can anyone recommend a knock off that is worth the money?
 
I bought my kit on eBay brand new and have had it years with no problems. It doesn't get used that much but when I want it it works fine. Only thing I would say is that the instructions with the knock off versions aren't great so unless you know what you're doing or have a friend who does it could get a bit confusing! Genuinely not being rude, they really do have lots of pulleys, clips and setting options! Worth the hassle though in my opinion and I only ever use mine on its lowest setting.
 
ChristmasChick said:
Only thing I would say is that the instructions with the knock off versions aren't great so unless you know what you're doing or have a friend who does it could get a bit confusing! Genuinely not being rude, they really do have lots of pulleys, clips and setting options!
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LOL, if you have ever seen me putting up a tent you would know that an instruction book is going to be needed. I have a friend who has used one before so will have someone to hold my hand while I get the hang of it.
 
I've just bought the equiami. I got it today and am going to try it tomorrow. It is similar to the pessoa (which I have used for ten years now and love it but some horses resent it). The equiami addresses some of the problems that can arise with use of the pessoa such as incorrect lateral bend.
 
i bought one then made one myself using it as a template then took the original back :o its still going 9 years on :) ended up making 3 of them as it cant adjust from 18hh to 13hh very well so i made a little one and a big one and one for a friend :)
 
I would look at the equiami before buying a Pessoa for the type of horse you describe it is physically extremely hard for such horses to learn to work long and low pessoas can be very harsh on them.
I would also suggest you try a lunging rope at first which is much milder this passes over the horse back between the forelegs and to the bit a piece of round climbing rope wirh a clip on each end makes a good one ( cheap too) you can adjust the length by pulling it though a martingale stop in the middle and adjusting from there.
 
Goldenstar said:
I would look at the equiami before buying a Pessoa for the type of horse you describe it is physically extremely hard for such horses to learn to work long and low pessoas can be very harsh on them.
I would also suggest you try a lunging rope at first which is much milder this passes over the horse back between the forelegs and to the bit a piece of round climbing rope wirh a clip on each end makes a good one ( cheap too) you can adjust the length by pulling it though a martingale stop in the middle and adjusting from there.
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I had never heard of the Equiami before, I don't think it has made it across the Atlantic yet, well not as far as Ebay is concerned, maybe I should look at some actual online stores.

Questions...

Main difference between Equiami and the Pessoa type system?

I have used the set up you describe as a "Lunging rope" before, knew it as a "bowling line" I was using it with a western trained horse, his carriage, once reminded, was naturally low, and I was more worried about him actually stepping on the lines when he went all Peanut Roller on me....picture for example only, not me or any of my horses...

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If I rigged up a lunging rope, what would be the pros and cons of building in a chunk elastic bungee cord, to give a little give?
 
Well I am very pleased with my equiami. The big 17 hh warmblood that I used it on accepted it immediately and did some really nice work. The lateral bend was the main thing that I noticed was better than the pessoa. Also the bit stayed very still in his mouth and he looked overall much looser. The quality of the gadget is excellent, in particular the brass finishes. Really smooth and strong. My one complaint would be that I feel the rope around the horse's quarters could start to rub. It would certainly benefit from a fleece covering similar to that on the pessoa. I will run one up on my machine.
 
Trying to negotiate a deal on a Equiami as we speak;) I'm kind of sold on the idea of lateral bend being encouraged, or easier anyway. I also like the idea of the bit being quiet. Adding padding to the breech strap should be easy enough I would think.
 
I would have to say if you have the breeching tight enough to rub its too tight .
I think the ropes are purposely thin too keep the perception very light and senestive.
 
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