Pessoa training system for lunging- opinions?

[SendenHorse]

[QUOTE=no.stirrups;8965881]
I’m with the not-tying-the-head-to-the-legs camp. If you like the idea of having something behind the horse to encourage it to engage their are other products such as the Pro-core trainer from Thermatex for about $100. It’s basically a saddle pad with an elastic band that can be connected around the haunches, and another that can go under the belly to encourage engagement of the abdominal muscles. It’s recommended to only use for only a few minutes at a time so as not to over-do as it is highly effective. A quick search did not find one online, unfortunately. If you pm me I can hook you up ;)[/QUOTE]

some people use a polo wrap, much cheaper!

[ZELLA]

I use a cheap knock-off version occasionally to school my driving pony when I don’t ride or hitch up. I also just ground drive or lunge with sliding side reins also, without the rig. My pony has a rather long back and somewhat arthritic hocks, and the breeching helps remind her to come through a bit better, rather than trail her hind end, than some of the other tools.

I’m not big on gadgets, but I think the rig also has usefulness in preparing a horse for driving, as all the moving parts mimic the feel of harness in many ways.

I’m not sure I’d be as much an advocate in using it on a horse used only for riding.

[Simkie]

[QUOTE=Unfforgettable;8965373]
To me, it’s one step up from hock hobbles, and not something I’d ever use.[/QUOTE]

Wow. Learn something new every day. I had no idea those had any use but to keep a mare from kicking while being bred.

Picture for my equally ignorant friends: http://www.horseillustration.com/images/hockhobble_buck_500.jpg

Seems like a “here, hold my beer” sort of adventure…

[Spud_amp_Saf]

I MUCH prefer a Chambon as a lunging tool over both side reins and this “rig”.

The Chambon allows for true stretch down and out when the horse is working properly and does not put constant pressure on the mouth.

To me, the rig looks like it is hitting the horse in the mouth with every stride. One can accomplish all the same benefits with the Chambon and a heck of a lot less opportunity for getting tangled, falling or flipping.

It is the person standing there’s responsibility to make sure the horse being lunged is being driven forward properly and pushing from behind/tracking up - correct lunger posture and a lunge whip should take care of this. This simply takes attention and fitness, not a gadget.

[MyssMyst]

[QUOTE=Engage;8965361]
I don’t like the fact that it connects the mouth to the hindquarters. Seems set up to clonk them in the mouth if the hind legs trail or have exaggerated movement.
Rather get a theraband slung round the bum attached to a surcingle, then use side reins or a chambon.[/QUOTE]

Yup, the theraband method is the one I favor. I’ve seen surgical tubing used in a pinch as well.

I prefer a whip, but not always possible with some horses (such as horses that used to show Arabian halter).

[Unfforgettable]

[QUOTE=Simkie;8966244]
Wow. Learn something new every day. I had no idea those had any use but to keep a mare from kicking while being bred.

Picture for my equally ignorant friends: http://www.horseillustration.com/images/hockhobble_buck_500.jpg

Seems like a “here, hold my beer” sort of adventure…[/QUOTE]

Usually the hock lines are run up through the side rings on a surcingle and then to the bit…or through western stirrups.