Pessoa / chambon

[Peanut]

Please could you explain the difference between these two and for what in particular each is used for in lunging. I've never really understood. :)

[DavidH]

The cambon just works on the head. It uses pole/bit pressure to encourage the horse to lower its head. ie pressure is increased on both pole and bit if head is raised, reduced / removed as lowered.

Pessoa works on front and back end of horse to encourage it to shorten the frame from behind and lift the back. Again, it works on prssure and release principle but at both ends of the horse.

Which to use when?
If you have a young horse or one that hasn't build up significant strength in its back or one that tends to go around with head high and hollow back then I would use a chambon. The aim here is to get the horse to lower its head/ neck thus stretching the muscles along its back to aid muscle development.

If you have a horse that has sufficient muscle strength in back and quarters but tends to work in a too long frame then the pessoa is the one to use as here you want to shorten and lift the outline.

Hope that helps:D