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Permalink Reply by Geoffrey Pannell on November 16, 2010 at 3:06pm

I've never used the Pessoa "thingie", so I can't comment one them other than they look very confusing to set up. I do use a Chambon quite a bit though and find them very helpfull in biulding up the topline . With all these things, if you get someone that knows how to use them well to show you how to set it up, then they can be useful. Cheers Geoffrey

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Permalink Reply by wildehex on April 7, 2013 at 10:55am

Benefit WHAT?  The action of the pessoa is that the movement of the hindlegs works on the mouth, so in trot it is sawing right and left to create a frame.  A much better activity would be driving the horse (on a circle) and being able to acually have half halts and change the balance and bearing of the horse.  I cannot stand the thing, and have never seen anything good come of it.

The purpose of a chambon is to lower and an extend the neck, which a behavior a good rider should be able to create easily if the horse is on the bit in the first place.  Although the horse might do this with a chambon, it rarely associates to ridden chain of events.  The horse must carry itself out to the bit through good riding.

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Permalink Reply by Queenrider on April 8, 2013 at 9:38am

What is described is the "Promise Wrap".  I use a polo in exactly the same position.

The Body Wrap

by Linda Tellington-Jones

A reprint from TTEAM UP With Your Horse

The   Body Wrap is a TTEAM tool for influencing a horse's behavior, increasing awareness   and improving his performance. The Body Wrap is composed of two elastic bandages   (for instance, Ace or Tensor) secured together. It is tied in a figure eight   around the horse. Slight variations in the placement elicit different responses   (see accompanying illustrations). The wrap maintains a constant connection with   the body because it moves with the horse. This is particularly significant for   horses with neurologic deficits because this continual sensory input encourages   the rebuilding of the neural pathways.

Most horses also accept the Body Wrap with little preparation. Here are some   considerations to keep in mind when putting a Body Rope or wrap on your horse   for the first time.

Before tying the wrap back to itself, start by holding the end of the wrap   while you are standing just behind the horse's shoulder. Have a helper lead   the horse forward a few steps and stop. Repeat. If the horse seems comfortable   and accepting of the wrap go ahead and tie it.

If the horse has very tight hindquarters or tail, start by holding the wrap   over the horse's tail and repeat the walk-halt exercise before taking the wrap   under the tail.

If you are alone and your horse is comfortable about having his tail and hindquarters   handled, you may be able to put the Body Wrap on by yourself in a large stall   or contained area.

It is very interesting to notice the subtle and dramatic changes that occur   with the Body Wrap. For instance, a strung-out horse or one who is camped under   suddenly takes on a more balanced stance, having "a leg at each corner."   Or a horse's topline may change so that he looks "rounder." Or you   may see more movement and engagement in the hindquarters.

Another TTEAM tool for riding is a Promise Rope/Wrap that fits snugly around   a horses hindquarters. I use the word "promise" to describe this tool   because it "promises" engagement. I've found that horses considered "lazy"   behind generally get more impulsion with a Promise Rope. In contrast, nervous   horses usually do better with the elastic Promise Wrap.

You can incorporate the Body Rope and Body Wrap into your training sessions   whether you're working from the ground or from the saddle. During ground work,   the wrap can reassure horses who rush or are hesitant to go through doors or   narrow spaces. These tools also encourage horses who freeze or are stiff when   being led. Worn during a longeing session, a Body Wrap helps engage the horses   hind end and elevate his withers without jamming or restricting his neck. Horses   who act up on the longe line often settle when wearing the Body Wrap.

There are benefits to riding while your horse is wearing a Body Wrap. Prepare   him by putting the wrap in place, then add the saddle. From the ground, lead   him in a circle at the walk and then the trot. In just a few strides, you'll   be able to tell if he is comfortable or if he needs more time to become accustomed   to the sensation.

The first time you climb aboard you may want to enlist the aid of an assistant.   In my experience, riding with a Body Wrap benefits horses

• Who swish their tails, drag their toes and are stiff through the body.
• Who shy -- particularly at a specific place in the ring or arena.
• Who are afraid of things behind them.
• Who are not using their hindquarters. It gives them a greater awareness     of the connection between their front and back ends and prevents them from     becoming strung out.
• Who are overly sensitive to your leg aids or who seem insensitive or unresponsive     to them.
• Who were injured and now may have an uneven stride behind.

However you incorporate the Body Wrap into your horse's training, I recommend   using it as you would other tools depending on your horse's response. If you   see a difference, use it for five to 10 sessions and then from time to time   as needed or when teaching new exercises.

© Linda Tellington-Jones.       All rights reserved.

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Permalink Reply by wildehex on October 25, 2013 at 8:50am

All those things only work for a few strides, then the horse gets used to it.  Better to ground drive, then you have control of halt halts, changing balance, touching the quarters as need.

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