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Training Aids
Training aids are pieces of tack equipment that the horse wears and can be a useful addition to supplement the training program of some horses.
Use
Training aids should only be used by experienced riders or they have the potential to cause more harm than good.
- Training aids can be used for either riding or lunging, with the exception of the De Gogue which has two different settings allowing it to be used for both ridden and lunging work.
- Training aids are used to encourage the horse to work and use their bodies more effectively.
- Training equipment should only be used to positively educate a horse and not to force a horse into a fixed position or undue stress will be placed not only on the horses muscles but also their minds.
Types Of Training Aid
- Lunging training aids
- Ridden Training Aids
Action
Each of the training aids applies pressure in varying amounts to the different parts of the horses body, where possible the mildest training aid pressure should always be sought. The horse should always ridden forwards in an encouraging manor so that the horse learns to engage the hindquarters and use their backs correctly to achieve self carriage.
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Points Of Pressure
- Poll
- Bars of the mouth
- Corners of the mouth
- Tongue
Fitting
Each piece of equipment will need to be carefully fitted to ensure that the fit does not cause any harm or discomfort to the horse.
Training
- Treat any training aid with great care, when used correctly they will help to educate a horse in self carriage and allow the use of the training aid to be minimal.
- Continual training of both horse and rider is imperative for long term benefits to occur.
- Training aids should not be used as a quick fix or as a substitute for correct and thorough training.
- Each horse can react differently to new equipment so take your time when introducing any new piece of tack.
- Only experienced riders should use training aids.
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