Lunging

MCWScout

MCWScout

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I'm by no means new to the horse-world but have decided to start taking action with my man. He needs lunging but I'm really not sure what I'm doing.
I have a lunge line etc - but I desperately need advice(!).
Thank you.
 
Emsarr said:
I would get an instructor or someone else experienced to show you, that way you will be sure to do it right :)
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I agree, it is easy to get wrong and you or your boy may get i to bad habits. when done properly it can be of great benefit for you both and I lunge both mine once a week and they have improved lots since. But someone to help you does make a difference.
 
He just needs to get rid of some of his energy because I ride him, I thought lunging would be the best way to do this.
And I don't know whether he is, I've had him for 4 years now but haven't lunged him but its very possible he has been lunged before although I don't really believe anything that the people who sold him to me have said (another story!)
 
Lunging is a good way to shake the tickles out of their heels if you need to. But it is still important to have someone show you how to do it properly. Much as it might not look like it there is more to this than standing in the middle having the horse trot around you obediently. A mistake can scare you badly and could injure the horse. A bit like dressage in someways - it should look effortless - but it jolly isn't! It is also a useful skill to have generally.
 
Agreed with getting someone experienced to show you how it's done properly. You never know how a horse might react on the lunge and it's important that both you and your horse are kept safe. Lunge equipment like the line, whip and side reins can be dangerous if used incorrectly so it is always good to learn how to use them correctly right from the start. Lunging is a really useful skill to have though - I also recommend reading the BHS Stage 2 handbook as they have some good pointers in there and as it's BHS, it always tends to be the safest and most 'correct' way.
 
Get a good instructor to come and give you a lesson, very easy to mess lunging up even if you are trying your best out of reading books etc, makes hints a lot simpler to have someone show you.
 
I'd be very careful if lunging before riding to 'take the tickle out of his feet'!

You may end up with a very fit horse who is then even more fresh before you ride! Especially if you lunge everytime before you ride!
 
There are quite a few lunging videos on YouTube. Not in place of a session with your instructor, but another source to help ease you in.
 
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