Lunging equipment

[Starrynme]

I'm new on here so first of all "Hello everyone"!

I wondered if anyone could help me out with a lunging question. I am introducing some lunge work into my arab mare's work regime but she hates the weight and bulk of a lunge cavesson. I have been reluctant to lunge from the bit as I'm concerned about damaging her mouth if she gets silly (which whe does occasionally!). I've seen pictures of trainers using leather cavessons with leather loops (so no jangling) but can't find anything similar on the market. What do you all suggest? If I do try lunging from the bit where do you all stand on the debate concerning where/how to fix the line? Any suggestions welcome!

 

[Nailed]

i would lung from the bit.. through one ring, over the head and down.. you would have to pull bl***y hard to hurt her.. If not i would lunge from head coller with bridle over top.
Lou x

 

[RachelB]

I agree with that, when lungeing a horse I don't know I always start with the "check rein" as I call it, through the bit ring up and over and clip to opposite bit ring. It gives more control than just clipping under the chin as it works on a small amount of poll pressure and also if the horse puts its head down to buck (and then potentially stepping over the lunge line and getting in a pickle) the bit is also raised in the horse's mouth. As loobie_lou said though you'd have to pull damn hard to do much damage! I would personally never lunge clipped to the inside bit ring only, it's all too easy to pull the bit (and most of the bridle including buckles if you're unlucky) straight through the horse's mouth.
My YO lunges in only a headcollar, her two can be rather silly but it's been fine so far. She does this as she has a rather cool German training aid that clips on the side rings of the headcollar and works on making the horse stretch even without a bit. It works brilliantly (although I find a set of clipped draw reins works just as well) so it's certainly not impossible to work just from a headcollar either!

 

[WelshRareBit]

I often lunge just from a headcollar and find it works well. Although I know some people are against this...

 

[Starrynme]

Yes I often lunge from the headcollar too but have heard mixed advice about whether this is right - I'm going to experiment and see what happens!!

 

[GinaGem]

Have to agree with this - i always lunge with the line through the bit, up over the head and attached to the other side. xxx

 

[MillbrookSong]

I lunge from the bridle put put the lunge line through one bit ring and clip to the other this way your not pulling the bit through there mouth if they piss off!

Another tip i have been given it that the horse is strong put the lunge line through the bit ring and then clip on to the girth straps - give you a bit more leverage and makes them turn!!

 

[ISHmad]

I never lunge but long line our horses. You can long line either on a headcollar or the bit. Rather than actually lungeing I would free school instead - much more fun and really helps with your own body language with your horse and gets them very voice responsive too.

 

[madhector]

I do that too, (clipping it back to the girths straps) especially with J really helps with control

 

[Solstar]

i lunge with a headcollar under the bridle, and with the side reins or lungee bungee attached to the bit - i like this arrangement because it doesnt interfere with the side reins, etc.