Pessoa Training Aid

[lisa]

I have been thinking about getting one of these for Lea for a while now but since they are so expensive, I just wondered what your thoughts were on them & if we think they are any good??

xxx

[nars]

My physio suggested one for Nars as well, so I'd also be interested in feedback.

[bevbob]

Two of my friends have them and say they are the best training aid used. One was for the horse I told you about on the other thread, who loved jumping but just wouldnt make a shape in dressage. It did work for him eventually.
He got his on ebay for much less money than they were. I think he paid 60.00, then said it was the most expensive bag of string he had ever bought lol.

[SuzieP]

I've seen a Pessoa being used and was impressed. I think, like all training aids, they are as effective as the person using them and, if used wrongly, can cause the horse a lot of discomfort. But you're an experienced horsewoman, Lisa, and I'm sure you'd use it sympathetically and it would benefit Lea.

Is this to try and get her working through better? It should help her to develop the right musculature to carry herself better.

It's interesting though - having seen those pics of the instructor at the clinic trying to get Lea to go round - that some people try and force their horses into an outline before they have the muscles to do it. It has taken months and months to get Bea anywhere near and we're getting there and he's a completely different shape now to what he was. When I was trying to MAKE him come rounder we had so many fights and he got cross and upset and I got tired and fed up. When I tried a different approach - ie to develop the musculature and take time - he responded really well.

He's an older horse to be learning a new way of going as well - so it takes longer than with a supple youngster.

I'm sure you'll get there with Lea, Lisa...

[The Moo]

I have heard they are very good and work well but as Sue said the horse has to be in a state where it is ready to make an outline.
A physio in the yard said she sees no end of damage done by them as people strap their horses into the desired shape and expect it to just happen instead of asking a little bit at a time.

[khristyne]

I find them very good, start at the lowest postion in walk and trot only. It is very important that they go forward in it. It encourages and never forces the hinds under and the head down. Ebay is much the cheapest source. beware though they are easy to use if you know how but someone ought to show you how to put it together as it is a bit daunting at first!!

[clara]

I haven't tried this but I bought something similar and a lot cheaper off the Derby house website which we use for about five minutes in the middle of a lunge session. That said I agree with Sue, I think that developing the muscles is vital and when you do ask the pony to carry itself and engage it will struggle with it at first. Little and often is the key. You have to be patient and their whole physique changes as they learn this. They suddenly look so much more mature! I think you would be better off spending £60 on lessons or a clinic with the best dressage person in your area. Even better, go mad and have both!! I know how much our lives changed with the right trainer. Best of luck.

[lisa]

Yea Sue, it is to try and get her to work better.

I agree with what people have said re muscles etc..... most of Lea's muscle is underneath her neck but she has started to built it up again on top, not loads but you can see it.

I think it would have to be quite loose for her at first so she does learn to do forward in it.

The problem with Lea is she doesn't like to be made to do something she has her mind set on not doing, such as dropping her head, she knows full well it's easier & what i'm asking her to do but she also doesn't then like to be seen to be changing her mind & coming round to your way of thinking. She'll give you a couple of strides not an then, but then she gets really mad with herself cos she forgot & we get extra giraffe mode then.

I thought it might be a good way to encourage her without her having to think about me in the equasion aswell. Would probably get my instructor to play with it with me at first.

I've been looking on ebay, but none have really come up yet that are a really good bargain!!

[taffydales]

Just a thought but the mark todd one is virtualy identical and a lot cheaper, I do know quite a few people who use both and say they are a great training aid, but as Sue said if they are used correctly.

[greydales]

My Morgan Dancer came to me with a huge underneck muscle from years of being trained in the wrong shape. He isn't ewe necked, but lacked topline due to his way of going. He would have been encouraged to be upheaded and it's obvious he hasn't ever worked properly through his back.

He's fussy in his mouth and also gapes it open even if you have no bit contact, we've had lots of giraffe impressions and I've almost had his ears up my nose on occasions!

He's a very active and anxious horse under saddle but rather than use gadgets I have spent a lot of time with him in walk, trying to encourage him to stretch forwards and down; and only when he complies will I up the pace. He used to have martingales and everything else when I got him, but I took off the martingale, and used a pelham instead of his snaffle bit. I also trained him to lower his head to the command 'head down' and he actually does this while I am riding!

It hasn't been achieved overnight but slowly he is getting the idea and the last few times I rode him he was starting to relax and give.

Gadgets may give a quick fix but I'm a great believer in going back to basics and taking my time - however long that takes!

[nars]

Glad you posted this thread, Lisa. The only ones I've seen on ebay came without instructions, so no use to me. I'd never figure it out. My physio wants me to get one to help release the last bit of stiffness in Nars lower back. He doesn't have a topline problem, but she believes the pessoa is a useful part of the physio toolbox.

[blackjack]

I have got one and find it very good. As Khristyne said, start off very carefully and slowly with it. There is nothing nasty about it and the girl who runs our yard also is a firm believer in them and uses them on her young warmbloods to get them working in a nice outline without the addition of a rider.

I would recommend them definately !

[mickey]

Ive got the cheaper copy- havent used it much due to lack of time and no school but Lu uses it on Paddy and it has made a difference.
On the times Ive used it on Yeti he starts off by fighting it- he prefers to run with his head in the air and has huge undermuscles but he can and does end up working nicely with it.
If you want to borrow one to try and see if Lea fights it let me know and Ill sort it out. Im not far- near Hillam feeds

[lisa]

Thanks for the offer hun, I would have taken you up on it but i went & bought one on saturday.

She went ok actually, only did a few mins each way of walk & trot to start off with & left it there.

Was gonna have another go tonight but then weather was turning rather manky so decided not to bother, didn't want to get my hair wet!!!!

Just gonna take it steady and see how she goes.

[Biggerside Benwell]

Just to say I have the mark todd copy that is a lot cheaper but identical practically in design and have used it on a very wide variety of horses on the yard. Excellent product when used with common sense and skill.