Lunge lines (for long reining too?)

[Tickles]

Not unrelated to the 'does one need own grooming kit if not a horse owner' thread it seems that I will definitely need my own lunge line.

I've always just used whatever was around before so haven't really thought about what makes a 'good' one.

I'm assuming something slightly padded might be nicer (if heavier) than the ones that are 1-thickness of webbing?

Should I get one with stops (why)?
Cotton/artificial?
Buy two so that they can be used for long-reining too?
How long?
Anything else to consider?

Thanks!

 

[Natch]

Just get one which doesn't look as if it'll break the second a horse canters, and is comfy to hold. I like a bit of weight to it as it makes it easier to handle IMHO. Not too wide, I had one ages ago which was too wide to thread through the bit rings if you are lunging from a bridle.

I'd get one with stops, much for the same reasons as a set of reins with stops - helps you to keep control, and if you are new to lunging (I'm not sure if you are?) it helps you to learn.

I don't mind cotton or synthetic, apart from maybe the cotton ones would rot through if left wet? If you want to long rein I'd get two different colours but same style - not as cool looking as the same colour but a lot easier to sort out if they get in a mess! Mind you, the rein stops could be a pain when long reining, so if you are planning on doing much long reining get ones without stops.

HTH

 

[Archangel]

Mine are slightly padded and cotton. You can get a hell of a burn from those hideous nylon reins. I find the heavier thicker ones give a bit of weight to the rein which is good. Stops would be nice although I usually end up putting knots in as I have a couple of would-be-acrobats to lunge and it saves the rein whistling through your hand . Longer reins are good for working the horse on a bigger circle and for when aforementioned acrobats get broncing

Always wear gloves (I'm sure you know that )

 

[Tickles]

Do'h that makes sense about the stops. I'm not new to lunging, just this horse & yard (hence not borrowing lunge lines any more). Having said that I've only ever lunged horses who found it at worst either fun or slightly confusing... never naughty ones so no issues holding on/getting burns.

Will be trying in a safe enclosed space to start with as this horse hasn't been lunged in ages (hence to line available).

Thanks for all the helpful advice

 

[ironhorse]

Aerborn padded lunge lines (like the headcollar material) are best, but can still burn if the horse goes suddenly. ALWAYS lunge in gloves - I saw the very unpleasant effects of not doing at a show last summer.
Make sure whatever you buy has a swivel clip on the end so you can use it on a headcollar or bridle.

 

[Kokopelli]

Adding to the gloves comment always lunge in a hat.
People tend not to as your not sat on the horse but personally I think your at more risk lunging then you are riding in some situations.

 

[monkeybum13]

I have an aeroborn lunge line, it is very soft. I also have an aerborn headcollar and lead rope because I like the material.

Always put gloves on to lunge (and hat).