Lunging

[express_75]

Hi

Can anyone advise me on voice commands while schooling my mare on the lunge? I know the basics but last night i was watching a 12 yr old girl lunging her pony as it was if she was singing to her? The Pony was going great...just wondered if you could give me some tips on creating a good lunge lesson?

Thanks

 

[hadfos]

U just go with what your horse will listen too,and what works for you both!!Trial and error!!sometimes the beggars will just ignore you no matter what,lol!!

 

[Daphnelia]

I've taught my horse and pony to go forward when i click my tongue, and slow down when I say wooo. With the horse who's more sensitive and better schooled, he will respond to small hand movements for changing pace and direction, the pony is still a baby at lunging though

 

[Cop-Pop]

I sing to my horses when I lunge them

I use the voice commands I just like singing while lunging

 

[ruscara]

I tend to use a rising inflection in my voice when doing upward transitions, and a downward inflection when slowing the pace or doing a downward transition. It's hard to put in writing, but basically I always make the command two syllables, and if, for example, I want a trot, I will say: "Aaaaand trot", making it two syllables, and lowering my voice on the 'trot' bit. Going up into trot, I use "Trot on", making my voice brisk and sharp, and going upwards. If my horse is a bit too onward bound, I say "Steeeeeee - dy", almost sing-song, and calmly, and he will steady up.

Hope this makes sense.

 

[express_75]

Thank you very much!

I know what you mean and i'll be putting it into practice tomorrow night...

 

[Gorgeous George]

Took me a while for George and I to get the hang of it, especially downward transitions, but like MM I use a downward inflection and say the word slower and in a lower voice, especially with staaaannnnd! He sometimes races a bit in trot and I've found a gentle ssshhhh ssshhh helps, either that or 'oi you b*gger'!! I also jabber away when he's doing well 'good boy' etc.

 

[GinaGem]

The horse doesn't know what you actually saying so just make it consistent and make sure each command can be differentiated between. I use a blunt 'walk', high pitched 'ttttrot', long 'and canter'. Then also use 'steady' and click for go forward. (also use the same commands when on board with my baby). Stand i say quite quietly. Also use body language and whip positioning ie when i want my boy to stand i look down, drop my shoulders and put the whip to the floor - don't generally need the command.