Lunging with your horse: this is how you do it | MHS Equestrian

Lunging is so much more than just letting your horse run laps on a long line. You can use lunging for different purposes. It is perfect when you want to train a young horse, but also when you want to loosen muscles or practice something new. If you think about the goal that you want to achieve with lunging before you start, lunging is much more useful. The following reasons will nevertheless come in handy when you start effectively with lunging.

Get focus

By asking your horse for different transitions, circuits and changes of direction during lunging you learn to focus your horse on you. You are the leader. In the presence of you, your horse should act different than when he and his friends are in the meadow (for example, running, bucking etc.).

Preferably your horse should walk relaxed with its head down. In addition, he watches you by turning the inner ear towards you. Does your horse chew every now and then or does he lick its lips? Then he gives you a signal that he is processing what he has just learned.

Warming up

If your horse focuses its attention on you, then it is time for further warming up. Ask for changes in tempo in the pace in which your horse runs. In addition, make more difficult transitions, for example from walk to canter. You can also try to make the circle smaller and larger. In this way you make the muscles of your horse warm and loose. Your horse is then ready to work under the saddle.

Once is the first time

Lunging is ideal for getting young horses used to a saddle and bridle. Learning to collect and extend is also a good exercise for the lunge line. In this way the horse can first get used to the new exercise without having to worry about the equestrian sitting on his back. You can also let your horse get used to an obstacle or an exciting object on the lunge line. And all without you running the risk of falling in the event of an enthusiastic jump or a shock reaction.

Practicing corridors

With lunging you have access to two aids that you can use to improve your horse's transitions. The lunging line and the lunging whip. The lunge whip is your driving aid. The lunge line acts as reins. Without an equestrian on its back, it is easier for your horse to find its balance. Practicing corridors on the lunge line is also a plus for yourself. Because you are standing next to it you can perfectly see what your horse is doing in response to a clue or help.

Lunging with a lunging aid

Are you planning to lunge with a lunging aid, for example side reins? Then do this with care and think about whether it is wise to use a lunging aid for your horse. A horse needs its head and neck to stay in balance. Lunging aid can disturb this balance. For young horses with little balance, the (incorrect) use of a lunging aid can be harmful. Only when a horse has further developed its body and can keep his balance the back can relax and the neck and head will come down. If you start using a lunging aid too early, this can lead to overloading.

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