Lunge lessons- what to expect?

[mungasmum]

Getting back in the saddle tomorrow for the first time tomorrow after my recent 'incident'. Took advice from here and starting off again with some lunge lessons. Feeling really excited but I'm just impatient to know what it will be like! I know the horse will be on the lunge (obviously!) but wondering what will be expected of me as the rider?
I've watched a couple of youtube vids and seen the arm swinging exercises etc but they're mostly Americans and I've read that with the 'no win, no fee' culture of late riders have to now hold reins and use stirrups.
So I'm just wondering if anyone's had one recently and can shed some light on what to expect.
Ta in advance ��

 

[View]

As I'm sure that you have discussed what happened with the instructor before booking a lunge lesson, they should be targeting the session at your needs.

So yes, you will be assessed and asked to do exercises. They may involve no stirrups, no reins, in walk or trot, being asked to hold a neck start or the pommel or cantle. Arm swinging, and other joints to improve your flexibility and position are normal but should be tailored to your needs. If you feel that you are being pushed too quickly, say so. Any instructor worth the name would rather know, and prefer to help you build your confidence, not shatter it.

Some lunge lessons I find physically easy, others leave me feeling like a piece of jelly. It depends what we are focussing on.

Good luck, and I hope you enjoy it.

 

[mungasmum]

Thanks for taking the time to reply View and for that info. I'm glad to hear that those exercises are still involved as I was thinking it might be a bit boring if I'm just sitting there!

As for my instructor he's said from the beginning that he'll only ask for something if he thinks I'm ready and will always accept no for an answer so I feel happy trusting his judgment. So roll on tomorrow 'cos I just can't wait to get back on!

Btw, your location gave me quite a giggle!

 

[View]

Excellent - a giggle always helps.

Let us know how it goes. BTW, lunge lessons are just part of the toolkit I use (possibly a couple every three or four months), but the last one I had (last week) was the other way around in that it was a horse new to the school, and they were using me as the guinea pig to find out if said horse is safe to use for this purpose.

It was different and I really enjoyed it because I really had to think to give detailed feedback.

 

[AdorableAlice]

Pain !! and the gift of an independent seat.