lunging anyone ??

[hannah28]

hey guys, had the vet out today and my boy has to be of work for a week then she wants me to lunge him using something to make his back work a bit, thing is i have never done anything like this before so have no idea, she suggested that i use side reins as i dont lunge often and she didnt want me spending loads if i wasnt going to lunge often.

but i think i will continue to lunge as it will help him in the long run, so any suggestion in something i can invest in to help him, and how do i use it ?? or will side reins do the job ? and how do i use them ?

thank you
Xx

 

[wellsat]

My personal favourite for lunging is a de gogue, they're cheap but not something you could guess how to use. Do you have an instructor that could spend five minutes showing you how to put it on at the start of a normal lesson?

 

[NicoleS_007]

I use the draw rein method when lunging. Cheap as all you need is a set of draw reins no roller etc and really does make a noticeable improvement on neck, back and just in general topline. My horse has always had problems with his back always being slightly sore and now after using this once a week all summer its developed alot more muscle and no more back issues

ETS ... http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=381844&highlight=draw+rein+lunging+method

That was the very first time i used it and you should see him now he looks soo much better its unreal!!

 

[schneeko]

I don't personally use any more than side reins but my horse works into a nice contact more naturally.

A lot of people on my yard are using a bungee to help get their horses to be more round and use their backs and the horses seem to be improving.

 

[Letslip]

Could you borrow a pessoa from someone? I know some people really don't like them however have to say that I am a big fan and for my girl who has had back problems in the past it has been an absolute saviour, was also recommended by the AHT for a horse coming back from kissing spine surgery to strengthen the back.

Have you thought about long reining instead of lunging? Horses do tend to work more over their back in long reins as opposed to lunging (that's if you can't use or get hold of any other aids).

 

[Cop-Pop]

Chambons are brilliant

 

[horsecrazy25]

A Pessoa is great.

Expensive in shops but you can buy pretty cheap off Ebay, x

 

[Kokopelli]

Another Pessoa fan, you may need an instructor to help you use it first time as they are a bit fiddly

 

[Charli1892]

I would go for the pessoa too, they really helped my pony strengthen his back

 

[_daisy_]

would definitely recommend a de gogue or chambon for working backends.

 

[Sol]

I've been connverted from a pessoa to the 'draw rein method' xD Pessoa is very inconsistent (unless you have it so tight that your horse is tied together, or you have a horse who naturally goes well it seems!), at least, I've never had/seen a horse trust one in a sense.
Tried the 'draw rein method' with my lad the other day though and he went so much better like that! Plus its really quick to put on

 

[rebchico]

pessoa for me.. means pony cant run away, as she does from everything else...
I also use side reins.
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