Should you use training aids when lungeing?

Hello. For me it is a firm no. There are many reasons, but for me it comes down to being able to work and vary the horse's outline as needed. Above all, I want the horse to learn to lengthen its topline and to stay relaxed. I also rarely, and I mean never, work on the same rein and circle size for very long. I want to be free to vary the work and use exercises such as spiralling in and out on the line, using a cavesson for that, without having to stop and change the equipment.

There are also purely biomechanical reasons why training aids are not a useful tool. Many of them work by adding pressure in the mouth or at the poll to make the horse lower its head and flex at the poll, but it is important to remember that collection comes from behind. In many cases training aids give the opposite signal.

Do ask again if there is anything else you are wondering about!