Pool noodles…

[blitznbobs]

Have just clicked with someone’s algorithm (is that the right terminology) that does in hand work sometimes using a pool noodle instead of a whip… (she also uses a whip too) now I have done in hand for years now with a whip as a pointer aid (I can’t remember the last time I used a whip sharply in any way on a horse but I do use one as an arm extender) but I’ve never seen anyone use a pool noodle before. To me it makes perfect sense - it’s long and thin, soft , and politically I think most people would think that the are ‘kinder’ and tbh I am pretty sure that from a pr point of view they are a good idea… thinking of adopting this technique (especially as we work with a lot of kids and explaining whips is possible but can confuse as they do with the public).

Does anyone do this already or is it an original but brilliant idea? Does anyone know if there are any down sides?

 

[FieldOrnaments]

What happens when it's windy

 

[Exasperated]

What happens when it's windy

Errr, waves wildly like a huge, neon serpent, and horse takes off accordingly?

 

[ihatework]

I’m not convinced I’m afraid.
I’m unlikely to go hacking down the road, do a sj course, go xc with a pool noodle. I want my horses happy and comfortable around a whip.

 

[FieldOrnaments]

That's my point though I can't say I blame the horse - wouldn't you move away sharpish from a wild haired loon waving a broncing pool noodle? I would

Errr, waves wildly like a huge, neon serpent, and horse takes off accordingly?

 

[Chonkers]

I used a pool noodle to teach a sort of “panther walk” (Spanish walk inspired movement)for fun and getting her using her shoulders and shifting her weight back. It took 2 noodles as they don’t hold up to being enthusiastically stomped on so not the best environmentally but because they are soft she was happy to stomp!
It was useful as something for her to go interact with rather than something that interacts to her like a whip, if that makes sense. Wouldn’t use one in place of a whip.

 

[Honey08]

Wouldn’t it be really difficult to hold?

 

[fredflop]

Why would you, when you can use purposely designed equipment

 

[Caol Ila]

They're fine for playing about with and getting your horse used to weird stuff, but really awkward to hold if you want to actually do anything. Unlike a dressage whip. I wouldn't go hacking with one because it would be a pain in the a*rse if things got hairy and I needed to, you know, ride.

 

[Titchy Pony]

I could imagine using one as a target. Cut a smaller piece and skewer it on a stick like a giant marshmallow.

 

[Peglo]

People will use a pool noodle for anything as long as it’s not noodling around a swimming pool

 

[rabatsa]

I use pool noodles when doing aquafit. The poor noodles end up U shaped. The children in the tiny tots session before us take bite size chunks out of them which can be a bit rough when standing on the things.

 

[BSL2]

I use the foam insulation pipe/ narrow diameter, so easy to hold, with my youngster. If he gets a bit in your face when leading, I carry it in away that he prefers to walk forward nicely than mess around trying to walk infront of me. It's difficult to explain, but I find it very useful.