Bitting Rigs for Strengthening Backs??

[ptownevt]

My BO has started lunging horses in a bitting rig to strengthen their backs. She swears by it. I just don't know about it. Anyone with experience out there that wants to comment?

P.S. I know this was posted in Off Course. I posted in the wrong section and couldn't figure out how to delete or move it.

[fourmares]

Dunno, I've seen it make horses sore in their backs. I'd rather just ride them correctly as that will stregthen their back and, well, train them.

[JollyBadger]

I've lunged horses in what we called Pessoa Ropes, which (I think) is the same as/similar to a bitting rig.

In my experience, it does help as a supplemental exercise to build and condition the muscles in the horse's back. As part of an overall training program, it really is helpful.

[spaghetti legs]

I agree with the above poster that as part of an overall training program they work very well.

[purplnurpl]

I'm amazed at how many people do not incorporate lunging into their programs. Or how many people waste their horse's time by letting them run aimlessly in circles on the lunge line without equipment.

I learned to lunge my first horse and the neck stretcher worked best with her. My canter scores went up 2 points!!

I do a ton of in hand work and lunge no more then once a week, I feel it is a tremendous help.


The Passoa system intrigues me (I'm a HUGE veinna rein advocate) but I"ve never been able to aford it. I saw it in a western catalog for 130 bucks the other day!!
It is now on the 'to buy' list. : )

[Hony]

The Passoa system intrigues me (I'm a HUGE veinna rein advocate) but I"ve never been able to aford it. I saw it in a western catalog for 130 bucks the other day!!
It is now on the 'to buy' list. : )

I made one a couple of weeks ago. Total cost $20 and it works like a charm. Fortunately my friend has the real deal so I had a pattern.

[DMK]

schneiders has the "ropes" not including the surcingle for a really reasonable price. I think you need the print catalog - for some reason I don't think I found it online easily.

[MassageLady]

personally, from what I understand about the pessoa, it pulls on the head each time the leg moves-thereby giving a 'see saw' motion on the bit. I don't like that, the hind end shouldn't be 'bumping' the mouth, I wouldn't use it.

[BoyleHeightsKid]

personally, from what I understand about the pessoa, it pulls on the head each time the leg moves-thereby giving a 'see saw' motion on the bit. I don't like that, the hind end shouldn't be 'bumping' the mouth, I wouldn't use it.

This is correct and I will not ever put one on my horse for this reason. You can accomplish the same thing with correct work and lungeing in correctly adjusted side reins or vienna reins. Hill work and work over ground poles also helps.

[TKR]

Unfortunately, too many times the use of devices is like "a razor in a monkey's hands" -- bad idea. Unless the trainer is knowledgable and is only using a device briefly for a specific purpose, it's strictly a shortcut to nowhere and tells me the trainer is either too lazy or doesn't really know enough to get the desired result. However, the horse is usually the victim in most cases. Are the horses allowed to warm up without a device first and is it adjusted properly for each one and are they strong enough to endure being forced into a position? I've actually heard of young gaited horses being "bitted up" in a stall and flipping and breaking their neck -- happened at a barn where a friend boards.
PennyG

[copper1]

I use a chamon-degouge once a week or so for a brief lunging session. I feel it helps soften the spine and poll and encourages the horse to come up under himself. I use two lines so I can keep the horse active and only give them about a 15 minute session. Has really helped mine and I don't over use it!

[ThoroughbredFancy]

I just prefer proper riding and conditioning to strengthen their backs and more.

Although I do long line on occasion but I don't use any fancy devices. Just a surcingle and some long lines.

I also prefer long lining because you can take them off of a circle so they are not constantly circling.