Lunging in side reins vs. other alternatives

J

Jingleballs

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I try and lunge once a week particularly over the winter - in summer I'm more likely to hack than lunge.

My physio recommends in hand work over poles as a good way to build topline and strengthen the back muscles.

A couple of my instructors have said that I need to use sidereins when lunging to make sure he works correctly and does just go round poking his nose in the air.

I generally use the Laura B technique with a set of draw reins over the withers and between the front legs to encourage him to stretch - will this be just as effective? Or are side reins considered the better option to encourage to work him into a contact?

I've used a pessoa in the past which he hated - he doesn't like anything that goes round his hocks and I'm convinced that some of these lunging aids do actually cause discomfort.

I know there are bungies and similar that can be used - he is a leaner so it needs to be something that he can't lean on which is why I think the draw rein contraption works well.

So should I just stick with what I'm doing or are side reins considered a better option?
 
Draw rein thingy works well and isn't as restrictive as plain side reins. It should ask your lad to work well over his back, so if it's working for you and your horse keep going with it.
 
Will be interested to hear the replies, mine hates anything round his hocks, I tried a Pessoa and he went nuts, tried with two lines and again asking him to change reins in walk sends him into a flip.

He works well with bunges but broke the metal Circle off the roller having a flip out so I have nothing to clip them to now :mad: unless I take the girth off my saddle.

How many of you just use the side reins tied, do they go down their sides, under stomach, between legs and up to bit ? Do any horses get their legs stuck as mine has been known to with the bunges:rolleyes:
 
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