When lunging a horse in the Pessoa lunging system, it can help to create greater engagement and connection as long as it is fitted and used correctly.The Pessoa lunging system was designed by showjumper Nelson Pessoa and it should be used for short sessions only. It is designed to encourage the horse to work correctly and help to strengthen their back, and can be used on a regular basis.What is the Pessoa lunging system?The Pessoa uses a system of ropes and pulleys:There is an elastic tensioner positioned around the horses hindquarters and the tensioner attaches to the top of the roller.A further two lines run from the tensioner along either side of the horse.The lines pass through rings on the roller (the rings are halfway down the horses body).Then they attach to the bit rings via a small pulley, before running back to attach to the roller.Its sounds tricky and its easy to get confused! Make sure you fit the Pessoa lunging system to your horse correctly by following the instructions in full. We have also included a step-by-step guide to fitting a Pessoa below.When to use a PessoaA Pessoa is designed to only be used on a horse while lunging. It creates a connection between the hindquarters and the horses mouth.The tensioner and its supporting lines put gentle pressure on the quarters, encouraging the horse to step under their body with the hindleg and stretch and lift their back.At the same time, the lines running through the bit discourage the horse from raising their head too far by applying pressure on the mouth.As soon as the horse lowers their head, this pressure is removed.How to fit a PessoaThe system of ropes may look a little confusing to begin with, but once youve used it a few times, youll soon get the hang of what attaches where.A Pessoa should be used for short lunging sessions onlyThis is how to fit a Pessoa:Put the lunging roller on your horse and place the hindquarters tensioner over your horses back.Run the two lines from the tensioner along either side of your horse and through the rings on the roller positioned halfway up their body.Now clip the lines to the bit rings. While youre fitting, clip both attachments onto your horses bit. When youre ready to start lunging, move one clip from each side on to the roller.Attach the V-shaped piece of rope to the top of the roller.The sheepskin-covered piece sits around your horses hindquarters. This rear piece needs to sit just behind their stifle. It can be easily adjusted on either side to fit.When attaching the front ropes, check they are of equal lengths. To do this, undo the clip that doesnt have a pulley and stand in front of your horse holding the ropes.Always follow the instructions and seek help or advice if you need it.If its too tightFitted too tightly, a Pessoa will restrict the horses forward movement and bring their nose behind the vertical, putting them onto the forehand.If its too looseThe horse must be driven forward to achieve the correct frame. Too loose and the quarters wont engage, so therell be no connection from the hindquarters to the bridle.Why use a Pessoa lunging system?Correct fit and use are key to getting positive resultsUsing a lunging aid such as the Pessoa lunging system comesdown to personal choice. Providing it is fitted and used correctly, the following can be achieved:A supple backLooser paces due to improved supplenessDevelops topline muscleImproves connection from hindquarters to bridleBetter engagement of the hindquartersImproves the horses balanceBy creating greater engagement and connection, the Pessoa can help improve muscle development in weak or young horses, says training expert Tara Osborn. Those horses who are difficult to motivate or who find engagement of their quarters difficult will also benefit.By improving the back muscles, it can also help to improve horses who are tense or hollow, encouraging relaxation and the lowering and stretching of the horses neck and topline.The price of a Pessoa lunging system varies, but expect to pay upwards of 30 in the UK and around $80 in the USA.Buying in the UK?Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereRelated contentHow to improve a horses poor toplineUseful lunging equipmentWhat are the Scales of Training in dressage?9 lunging exercises to get your horse working correctlyEverything you need to know about horse jointsThe post Pessoa lunging system: how to fit and use it correctly appeared first on Your Horse.