Cheap versions of Pessoa?

[Mandeigh]

There are a few on ebay at the mo.....are they worth the money...I don't plan paying £80  for one, but I'm happy to use a cheapy as it looks like it would help turn Roh from upside down to the right way round 

[ukica]

why not try the bum strap paired with side reins???

[Mandeigh]

cos I don't 'do' side reins 

[happy-horses]

I don't know... you got a link? The Pessoa is on pully things so the release is very good 

[Larri DB]

I bought one and it was absolutely rubbish, a total waste of money

If I want the connection from back to front I use a chambon to a roller and an elastic (tail) bandage around neddy's backside also attached to roller so both ends connected in the middle - hinds stepping under and neck stretching forwards and out. Cheap, cheerful and very effective

[TashaKat]

Have you tried to TT figure of 8 body wrap thing? I haven't done it myself but I know that Paula was using it and all you need are a couple of bandages and nothing at all interfering with the mouth.

[ukica]

Good ideas from Larri and TashaKat 

[ChrissieW]

Firstly I firmly believe that a Pessoa or good alternative when fitted properly does not interfere with the mouth to any negative degree and they can when used correctly help a horse find a new better way of going.

On cheap versions, yes some of them are very good, but you do have to be careful which ones.    I brought mine over 5+ years ago and its still going strong, it was a cheap alternative, but it still has similar fixings etc to a normal Pessoa.     I know people who have brought alternatives in recent years and they haven't been so good, the fixings not so user friendly, coming loose etc, rope poorer quality and thicker so it doesn't "run" and release so well.

[Mandeigh]

I can't use a chambo with Roh .....and for the last while I have been using the harbridge which he doesn't object to much.....it just stops him from being really hollow...but I need him to be able to move his head as he needs so any kind of fixed rein is out.

Its even hit or  a miss wether a pessoa will suit him as he can be very errr.... senstive

[Hat Dancer]

I would suggest you longline (on a large circle in all three gaits) with saddle and bridle on, tie the stirrups together under his belly so there is about an inch or so play, and have the lines running through the stirrups. Outside line comes round the back of his hocks (or thereabouts) and is used for impulsion (and steering).

Worked a treat for me. Dancer absolutely hated the pessoa, would bronc something chronic. But worked beautifully well like that, really got into self carriage after a while and started stretching over her back. Also got the most fantastic bum from it (horse, not me unfortunately  )

[Mandeigh]

Longlining is a no go with him    especially with a line round his back end............

[issywizz]

Mandeigh,if thats the case then I would be very suprised if he accepts the pessoa either,often horses that 'really need it' ( so to speak given that I dont use them!) are the ones that dont accept them,I know several who went loopy in one.
I would agree with hat dancer but suggest aclimatising him to the feel of a line round his bum by working in a figure of eight bandage which would be useful in itself anyway.
You can also put the long line through the turret and bring it over his back rather than round his bum if you need to. 

[Mandeigh]

I expect to have a greater contol with him on a single lunge line     ...even if there is a the bum line on.............he's 18 now, got a history as long as your arm and semi retired, but I need to keep him working to keep him mobile  and now I'm not really riding him, he's very happy to be as upside down as possible 

But he's used to pulling himself along with his front legs and when he first arrived I was most suprised by the fact that his back legs would hardly step forward...just went up and down in fact when I 'tried' him at the ILPH he was lame, a fact that seemed to escape them...........

I can keep gong with the harbridge I would have just prefered somthing that would connect his whole body more...hence not wanting to spend a fortune on a geniue pessoa if a cheapy model would give me the chance to see how he got on with it. 

Might give the figure 8 bandage a go....though.

I only have a tiny ring on the top of my roller...a totally useless ring at that!  even if I was able to get the lines through it....I'd still have to be very careful changing direction as I couldn't just flip it over like I can with Mr Fidge.....   

[oldmoss]

I bought an imitation one for around £30 and love it, fantastic quality (better than the original in my opinion) and works well.  My friend also has another imitation one and again it is super - there are decent cheap ones out there.  I don't have a link to the one I have but could send you pics of it if you are interested.

Why don't you buy a cheaper one and try it out a few times and if no use I'm sure you could sell it on again on Ebay without making too much of a loss 

[ukica]

Why not just lunge with the bum bandage for a try....if it encourages engagement, it might be all you need.  Works well with my horse.