Lunging problems!

[Phoebe_the_racehorse]

My mare is a bit of a diva when it comes to lunging and so I was wondering what tips any of you have? She tends to do this thing where she either won't trot on one rein (and by won't I mean if you can get her going it's a miracle!) or she does this thing where she leaps and turns towards you so that you can't ask her to walk on. I have a feeling it may stem from her old owner who was fairly abusive and would literally lunge her for an hour on a smal circle and would hit her with the whip. Any tips on how to solve this?

 

[smja]

Considering your other post about jumping, I think that what you really need is a good instructor who can look at you both and give you advice that's specific to you and your horse.

Lunging is a skill that needs to be taught, just like riding.

 

[VioletStripe]

Agreed - it sounds like you need a good instructor for both problems you've posted about.

I might also suggest it could be pain related? You mentioned in a past post sometimes she just refuses to jump, even at home, and this refusing to trot business also suggests to me there could be a pain factor?

 

[Shay]

When did you last have her tack, back and teeth checked? You need to rule out pain first. As long as you are sure she isn't responding this way because of pain your description actually reads like she could be misreading signals from you. As smja says - lunging is a skill which needs to be taught to the handler (and the horse!). A good instructor sounds like a must for you - both for this and the jumping problems. Are you able to join your local riding club or pony club for some help?

 

[Goldenstar]

It's easy to teach horse to lunge you need someone to teach you how it's done .