Do you ever have lunge lessons?

Law

Law

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Bit of a random question but I was wondering how many of us have lunge lessons and how often you do, if you do?

I think the last time I had a lunge lesson I was about 12 and did all the stuff waving my arms in every direction etc
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not really having any idea what it was meant to acheive!

After the 'Preparing to win' seminar, at the Hand a few weeks ago, I was really inspired by the work that they demonstrated on the lunge about seat and position so I decided that I'd really like to have a go
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Mat b came to teach us this weekend and I made the (slightly foolish) suggestion that I'd like a lunge lesson. It was BRILLIANT! I really couldn't believe how enjoyable it was and just how effective your position can be, even when you are jiggling about no end! I know, I know, it's not exactly rocket science but focussing on yourself instead of sharing the focus between the horse and your position made a hell of a difference for us!

So does anyone else have the occassional lunge lesson or have you thought about having a go?
 
My sister regularly gives lunge lessons, theyre extremely useful.
I've avoided them thus far- the threat of being put on the lunge always makes me improve my riding!!
 
One a week off the mother, sometimes 2... Makes such a huge huge difference, one of the most invalueable parts of training in my opinion!

Had a lesson with Liz Winter on Friday and she made a comment about how stable my lower leg was and then asked if i spent much time on the lunge... I replied and she said that she still does it (granted not once a week, but still...!)

I tend to alternate between being in a dressage saddle with no stirrups/reins to develop my seat & independance if hands and the jumping saddle with "jockey" stirrups to develop my lower leg
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Also used to do alot of lunge work when I did the Alexander Technique...

like i say in my opinion completely invalueable and underrated/underused
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I would really really like to have lunge lessons but am too scared to ask my instructor! Sounds silly, but then we're strating to get somewhere with my position now anyway. Last time I was on the lunge I had to canter without stirrups and reins and nearly fell off as my balance is so awful! That was about two years ago now. I reckon if I had lunge lessons I'd only do what I'm doing now (which is a lot of sitting trot without stirrups on a circle).
I think lunge lessons are under-used, personally.
 
I totally agree
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I honestly couldn't get over how useful it was!
I got whizzed round once or twice each rein with stirrups and then had them promptly taken off me and spent the rest of the lesson like that. Went into canter without stirrups and had to grab the saddle with one hand like I was on a rodeo horse
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Twas amusing but a great lesson
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I remember having one a while back, really good for fitness, its amazing how much you can improve just in 1/2 sessions. I havent had one for a while as theres nothing on the yard at the moment that would put up with it for long!
 
Years ago on the run up to my Stage 1, my instructor was despairing of me I think, back on the lunge I went, no stirrups or reins, and I had to keep my eyes shut, she had the horse working at all three paces, without voice, so of course I never knew what was coming next. Very very effective - and the next week I passed my Stage 1!
 
I dont dare ask someone to lunge Odie whilst I ride him! its bad enough lunging him without a rider and he puts in some spectacular airs above the ground, and he just might forget that there is little old me on top and repeat his usual diplay and I'd be catapulted over to warwickshire! having said that.... I quite often canter without stirrups and have no problem doing that.... its just "that" trot that has me bouncing all over the place!!!!
 
I used to have one a week, last year and the year before, and although beneficial it has changed my position (was constantly made to put my lower leg further back) and now I am trying to undo what has become habit! I ride a lot without stirrups though.
 
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