Lunging

[helenski]

Hello!

I was wondering if anyone had any ideas about my pony and his lunging problem:

He has a trick of coming to the middle in quite an intimidating way and walking right into the person lunging. No amount of prodding him in the shoulder with the whip has any effect, because he just walks straight through it and totally into my space. Last weekend's session culminated in him trying to turn his bum on my friend (who was lunging him) and threatening to kick her. However, he is very good on long reins.

I feel this problem is part of his general lack of respect for people and their personal space. He is a nine year old Highland gelding who I have had since May.

I'd really appreciate anyone's views / suggestions about this.

Best wishes

 

[chriscrogul]

Have you tried lunging with two reins?

 

[the watcher]

Well you certainly picked a stubborn breed.

I think you need to be lunging with two reins for a little more directional control, or if you have determined which way your pony always turns, then use a side rein on the opposite side (short enough to have a contact) to try and keep him straight.
Or just adapt your long reining technique to work him through lots of bends, building up to circles

 

[Safina]

A friends horse was like this - I used to lunge and she would lead or ride him so he got used to the notion of lunging. Eventually she started to walk by his side getting further and further away until he was fine on the lunge.

It sounds like, as you say, a lack of respect issue. Have you considered doing some groundwork exersices with him (parelli games or TTouch for example) to teach him to respect and enjoy working on the ground?

 

[helenski]

Hi!

Yes, it stops him being able to come into the middle, but I feel he should be able to do it on one. I have lunged him successfully on one a couple of times.

He's quite a clever pony.

 

[SamuelWhiskers]

I would definately try ground work with him, make him gain the respect for you, try Kelly Marks book "perfect manners" and do the foundation exercises.... then trying lunging again!

 

[Christmas_Kate]

Hmm, apony's bum in your face when you're trying to lunge isnt much fun. It depends on the pony really, some will listen to a few short sharp flicks on the backside

, and others would take humbridge or fright from it.

I would try usung two reins, it takes some practice, so if you have a friend who can lead pony to start with whilst you get used to holding two reins and a whip it'll probably be easier.
Get someone to show you the basics, and then have a go, you'll have far more control and feel safer! IME it makes them work better too.

 

[debs_07]

Yes agree .. deffo 2 lunge leads ... worked for me and my friend with her HIGHLAND ... must be highlands !!
good luck x

 

[galaxy]

My horse used to run in at me all the time. I think a lot of it was that he didn't understand what I was asking him to do. I used 2 reins, and eventually switched back to one once he had got the idea.