Lungeing

[JosieSmith]

Can anyone suggest some lungeing exercises for a stiff oldy please.

Riding is a pain in this weather as the school gets boggy and she tiptoes around the puddles, whereas lungeing she'll go through them, or take extra big steps over them, so I figure it's better to lunge as we can get more done.

Also, I'm worried she'll get stiff if I don't exercise her regularly, so going to lunge instead of ride. However, I'm not really sure how much of each gait I should do. I tend not to canter her as she's not very balanced. How long should I walk and trot, and should I do both on one rein then change it, or should I do one on each rein, then the other (did that make sense). Also, I know I can do some pole work but don't want to do too much. How would you do it?

 

[Peacelily]

lots of transitions, circles from large circles to slightly smaller circles (still big if an old stiffy) back out to larger circles, lots of rein changes, pop on some long side reins to encourage to take the contact, change the tension to get her to stretch, a few poles on the floor, 1 pole, half raise, 3 poles, alternate raised (only a tidge), umm..... see if that gets you going, would do no more than 20 minutes, but if just walking & trotting & playing around, don't worry too much, especially if lots of rein changes/halts, but don't overdo it...
I'm sure more exercises will be suggested.....

 

[Echo Bravo]

Peacelilly talks a lot of sense

 

[Peacelily]

why thankyou johnrobert!

 

[JosieSmith]

Brill thanks, will do that