Which lungeing aid?

[HaffiesRock]

I have just started to bring my pony back into work after the winter off.

I've started lunging him and I must say he moves beautifully for a chunky Haffy! The problem is he holds his head very high and only really starts to relax and bring his head down as he starts to tire. He has a very nice extended, straight action but with the neck of a giraffe

I'm not one for gadgets and gismo's but I do like the look of the pessoa type lungeing aids. I'd like him working properly through his back as he's desperate for some muscle along his topline.

Can someone please tell me how they work and if they think it would be suitable for my boy? If not suitable, any other recommendations?

It would only be for use a couple of times a week.

Thanks x

 

[sue_ellen]

I have used a pessoa in the past but now use an Equi-ami. It is similar to the pessoa but I think it is better. To me it does not seem harsh and we have it on very loosely and use it twice a week. It seems to encourage our pony to work long and low in self carriage and his topline is definitely improving

 

[Rosesandhorses]

Pessoas are fab at making horses work properly but do come with a bit of a price tag! I would say if you can always go for the Pessoa. I have also used the John Whitaker Training Reins. You can use them in different ways depending on what level your horse is working at and you can use them for lunging and riding. You can pick them up on ebay for around £10.

 

[Goldenstar]

I do not like pessoas , they can teach a horse to block and fix .
Equi Amis are a better option if you need a strap round the bum gadget their construction does greatly reduce the fixing and leaning issues that you can get with a Pessoa.
But you need to be clear about what you what to achieve , how your horse goes ,to decide what's best for him.
A bungee rein is a good cheap option as is a lunging rope ( over the horses back through forelegs to the bit)
But it really depends on the individual horse.

 

[Captainmouse]

De gouge is a good option, it can also be used when ridden. Can be used in different combinations.

 

[starryeyed]

Another recommendation for the equi-ami, I recommend them far too much but I've been so impressed with mine and it's made such a huge difference to the way my horse moves and carries herself, but all without force. Love it!

 

[clairelilley]

I like using a chambon ,myself- it is very simple to put on, and allows the horse to really stretch his neck all the way forwards and downwards, teaching him to relax through the back to the bit contact. I wouldn't be without mine in my tack room!

 

[night_mare]

I use a pessoa and find it works well, but it is pricey.

The Norton Pulley Training Aid £29.99 - http://www.countrybase.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=EK-306423-Norton-Training-Aid and GFS Training Aid £39.00 - http://www.countrybase.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=JK-AIDTRAIN-GFS-Training-Aid are similar but a lot less expensive.

 

[CobsGalore]

My pony didn't get along with a chambon, but works quite nicely in one of those bungee things.

I also have a pessoa copy which I have only used a couple of times, but he seemed to go quite nicely in it.

I think it's just trial and error to see what he prefers.

 

[Wagtail]

I would always use the equi ami now. I used to be a fan of the pessoa but there are a few issues with it, such as some horses resenting it, and it not allowing for correct lateral bend. The equi ami addresses these issues. All horses I have used it on go really well in it.