Charging when Lunging - help

[IDIndia]

Hi

I have given my mare a week and a bit off work to put some weight on (which has worked) and now when i lunge her she is starting to put her ears flat back and charging towards me.

Not sure what to do, should i charge back to show im boss or move away. I dont think she would trample me down, but she would kick out...

suggestions please - which mean minor injuries tomyself lol.

 

[ThePony]

I wouldn't move back, just ensure your body position is moving her on around the circle. You should never be in a position where she is facing you tbh. When she is on a circle, you want a triangle between you, your lunge whip, your horse and your lunge line. If she keeps heading towards you then I would move your body behind her a little to move her on around the circle. Stand your ground though as she can't just chase you off if she fancies it!
Does she have an discomfort at all? It does sound like a slightly odd response if she is just resistant about working on the lunge. Does she do it the same regarless of direction or pace?

 

[bonny]

Not very helpfull, but it sounds like she's trying to tell you something !

 

[lilly1]

Using two lines may give you more control.

 

[Tempi]

I wouldn't move back, just ensure your body position is moving her on around the circle. You should never be in a position where she is facing you tbh. When she is on a circle, you want a triangle between you, your lunge whip, your horse and your lunge line. If she keeps heading towards you then I would move your body behind her a little to move her on around the circle. Stand your ground though as she can't just chase you off if she fancies it!
Does she have an discomfort at all? It does sound like a slightly odd response if she is just resistant about working on the lunge. Does she do it the same regarless of direction or pace?

^^^^ This! Very good advice!

Also im surprised she has put on noticable weight in a week??

I would also go down the pain route - when were her back and teeth last done?

Also how are you lunging her? In a pessoa?side reins?roller?saddle?

 

[Tempi]

Using two lines may give you more control.

I wouldnt suggest this unless OP is very confident with one line, which it sounds like she isnt from the original post. Lunging with 2 lines if you have a difficult horse and aren't very confident would be a total nightmare.

 

[Tiaan]

My boy did this to me a couple of times, the first time I backed right up and moved out of the way, he then thought Yay! a game!!

The next time he did that I kept very still, and cracked the lunge whip directly at him - he hasnt done it since!!!

Hope its that easy for you - good luck!

 

[Tiaan]

P.S - I always find that if I stay "behind" his head then he will move forward. If I am too far in front then he will stop. Also look at the ears make sure she is listening to you all the time,this also helps x