Pessoas and similar things

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emma.is

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Physio has told me to lunge my horse in a pessoa to build up her back before I start riding again, I don't mind paying for a pessoa if it is the only thing that will help but is there anything that works in the same way for a better price? Thanks :) I've got some choccy you can share if you want :D
 
I find different equipment works for different horses.
There is a new device as shown by Laura B on horse hero which looks like it helps the horse work over its back but I think would work better on a really forward horse that you can get working through from behind.
Some people like the equiami but haven't used it/ seen it in action to comment.
I have a second hand pessoa for sale if you are interested, that way you can try it for a lower price and sell it on if you don;t like its action etc.
 
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I much prefer the EquiAmi - it's very similar to a pessoa, does the same thing - but its' clever because it works on a loop system, so the horse can't lean on it like it can with a pessoa, so has to work correctly. It's also impossible for the horse to get jabbed in the mouth, which I've seen happen with a pessoa.
I bought one for my mare as she had a very weak back and hadn't been worked correctly in her previous home, and have been amazed at the transformation - I use it the recommended amount and she looks so much better - she's muscled up along her back and neck and finds work a lot easier as a result. She also loves it! Very simple to fit too once you've got the hang of it. x

(They start at £65)
 
I use the lunging rope LB uses much better than a Pessoa safer for the horse does nor fix the horse into position like the Pessoa .
If you want a line around the bum device the equiami would be my choice .
 
Walking up hills is free and builds muscle really well. My girl has recently been moved to a field on a slope and there is a noticeable difference in her muscle along her back and she's done it all by herself.
 
Watch with the LB thing, my horse nearly had a accident with it, he put his head to the floor while trotting and nearly got his leg stuck over the rope, lucky he never panic. So to use it after that I had to put a bailer twine neck strap on him and put it through it so it did not hang low if he put his head down

I use the equiami now though , much prefer it and feel its safer.
 
Ask your physio to explain and demo wrapping and taping.....much cheaper than any shop bought gizmo as only involves three elasticated bandages and some stretchy tape, and can be customised to target the specific muscles the horse needs to develop by aiding the proprioception.
 
I have the John Whitaker lookalike, which I'm pretty sure has a similar function to the Pessoa (please correct me if I'm wrong). It wasn't as cheap as the Ebay ones, but mine was £65 which included the roller. Good quality, and easy to use.
 
I've been recommended the norton training aid which is similar to the Pessoa but way cheaper. Haven't used one yet but it's on my wish list :)
 
If you know how to lunge properly, then either ordinary sidereins or Vienna reins do the job perfectly well. The pessoa and lookalikes have no "release", and I see a lot of horses being continually punished in the mouth with them.
 
Cortez said:
If you know how to lunge properly, then either ordinary sidereins or Vienna reins do the job perfectly well. The pessoa and lookalikes have no "release", and I see a lot of horses being continually punished in the mouth with them.
Click to expand...

I'm not really sure I do know how to lunge 'properly', I've always done it for exercise not training. I'm going to have lunge lessons so I can be shown how to use the equipment properly :)
 
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I use an old stable bandage wrapped around hindquarters and tied each side of the lunge roller to encourage hindlegs to move underneath horse.
Then a chambon (2nd hand for £6.00 Ebay) done up really loose to encourage long and low.

This is advice from a physio for an owner with a horse needing to improve back strength on a limited budget.
 
I use Pessoa on some of my dressage horses. Certainly improves working from behind but you do need to be shown how to use it properly. If you dont have anyone experienced near you go onto you tube as there are some good demonstrations on there.

Some horses take to it kindly others may hate the feel on the back legs so just be careful and have patience but it really does work.
 
I was very kindly lent a John Wittaker one tonight and I had a nice free lunge lesson to boot :D Poppy went fab so I'm going to get her one of those because it obviously works for her, and no fuss about the fluffy bit round her legs so I'm very happy with my girly!
 
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