Lunging advice please for 4 year old

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goodtimes

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Just bought a four year old cob x warmblood. Lovely horse. However, he had been to a show producers yard before I got him, and whether that had anything to do with it or not, on the lunge his neck is very tense. He doesn't stretch long and low.

Any suggestions on ways, gadgets, anything I can do to help him stretch along his back and neck and get him out of this 'fixed' outline.

Thanks.
 
I always like using draw reins lunging to get them stretching, simple and effective. Drop them down both sides resting below his wither, put through front legs and clip each side to the bit. Tie a knot to the tightness you want, and voila. Then just do lots of transitions, spirals, etc. :)

ETA - I occasionally add a bandage from one side of the roller, round their hind quarters and then to the other side of the roller also.
 
Personally I wouldn't lunge a 4yo. In fact I don't lunge anything as I don't like the strain on the joints. Long Lining would be much better and it's easier for the to stretch down on a straight line to loosen off than it is on a constant bend.
 
Every intelligent horse I have ever had refuses to lunge. Personally I feel the repetition of constant circles and the strain on joints on a less than perfect surface does more harm than good. Long reining and working in hand is far more beneficial. Just my opinion though
 
Nice stretchy side reins a hole looser than he wants to work, let him seek the contact. Each time he stretches praise him, each time you lunge loosen them a hole until he is working longer. I've found lunging useful with my youngsters personally
 
Is he already used to side reins? If so, I would introduce the Pessoa, but through his legs and attached to the underside of the roller, if that makes sense. Keep it nice and loose and keep sending him forward, with lots of praise when he stretches.
 
Holding said:
Is he already used to side reins? If so, I would introduce the Pessoa, but through his legs and attached to the underside of the roller, if that makes sense. Keep it nice and loose and keep sending him forward, with lots of praise when he stretches.
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He is used to side reins. I have got a Pessoa, but wasn't sure if he was a bit young.
Thanks
 
Pessoa loosely done will be fine. Lunging is a complete godsend when you are short of time or the weather is just so foul you want to be done and gone as quickly as possible. I walk mine up and down the school when lunging so that I a: won't damage the school 2. think its better for the horse when I move around as well and change the circle sizes 3. keeps me warm as well!
 
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