Ideas for a lazy lunger!

LaurenBay

LaurenBay

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Horse not me :p

When I first got my mare in May she didn't know how to lunge. It took some time but I got her walking, trotting, cantering, standing and popping over some jumps on the lunge. I introduced side reins too. I think now she's got the hang of it, shes trying it on!

Lately she has just become so so lazy on the lunge! I have been riding bareback with no probs and also walking out in hand, which she remains forward.

She has no respect the lunge whip at all, She even tried to kick it the other day! I tied a carrier bag on to the whip and still nothing, I was actually touching her with it and she still wouldnt do anything (to bombproof for her own good :p)

Any ideas what I can do to get her moving?
 
If it was my horse, I would make sure it had respect for the whip, otherwise, what is the point of holding one? You may aswell run around the horse while she stands and looks at you! Dont just 'touch' her give her a smack with it, might sound harsh but far less confusing for her than chasing her with a tesco bag ;)
 
Thanks guys, will give it a try.

Snoweysadude - I tired that (a handful actually :p) still nothing, didn't bat an eyelid. I love having a bombproof Horse but sometimes It's a pain! hehe

I've asked my YO to lunge her this week, I want to see how well Ruby responds to her.
 
Work her on a small circle initially in work where you can touch her the whip and tap where her girth (and your legs would be) and mean it if necessary. It will only take a couple of sharp taps to remind her that you are the senior partner and what you say goes!
 
kirstyl said:
Work her on a small circle initially in work where you can touch her the whip and tap where her girth (and your legs would be) and mean it if necessary. It will only take a couple of sharp taps to remind her that you are the senior partner and what you say goes!
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Thanks, will try this!

Snowysadude - :D think it might actually come to that! haha
 
So I found out what the problem was, Me!!

I asked my YO to lunge her yesterday and asked another livery to film it. Ruby is only used to me lunging her so I just wanted to make sure it wasn't something I was doing.

She played up a little but my YO is pretty firm and in the end got some lovely work. YO is going to give me a lesson and show me how she lunges, so I'm hoping it will work :)
 
Good idea getting someone to show you their way as peoples versions of lunging differ. If she does not respect the whip then make her give her a good crack but dont over do it as she will then fear the whip so once she moves forwards then praise her..... failing this use a cattle prod ;) :cool:
 
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