Lungeing a youngster(4yrs)

[TequilaMist]

Mates lungeing her 4 yr old 5/6 times a week usually for 15/20 mins before riding as wants the edge taken off him.Not fizzy but he has been playing up.Was backed earlier this year
Am concerned re effect on his joints.
Also how often would you recommend working him?
Any thoughts???
Thanks

 

[horseless jorge!]

5 or 6 times a week at 20 minutes each is way too much for a 4 year old. Lunging is almost twice as hard on the horse as they're constantly going in circles.
Can she not free lunge him? I used to free lunge my mare for 5 minutes, just to let her get the buck out etc.

 

[kirstyl]

Lungeing is beneficial if horse is being encouraged to work correctly. A four year old would generally not need ridden work after a educational 20 min lungeing session

 

[NicoleS_007]

IMO yes lunging every day for 15-20mins before then riding is to much. Has she made sure he is not in pain? What do you mean by playing up? My 4yr does 30 mins in the school twice a week and hacks for 1hr twice a week. Im pretty sure there are people doing more with there youngsters but were not really aiming for much this year so have decided to take her slowly.

 

[VioletStripe]

Certainly wouldn't do that with my 4yo, or maybe I'm just soft

Lungeing is much harder on a horse's joints, and actually 20mins of lungeing is the same as a whole hour's riding. And then being ridden afterwards is very hard work on top. I usually school for 20-30mins, 4 times a week at most. I will occasionally have an hour's lesson, but he is very mature luckily and I take it very slowly with plenty of breaks. xx