A dummy rider?

[Ahrena]

Do you think
it might be work trying to put a dummy on Lacey and then have me long rein her ect? As she didn't lift a front leg off the ground before I got on her, during my groundwork ect.

As obviously that would be a weight on her back, and me long reining would act as the controls..but it wouldn't jump off if she goes up, or get nervous, or get hurt if she does do something stupid.

Possible idea?

[black crow]

Unless you were doing it with someone trained and a good quality dummy, then i think its a seriously bad idea.

Have worked with several horses who've had dummies used incorrectly, which has basically freaked them out as the dummies are tied on, and the problem escalates majorly. Have used dummies for several years and as long as it is totally needed and correctly used, then much less problem
If you had someone work with her who knows how to use a dummy to best advantage who have used them before, then it's possible but it doesnt work for everything.

[Ahrena]

Hmm yeah definately, if something went wrong and it was like flapping around her legs or whatnot, that'd just freak her out.

A non-horsey friend just mentioned it and I thought hey, its something we havn't tried, lets look into it :p I'll mention the idea to Lynn Chapman (the woman who, if she gets the all clear, she'll be going to for schooling..you can google her if you're interested, she's quite well known down here, I knew of her before anyway) and see what she says?

[Lucy B]

Milly had loads of Dummy work done and it did her the world of good. I didn't do it though, she was at a training yard where they knew what they were doing and dealing with.
I agree with BC, it would have to be done right. It was a very delicate process of knowing whne Milly was ready etc before she had it on.
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g279/lucy1890/Milly/MillywithDummy.jpg