Lunging with a roller and side reins

[YummyHorses]

Chaps,

I am unable to ride at the moment but want to try and keep my horses relatively fit.

I have not lunged that much in the past so just after some advice. I have purchased a roller and side reins - I want to try and replicate long and low as well as on the bit - where along the roller do I attach the reins for both? And anything else I should be thinking about? Should be aware of?

Thanks ever so much.

 

[Puffin]

I'd play about with them until you find where the horse responds best to - somewhere in the middle for long and low, and fitted fairly loose.

HOWEVER, I personally detest sidereins, there are occasional instances when they can be useful BUT I find they encourage horses to either lean or dip off the contact as they are so rigid (even elasticated ones) and they often encourage the horse to fall onto its inside shoulder, if you are sticking to your sidereins watch out for these.

I really rate lunging in a pessoa (I made mine as I couldn't afford to buy one) as you can have several settings.
For long and low a chambon is great so long as the horse is worked forward into it.
There are many other alternative 'gadgets' that mimic the rider's contact. I forget the name but a bungie which clips to both bit rings by means of a loop it runs thorough is good at stopping them leaning on one side.

If you get a second lunge rein with a bit of practice you can also work them on long reins which is a great way of mimiking riding and if you are sufficiently mobile you can 'hack' them out that way too. I have seen demonstrations by Chris Bartle and Ginny Elliot doing advanced dressage movements using sidereins... its quite impressive.

Sorry its such an essay, was powered by chocolate covered shortbread and tea

 

[PorkChop]

If you are wanting to lunge long and low, you are best using a Kavalcade Lunging aid or mock up the same device with a set of draw reins.

If you use the search facility on here you will find pictures of how to do it - or go on Horsehero, they have a video showing Dr B using it.