Lunging: is it what I need to do???

Bluebelle666

Bluebelle666

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I am having a few issues with my horse being rather a fizzy ride (see my previous post). I have had it suggested to me that I lunge her.

I have done so today with the result that she was soooo fizzy and full of energy, wanted to do everything but walk, had a few bucks, did some canter, (none of which I asked for as I just wanted her to walk to warm up) and she appeared to really enjoy herself!?

My question is.....

I have heard it said that lunging a fizzy horse can be a bad thing as it just gets them really fit so that when you come to ride they are too strong for the rider but....... on the flip side, as Blondie is a little too past my control when I ride her surely she needs to get the opportunity to have a blast and get her heeby jeeby's out before I get on her? Any opinions??
 
I read your other post and think that she is just feeling very well. I think there is a difference between asking too much on the lunge and just letting them get their excess energy out of their system. I would lunge her for ten - fifteen minutes before you ride her. Don't worry if she wants to canter and buck a few times. She will soon calm down when it becomes a routine.
 
Lunging is such a useful exercise. Apart from getting them fit and strengthening their backs (if you long rein or use a pessoa, chambon or de gouge), it can serve as a warm up to supple them up for riding or just to get the edge off them.
 
Sounds like she enjoyed getting to have a blast and a buck even if you didn't ask.
While yes it does make them fitter but it should takes weeks before super fit. If you can lunge her for few days to a week and hopefully if she calms down ride her after lunging her. This is what I have to do with my boy when he is too fresh. He has his fun on the lunge then behaves like an angel when I ride him.
I had one who I got on he felt like a bomb was going to blow, I walked round once and it blow then he ran off, big powerful Hanoverian however the minute I stopped I jumped off lunged him then got back on and he was nice and well behaved. Sometimes if just too hyper they just can't contain it.
 
Your advice sounds like what I was thinking today but being new to the non-riding school horse type of ride I am never quite sure if I am understanding behaviors correctly. That's why this forum is great for those who are still learning.

Heilo, you describe how it feels perfectly - she feels like a bomb about to explode. I will take on board all your advice and try to lunge her for the next 2 weeks (have dentist coming later in the week so don't want to ride her for a week after I understand), give her chance to burn off her energy. And then try for 10 minute lunges before I ride to see where I get to, hopefully that may 'diffuse' (get it :p ) the situation.
 
I have never been told not to ride for a week after dentist, always left that day but that it. In fact my boy won a novice open 2 days after having his teeth done. However this is just what I do so don't take my word for it.
Lol diffuse :D tell us how you get .
 
Allowing a horse to 'have a blast' on the lunge prior to being ridden is no use at all. If the horse is doing what it likes on the lunge, it can hardly be expected to behave under saddle.

A horse should be lunged properly, so that it is in a compliant frame of mind to be ridden. The horse should be under control on the lunge, listening and attentive to the handler, and respectfully doing as he's asked.
 
I never meant to imply to allow the horse to do what it wants on the lunge the entire time. I meant that it's is better the bucking etc is done on the lunge then control is got back. I find it very useful and once my horses have that out of them they behave beautifully and the next day don't even bother. :D
 
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