Anyone used a Pessoa?

[seeker]

Dd asked her godmother for lungeing equipment for Christmas (she is determined to get pony rounder!) but instead of the roller and side reains she was expecting, she got a Pessoa. Apparently unhorsy godmother asked for advice in the tackshop and was told that it was a better option as gentler and less restricting for the horse than side reins - particularly for an inexperienced schooler. I am a bit surprised - any thoughts?

It's "easier" for sure - wouldn't agree about "gentler" though. :(

Tell me more?

Well just like any gadget it's a short cut. It looks nice and it's easy enough to use, but because the aim of the game is to encourage flexion and extension - this "pulls" the horse in to position - but with every extension of the hindquarters (what you're after!) it "jabs" the horse in the mouth.

Long reins/side reins really are kinder because there's constant hand contact wheras the Pessoa works in a punish/release mechanism. IMO!

A passoa is not a short cut if used properly. We have had lots of youngsters up to advanced eventers and they have all been lunged in a passoa it encourages the horse the work though their back instead of tucking its head inbetween its legs which will cause more damage in the long run. We have had a schooling livery which had been shown up to HOYS level and that's what had happened to her and she had a lot of back problems and needed re breaking to get her to work correctly and on the vets recommendation she was lunged in the passoa and she is now a different horse( gone from about to be shot to competing in dressage)

Ps
It does not pull the horse in to position if used correctly.

IMO they should be used by experienced people only. If fitted or used incorrectly they do more harm than good (like all training aids).
An Equi-ami or a bungee or a chambon might be easier
This article is very good read
www.sustainabledressage.net/tack/gadgets.php

agree with cedmonds - doesn't pull the horse into position unless you abuse it. Fit it on the lowest setting to start with. my phsio also recommended it for my mare who has had back problems in the past, and i definately think it has made her looser and freer.

Please don't use a pessoa, they should only be used by a very experienced person, and even then I would prefer side reins and roller plus lots of schooling.