Training/lunging Systems... Which one?

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PowCharlieWow

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I am very interested in buying one for my 4 year old but I am not sure which are the better ones. My main aim is to get her back legs working under her to get her more balanced and to get her into an outline by developing her neck muscles. Which brand would best suit these needs and are there any I should stay away from?
 
To be honest it depends on how accomplished you are with the various systems and how well you can fit them; more than any one bit of "kit" over another. I think everyone had their favorites - and of course sometimes horses accept one version over another more readily. Any system will work well if properly used, and won't work if not. My only thought from your post is that - for myself - I don't like trying to build an outline on the lunge. My experience - and I accept it could also be user error! - is that it tends to teach the horse to lean on the contact as it is relatively unyielding compared to a rider.
 
I had very good results using a Passoa with my boy- for similar reasons to you OP….. make sure you fit it properly though and follow the instructions about building up gradually.
 
The Pessoa wrecked my girls mouth and took a further year to sort it all out. People who broke her used one.

Personally I don't think you can beat a properly fitted and used Chambon, lunge cavesson and correctly fitted side reins.
 
I used to like the pessoa, but now favour the equi ami. It is the only lunge aid that allows for correct lateral bend without having to keep adjusting the inside to be shorter. Lunging with two reins is also good for getting the horse stepping under from behind.
 
Wagtail said:
Lunging with two reins is also good for getting the horse stepping under from behind.
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The lunge line around the back end works well with many especially the more sensitive types. A friend of mine ties a tail bandage from the centre of the roller/saddle around the quarters, low down and back to roller/saddle. It's totally passive but does encourage the horse to step further under.

I once tried the Abbot Davis system, used the tail tie under the belly to the front system. That really, really worked, never seen such collection from my horse!
 
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