Lunging advice and tips please.

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SALLYT

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Well my new lad arrived yesterday and all my tack doesn't fit - what a suprise, anyway I want to lunge him this evening, not for long but keen to start work .

He's only 5 so am aware not to over do it, probably 5 mins on each rein, now I don't know him and he doesn't know me, how is it best to start.
Do I put side reins on ? If so I guess not very tight.

Any help or advice gratefully received.
 
When I put side reins on, I make sure when she is standing naturally that the clips are long enough to reach the bit without pulling but without being baggy. This encourages her to stretch on a very light contact and gives enough for her not to lean on. I have no idea if that made sense, I hope so! Also I always walk for a total of 15 minutes, changing the rein very frequiently, and doing loads of halt-walk transitions (I feel this is often forgotten about) as it is just as important to get them warmed up properly ont he lunge as it is ridden.

I hope this helps, Best of luck with your new boy
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I much prefer to long line as you don't get the head tilting and you can control the bend but work intensities are the same. I agree with merry maker, lots of walk-halt. I don't care if i end up spending the whole time stood still, at 5 they're still impressionable and having a horse that can stand still when required is one of the best things ever. Also remember to change the rein often (very hard to keep count when your going round in circles i know!) I was also told that as a guide rule half your time should be spent walking and then that time divided into warm up and down. As to side reings i really think merry maker is really on the ball on this one! great way to celebrate 100 posts! lol
 
Thanks MerryMaker yes it made sense to me.

Ezme - I have never long long lined before, but tes I have heard that this would be better than lunging, but am loathe to practice on a new horse if you know what I mean. There is someone on our yard who does this maybe I can get them to do it for me while I watch and learn.
 
Hi, I'd put the lunge on and lead him round the school, make sure he's happy. If there is a spare body around, have them walk at his head while you lunge, gradually walking inwards towards you. Wouldn't worry to much about side reins on your first session, more important that he's happy and knows what he's doing. In future sessions make put side reins on after a warm up without. Make sure they are pretty loose and equal lengths.
Long lining is good, but you need to know how to do it and should defo have a second person around to help, especially with a baby horse who may not have done it before.
Keep circles big

Have fun!
 
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