How do you choose a roller for groundwork and lunging?
A roller keeps your training aids steady and provides fixed attachment points, so you can vary your horse's outline during lunging or long-reining sessions. Depending on the exercises you have planned, the design of the roller meets specific needs:
- Lunging: lets you attach training aids at different heights to encourage a good outline.
- Long-reining: guides the reins along the horse's flanks for work on a circle or a straight line.
- Vaulting: gives solid handholds so the vaulter stays secure while the horse moves.
For regular sessions, our range includes the QHP Colour Working Roller and the KERBL nylon working roller. RIDING WORLD also offers the NORTON synthetic working roller.
Leather or synthetic: which should you choose?
The right material depends on how much upkeep you want to do and how you will use the roller. Synthetic and nylon models can simply be rinsed with clean water and stand up to bad weather and dusty arenas.
For riders who prefer tradition or classical work, a leather roller offers excellent hold and great durability. Our catalogue includes the GOMES Portuguese Leather Roller with Training Aids and the ACAMPADO Camargue leather saddle roller. We also stock the NORTON CLUB webbing roller.
- Nylon and synthetic: can be sponged clean and do not need regular oiling.
- Leather: needs periodic cleaning with glycerine saddle soap and stays supple over time.
What makes a vaulting surcingle different?
Vaulting places specific demands on equipment because of the vaulter's weight and movement. Unlike a standard lunging roller, a vaulting surcingle has rigid handles to keep the vaulter secure when performing moves at different gaits.
For the vaulter's safety, a vaulting surcingle provides stable handholds without restricting the horse's ribcage. In our catalogue, the NORTON vaulting surcingle and the NORTON CLUB vaulting surcingle with closed handles meet the needs of the discipline. When introducing a horse to vaulting, the surcingle must fit perfectly to prevent it from slipping sideways.
- Rigid handles: give stable support for both static and dynamic exercises.
- Girth: holds the surcingle in place without hindering the horse's breathing.
Why use a roller pad?
Placed directly under the roller's back strap, a roller pad protects the back and withers from repeated rubbing. It cushions the pressure from the girth and from the tension of the training aids during longer sessions.
Our range includes the QHP Air Mesh Roller Pad and the Norton black synthetic sheepskin roller pad. This extra layer of comfort is especially useful for sensitive or clipped horses.
- Withers protection: removes direct contact with the back strap.
- Pressure distribution: protects the back muscles beneath the tightening points.