What's the difference between a Market Harborough and a De Gogue?

Corker

Well-Known Member
Joined
25 April 2010
Messages
57
Location
Saddleworth, Oldham
Visit site
Hi,

Please can you tell what's the difference between a market harborough and a de gogue?

My horse needs to develop his hind quarters as he is leaning on his forehand and I need to get his neck muscle toned as I feel like i'm holding him all the time and need something for him get him on a better outline.

He is really good in walk and sitting trot but as soon as I go into rising trot he puts his head out because he hasn't got the strength throughout his back end to work through and stay on an outline so please can you suggest which is best to use?

I have started using the john whittaker training aid a coupple of times a week to develop his hindquarters but I want something to help the process along on treks a couple of times a week.

I never normally use anything however I want something to help the process along and get him out of his bad habits.
 
The De Gogue goes from the chest to the head, through the bit and back to the chest exerting poll pressure.
The MH goes from the chest through the bit and is fixed to the reins exerting pressure on the mouth.
 
lunging in a pessoa will do more good for that than either of those i promise!! both exert pressure around the head and horses can become fight that and not engage hind pessoa forces them to be more active behind and they cant lean into it without working harder...
 
The de Gogue has two settings - one goes from centre of chest (from girth) up to the top of the bridle, down to the bit and back to the centre chest or it can go to the reins. See diagram.

ADeGogue.jpg


Market Harborough goes from centre of chest through the bit to D's on the reins.

The de Gogue works by applying direct pressure to the poll asking the horse to drop it's head. The Market Harborough works by preventing the horse lifting its head beyond a designated height. Height depends on which D it is attached to.

Your horse sounds like he needs you in rising trot through all his work - if he is not strong enough to work correctly with you rising he definately is not strong enough for you to work sitting. He needs lots of transitions between paces and within paces to encourage him to get his hocks under him and lighten his forehand. Circles, loops, serpentines and changes of rein will improve suppleness and make it easier for him to work better.
 
I love both of the above mention items but have to say i have one horse that loves the WH but detests the de gouge and another that is the complete opposite so i would suggest you try and borrow to see which your horse works well in
 
Top