Baby or something else?

[lovelyfrenchie3000]

My 4 year old ex racehorse doesn’t trot on the lunge. I lunge him with 2 lines and he walks fine but won’t trot no matter what I do. He will trot on the long lines and under saddle. He has had back/teeth/saddle checked - saddle fitter says he actually looks good and has improved

Is it just baby-ness and misunderstanding what I am asking or is there likely to be something sinister?

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

It can be that they just don't understand I would teach voice commands if you haven't already, then get a helper to run around with him on the lunge that often gets them going.

Voice commands are so vital though I think, both of mine will go off my voice without a whip on the ground or if I'm riding they are really useful.

 

[lovelyfrenchie3000]

She will trot on long-lines and then if I ask her to go onto a circle she will walk

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

She will trot on long-lines and then if I ask her to go onto a circle she will walk

Sounds like a bit of confusion and because she finds it hard I would get a helper to run with her, try making the circle really big to start with as some young horses are unbalanced doing circles.

 

[AmyMay]

It sounds to me as if you could do with the help of a professional to teach you how to lunge (based on this, and previous posts you’ve made).

 

[lovelyfrenchie3000]

I have had a lesson with a professional who advised lunging with two lines. I will be getting another lesson with somebody in the next few weeks as a back up - to make sure it’s not my body language. A friend says it’s likely she just doesn’t understand

 

[Lucky Snowball]

Maybe try just one line and ensure the circle is as large as line allows. Use end of school so the fence guides her round.

 

[lovelyfrenchie3000]

I did do that to start with