Training aids on the lunge

Galop 7On foot

Contents

A training aid shapes the horse’s outline when there is no hand to do it. Well chosen and well adjusted, it helps the horse stretch into the contact and build muscle; badly adjusted, it traps it.

In the exam programme

Know the main training aids used on the lunge: purpose, effects.Common module B
Lunge a horse or pony in a training aid.Common module A

A training aid connects the bit, or the head, to the roller to encourage the horse into an outline: a lower neck, a softer poll, a back that lifts and stretches. At Galop 6 you met the ones used in ridden work; those used on the lunge follow the same principles, with one big difference: nobody is there to give the instant the horse gives. A good lunging aid makes the wrong outline uncomfortable without ever forcing the right one.

Side reins

From the bit to a ring on the side of the roller, one each side.

Gogue

From the girth to the chest; the cord runs up to the poll, down to the bit and back to the chest: the mouth–poll–chest triangle.

Running side-reins

From the roller, through the bit ring and back to the roller higher up: the height of the triangle is chosen.

Chambon

From the girth between the forelegs, its cords run over the poll and down to the bit rings.

Fig. 7.6The main training aids on the lunge

Training aid	Fitting	Purpose and effect
Side-reins, plain or elasticated	One rein on each side, from the bit to a side ring on the roller.	Offer a steady contact: the horse learns to take up its reins and carry itself on the bit. The lower they are attached, the more they invite the neck to lower.
Gogue	A cord runs from the girth between the forelegs, through the rings of a headpiece over the poll, then through the bit rings, and back to the chest.	Acts mainly on the poll: it invites the horse to lower its head and stretch its topline, without letting it hollow its back or throw its head up.
Chambon	A strap runs from the girth between the forelegs; its cords pass over the poll and down to the bit rings.	Only acts if the horse raises its head too high, by pressing on the poll and the mouth. Harsher than the Gogue: for the slower gaits, and with care.
Running side-reins	From the roller, they pass through the bit rings and back to the roller, higher or lower: you choose the height of the triangle.	Set a limit on how high the head can go while leaving some freedom; set as a low triangle, they invite the neck to stretch. Powerful, and so easy to misuse.
Pessoa	A system of ropes links the bit to the roller and, by a rope passed behind the thighs, to the hindquarters.	Connects the forehand and the hindquarters: the horse finds comfort by engaging its hind legs and lifting its back. Demanding: introduce it very gradually.

Remember

A training aid is a means, never an end: it helps the horse understand an outline it must be able to keep without it. Use it now and then; very often, patient work is enough.

Lunging a horse in a training aid

A reminder: the lunge line fastens to the cavesson, or to the snaffle bridle — to the inside bit ring, or passed through that ring and then under the chin or over the poll to the outside ring, both more severe. It is never attached to the training aid.

Tack upA roller over a numnah, or a saddle with the stirrups run up and secured; boots on the legs; the lunge line fastened as usual.
Warm up without the aidA few circuits at walk and trot on both reins, the aid unclipped: the horse warms up and relaxes before it is asked for an outline.
Attach it longAt the halt, fasten the aid adjusted long and level on both sides, then shorten it one hole at a time, over the session and over the weeks. The front of the face must stay in front of the vertical.
Work forwardsA training aid is useless without impulsion: with voice and lunge whip, send the horse forwards so that it seeks the contact and stretches into it. Change the rein regularly.
Unclip before the endTake the aid off for the last few minutes: the horse stretches at walk and trot, free, before going back in.

Safety

Never leave a training aid on a horse that is tied up, in its stable or left alone; never jump on the lunge in fixed side-reins. At the first sign of panic — a horse that rears, runs backwards or throws itself sideways — stop it and unclip the aid.

Common mistake

With the aid too short, the horse hides behind the bit: it curls up, the front of its face goes behind the vertical, and it stops using its back. A longer aid and more impulsion are always better.

Ekidemy

The Galops^®, from the first step to Galop 7