Training Aids
Training aids, such as side-reins, Equi-bands and Pessoa systems, are useful if fitted and used in the correct way, and based on sound reasoning, but does every horse need a training aid? The answer maybe no.
“When we are selecting a training aid, we must ask ourselves what is the overarching objective?” says Russell MacKechnie-Guire. “The idea behind training aids is that they can positively influence the horse’s posture, encouraging it to activate its core and round the back, and provide a variety of work. But if the training aid we use isn’t correctly fitted, used in the correct way, or suitable for that specific horse’s physical capabilities, it possible benefits will be limited and its use may be counter-productive.”
A survey undertaken by Russell showed that many owners use a training aid for multiple reasons, such as part of a fitting programme, general exercise, young horses and time constraints, to name just a few.
“One of my main concern with training aids is that owners don’t ask the question, ‘why am I using this, and is there a need?” he says. “People tend to reach for the most popular training aids or one being used by a friend on the yard, but it might not be the most appropriate for their horse.
“One of the other concerns is that most are used with the horse travelling on a circle – a circle induces asymmetries; if the circle size is too small and/or if the horse is going too quick, then these asymmetries are exacerbated. In order for a horse to turn, the horse will alter its body position, this can be visualised with the horse leaning in, and altering its head position when on the circle. Training aids that attach to the bit have the potential to mechanically influence head and neck position, which may limit the horse’s own biomechanical strategy when circling. Whilst this may be a goal, it is essential that owners are mindful of this and ensure that their lunging skills (i.e., the diameter of the circle and not allowing the horse to travel too fast) are not counterproductive to the overall goal.”
Types of training aid
The most common aids used from the research Russell has undertaken are the Pessoa and side-reins, followed by the Equi-band system.
“From a personal perspective, I like the Equi-band (elasticated bands that go under the horse’s belly and round the hindquarters) as there is evidence to show that it influences back movement, leading to what has been described as increased stability,” says Russell. “That said, it is important to consider what the objective is and select a training aid that is appropriate for the horse and one that the handler can use safely and effectively. Side-reins are also a popular choice, and if using side-reins, ones with elastic inserts have been shown to be preferable.”
It's also important to assess the fit of the roller when using training aids.
“We found that rollers, if not sufficiently padded, can put pressure directly on the spine,” explains Russell. “With a horse that has had kissing spine surgery, it is often recommended that the horse is lunged with a training aid, usually a Pessoa, but the location where the roller sits on the spine and the effect that can have is not always considered, so it is essential to ensure that it is fitted correctly and well-padded where it sits over the spine.”
What are we trying to achieve?
When using training aids, we’re looking for the horse to use its body biomechanically correct.
“Horse owners need to be aware of the signs of fatigue – horses may tire more quickly in a training aid when lunging, so look for tripping, stiffness and lethargy. Less is more, and as a guide, sessions should be less than 20 minutes. Some people use training aids when doing pole work. Whilst this may be useful, I would be cautious with this approach. Pole work in itself is biomechanically demanding and complex for the horse; combined with a training aid, it may not be biomechanically useful, depending on the training aid.”
Individual assessment
It's also important to assess whether the horse has the mental and physical capacity to work with the training aid.
“Always ask for help, and build the time up when beginning to use a training aid to allow the horse’s musculature to develop,” advises Russell. “There is a culture that you lunge for 10mins on the left, and 10mins on the right in a training aid, but it’s really important to take our time, prepare the horse and do a warm up and cool down without the training aid and off the lunge first. Walk in-hand for five minutes on each rein, like we would under saddle.”
When deciding which training aid would best suit your horse, Russell advises reaching out to your horse’s support team.
“Speak to your physio, trainer and vet to ascertain which training aid is best for your horse, how to fit and correctly use the training aid, and what exactly you are trying to achieve from it,” advises Russell. “The BHS have guidance on fitting training aids, but you could speak to your trainers, and read the manufacturer’s guidelines on how to fit, its important that we work as a team.”