Lunging advice

[Leam_Carrie]

Trying to lunge new horse. Without a lunge whip she moves between paced beautifully but falls in on one rein. With a whip she won't walk and breaks into canter and if I eventually get her to trot she goes back into canter if I ask her to move out (using out as a voice command and pointing with whip) Any tips or suggestions?

 

[CBFan]

Either use two lines to lunge with so that you have control of the outside rein or just point the lunge whip at her shoulder to encourage her to stay out on the circle?

Lots of work on transitions, no matter how long each one takes to achieve. Really use the sound and tone of your voice to heighten the aid... using differnt words can sometimes help. I know people who use 'halt' for example where I use 'sta-and'...

 

[RachelBristol]

either lunge off two lines, or use a slightly smaller circle, and use the end of the line to throw out rather than a whip. some horses are very scared of a lunge whip, and wont do anything except race around if they see one

 

[Leam_Carrie]

use a slightly smaller circle, and use the end of the line to throw out rather than a whip

How small a circle is still ok for the horse? I am thinking this would be a better approach as she was really good without the whip.

 

[D66]

keep practicing. She will soon learn that you're not going to beat her. and when she relaxes the correct bend will come. Make the circles different sizes, and use transitions and poles on the ground to keep her interested. Don't expect her to be perfect straight away.