Which lunging method best transfers to ridden work?

[TomH]

Obviously long lining is the best way to replicate ridden work if you can't ride, and side reins can teach the horse to seek the contact, but what about Pessoas, bungees, chambons etc? How do they transfer to ridden work? Or do they?

 

[Tash88]

I think you're looking for something that helps alongside correct schooling and hacking (if and when you can ride, sorry I don't know your circumstances) to improve topline, musculature and general fitness. I wouldn't necessarily recommend side reins as they are very fixed and can encourage a horse to lean; I think a bungee, a pessoa or an EquiAmi would be your best bet. The EquiAmi Combi also comes with a training aid for use when riding so that would work well alongside the lunging aid.

Maybe if you said a little more about your horse and circumstances (i.e. why you can't ride) then you could get some more specific advice

 

[widget]

I found the Claire lilley lunge rein useful it's like a cross between lunge lines and a Pessoa but Ives you a good feel. I taught lateral work on them first

 

[TomH]

Thank you both for your advice. I have not heard of the Claire Liley lunge rein so will have a look at that now.

I am having an operation soon which is not going to allow me to ride for a good 8 weeks. I can get someone to ride my horses for me twice a week, but need something to keep them fit in between.

I have heard mixed reviews of the Pessoa and found when I have used it before it kind of teaches them to drop behind the contact, and I kind of saw a gentle see-saw motion on their mouths which I didn't like. I dunno, maybe I didn't fit it right?

 

[tallyho!]

Lungeing with long lines is the ONLY method that transfers easily to ridden work. All this gadgetry works independently of your hands, even the Claire Lilley kit.

You can still lunge with long lines on a circle, teach lateral work, proper bend and you are directly affecting the the bit... which is why if you have not done this before, do NOT use a bit and use a cavesson or a normal headcollar until you have established some basic voice aids and light rein pressure. The whole idea is to get the horse going forward without restricting with heavy rein aids. If you get clumsy with the bit, then you create conflict. Once you have forward-going commands established you can start using the bit and introducing direct/indirect rein aids. You musn't be heavy or you will have a heavy horse at the end of it that will avoid all contact.

If you are not confident, then, by all means use gadgets.

 

[**Vanner**]

I personally prefer a chambon as it encourages forward and down stretching of the back as opposed to pinning into an outline. Although all things have their place, I have known many people to be told to use a Pessoa by vets and physios. I have one but I use it very rarely, that said I can't remember the last time I lunged!

The trick will be not to over do it.

 

[tallyho!]

The reason why the pessoa is so highly recommended is that they don't require direct rein contact. All that is "done" for you to a greater or lesser extent using the horses own body. All you have to do is hang on to their noses.

Before the invention of the pessoa, all there was, was two long lines, the chambon and the de gogue.

 

[Wagtail]

If you google 'eqiami' you will see how they developed this lunging and riding aid to replicate ridden work. Personally I would not use a riding aid, but the equiami lunging aid is the best I have tried. All horses here have gone well in it and it allows for correct lateral bend which other lunge aids do not without having to constantly adjust them.