Training aids are often used in horsemanship to assist in developing a horse’s proper frame and headset. Among these, the chambon and the de gogue are two distinct devices, each with a unique mechanism and intended effect. While both aim to influence the horse’s head carriage, their application and the type of pressure they exert differ significantly, leading to strong opinions among equestrians regarding their use.
A chambon is a training aid that originates from between the horse’s front legs, typically attaching to a breastplate. It then travels up to a pulley system positioned on either side of the bridle, just above the browband. From these pulleys, the straps descend to the bit, where they are secured. The chambon exerts pressure on the horse’s poll when the horse lifts its head. Crucially, the horse can release this pressure by lowering its head and extending its nose forward. This provides a clear cause and effect for the horse: a desired action (lowering the head) leads to the removal of discomfort. This self-executing nature allows the horse to learn and repeat the behavior that alleviates the pressure, making it an effective tool for training a horse to maintain a lower head carriage.
In contrast, a de gogue, which can be considered a variation of the chambon, operates with a different principle. Instead of directly attaching to the bit, the de gogue features an intermediary attachment. After passing through the bit, the strap connects to this attachment, which then leads back to the breastplate. This configuration creates a significantly different sensation for the horse. With a de gogue, there is effectively no release of pressure, regardless of the horse’s actions. The horse’s head and neck are essentially trapped within a triangular system formed by the breastplate, the pulleys near the browband, and the straps running through the bit back to the breastplate.
This lack of release has led to strong criticism of the de gogue. Detractors argue that any training aid should offer a means of reward for desirable behavior. The de gogue, by continuously applying pressure, prevents the horse from achieving this release through its own efforts. Critics have described the de gogue as an “Edwardian torture rig,” citing instances where horses have panicked, reared, and even fallen backward while wearing one. The primary objection is that the de gogue forces the horse’s head into a specific position without allowing for any self-correction or reward, which is considered detrimental to a horse’s well-being and the learning process.
The author expresses a strong aversion to the de gogue, stating a refusal to ever ride a horse that has one fitted. The reasoning behind this stance is rooted in the belief that training equipment should facilitate learning through positive reinforcement or, at the very least, provide a clear and achievable way for the horse to relieve pressure. The de gogue’s inability to offer this release is seen as a fundamental flaw. The author recounts a personal experience of apologizing to a horse after unknowingly using a de gogue, highlighting the distress and potential harm caused by the device.
In summary, while both the chambon and the de gogue are used to influence a horse’s head position, their mechanisms and the resulting training experiences are vastly different. The chambon allows for pressure release and thus a form of self-reward for the horse, making it a more widely accepted training tool. The de gogue, however, by trapping the horse and offering no release, is viewed by many as an unethical and potentially dangerous device. For effective and humane horse training, understanding these distinctions is crucial.
