0
Description
How the EquiAmi works: When we ride our horse, we ride it in a loop. This loop consists of our right arm, right shoulder, left shoulder, left arm, left hand, left rein, the bit, the right rein, the right hand and back to the right arm. This loop gives and takes with the horse as he lengthens and shortens and moves with the horse around turns and circles to keep a soft, consistent contact. We are taught that, in order to have softness and acceptance in the horse, we need to keep a soft, consistent contact with the horse via this communication loop. When there is tension or rigidity in the loop caused by fixed hands or tight arms, we are met with resistance and tension in the horse. We lunge our horses to give them exercises to do that build up their musculature and fitness in order to improve their performance under saddle, yet when we lunge them we generally put them in a training aid that places them in some sort of restraint by fixing or applying pressure. This is the opposite of what we endeavour to achieve under saddle. It is far more logical to lunge the horse in a training aid that works in a similar way to the way we ride them; to encourage a soft consistent contact and to discourage leaning and resistance. The unique patented design of the EquiAmi training aids place the horse inside a self-centring loop. The loop of the EquiAmi lunge aid encourages the horse to bring its hindlegs underneath its hindquarters, to lower its head and shorten its frame by developing wither lift. As the horse adopts a more rounded outline, it is immediately rewarded by the training aid becoming looser. When the training aid is working at its best, it is applying absolutely no pressure and the horse is working in a relaxed manner. As the loop is self-centring and is not fixed, the horse is unable to lean on the aid so has to learn to balance, lighten and carry itself. The safety loop that is incorporated in the lunging aid allows sufficient free movement for all horses whilst preventing the horse from catching itself in the mouth at each stride. No other training aids incorporate both of these properties Another advantage of the loop system is that it is only necessary to make adjustments to one side of the training aid as it is a loop and self-centres so always remains equal provided it is fitted correctly. Whilst not designed for unbroken horses, it can be used as part of a basic training routine, once a young horse is comfortable with a rope or long rein around the hindquarters. Teaching a horse to work through his back from the start makes more sense than making corrections or retraining at a later stage though this is equally well achieved using the EquiAmi lunging aid. The EquiAmi lunge aid provides a good workout for fit horses when weather conditions or time constraints restrict riding. It is also recommended by experts that we work our horses from the floor once or twice a week so that the important muscles that support the saddle can work without pressure. This enables unrestricted blood flow through these muscles to allow them to ‘pump-up’ and strengthen. This in turn supports the saddle and rider more effectively and lifts the saddle away from the spine when ridden. Available in Pony, Full & X Full. Pony size is aimed at welsh Sec. A & B ponies and fits approx. 11 – 13 hands. Full size to fit from approx. 13 hands to 16.2/17 hands depending on width and length of forehand. Extra full is available for the larger horses. Roller and lunge cavesson sold separately. Link to how to set up the lunge aid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IQ8bbsBnpk
