Using A Pessoa For First Time - help please

[lea]

A friend has let me borrow their pessoa training aid and I would like to know how to build it up. The instructions show the positions to use but I would like some advice on how long each session should be and how often you can use it. I know these training aids can cause back problems if used incorrectly. Also should it help improve my horse's canter? Many thanks.

 

[parsley]

I am absolutley no expert on this and may be shot down in flames but I started with 3 mins walking on one side with no pulleys, clip pulleys to bit and walk for 2 mins, trot for 3 mins and then do the same for the other side ending with a 3 min walk with no pulleys = 19 min session in total - 10 mins with pulleys

 

[cyearsley]

I introduced my horse very gradually as he found the whole thing very exciting! Warmed up for five mins on each rein without pessoa, then put pessoa in situ but did not connect to bit etc (hope that makes sense). After several mins on each rein of letting the horse get used to it simply being there on his back and getting used to the bit round his hind legs etc, then connect up on the easiest setting, via the bit to down between the legs. Be very calm and quiet and just get him used to the whold concept. Keep to walk and trot initially and build up to the canter work over a few session. If your horse is excitable, let him get rid of some steam before you put the pessoa on. Don't be worried about being too cautious, it's a new thing and some won't be bothered at all, others may take a couple of times to accept it and stop being a bit daft! I would always use it for the first time with someone who has used one before or be certain you know how to attach and use correctly. After one or two sessions you should be able to warm up with the pessoa in situ but not attached but I would also warm up first without it attached to the bit just to allow the horse to stretch and loosen off first but that is only my opinion. Over a few sessions you can increase the amount of time the horse is working in the pessoa and increase the difficulty of the exercises and progress through the paces etc. Hope this helps. Kindest regards

 

[Magister]

Put overreach boots on!.The first time I used one my horse tucked his quarters in in surprise at the rope behind his bum and pulled a shoe off. And it was fitted loosely to start!