Lunging help?? pretty please

[Brambridge04]

How can i teach my unbroken mare to lunge, she will walk with me, but as soon as i start to move away she just turns to face me and paws the ground, ive had someone lead on the outside, and as soon as they move off, she does the same again......

 

[JanetGeorge]

How can i teach my unbroken mare to lunge, she will walk with me, but as soon as i start to move away she just turns to face me and paws the ground, ive had someone lead on the outside, and as soon as they move off, she does the same again......

Lunging cavesson, gloves!

As she walks with you, SLOWLY move slightly behind her - and point your lunge whip at her hip. If that doesn't work, give her a tap and say: "Walk on" STAY at her hip - or behind (but obviously 4-5 feet AWAY!) Keep walking - and pushing her forwards.

The penny will drop and you'll soon have her walking on a SMALL circle - have your lunge rein no more than about 8 ft free - and YOU walk a circle as well (inside hers.) Keep on - quietly and calmly - until she gets the idea.

Then try it on the other rein.

Once you can keep her walking a small circle - on either rein - and halting when you say 'WHOA' - and lift your hand and the lunge line, then you can ask for trot.

That's the PROPER way!

Of course, when vet turns up to vet a youngster and wants it lunged to test wind etc - and you haven't got around to teaching it yet - you have to get a bit more basic! One good smack on the bum and let it run (you might have to run a bit to keep up and keep control.) Once they've charged around half-a-dozen times, they get the idea!