riding on the lunge?

nat_1

nat_1

Well-Known Member
Joined
23 June 2007
Messages
390
Visit site
i started a job working on a livery /BHS approved yard since april and started having weekly riding lessons 8 wks ago so my last 8 lessons have been on the lunge. my instructer/yo said for me to stay on the lunge being worked hard will do me good to get back into riding after 10 years off. the last 5 lessons have been mainly cantering without stirrups and reins.
next week she said i can start to go in the BHS stage 2 group lesson every week,which im happy about.but my question is would thses lunge lessons have improved my riding and were they beginers or average or quite difficult things to do? im wondering how ill be when i get my stirrups n reins back.

i hope this makes sence lol!
 
I find a good lunge lesson harder then a normal flat lesson as once your reins and stirrups are gone, you can't hide your faults!

You will hopefully notice a good difference in your riding. Lunge lessons are invaluable if you want to improve IMHO especially after having a long break from riding
 
lunge lessons vary in difficulty. Cantering without stirrups and reins is fairly advanced, you should have developed a good seat in canter doing things like this. Exercises like lifting your knees up to meet each other then pushing back down whilst in trot are also good for your seat. Lunging will only improve your seat and balance, though, not things like your feel and your ability to apply the aids, but its a good place to start. Personally I commend the RS for putting you on the lunge with no reins, to get your balance before riding again properly. I think you'll get back into it just fine
smile.gif
 
You sound as though you have a very sensible instructor. Those 8 weeks on the lunge will have stood you in very good stead for what is to come. Its imperative that you find your balance and improve your self control prior to being let lose, as it were, with the responsibility of the horses mouth and back.

Full marks to your instructor and no, its not beginnerish to have gone through this lunge phase, if you are cantering totally independently after 8 sessions you have done really well IMO.
 
thankyou for the replys, yes at the start of the lessons i did pulling my legs up in front of me then stetching them out and dthen stretching down in trot and holding my legs out away from the saddle and pretendind to pedal a bike backwards (that is a killer) lol! also standing up in trot to get my line of balance. my legs have been aching like mad for the whole week inbetween lessons lol
 
Excellent! It will have done your riding the world of good - it's amazing how much difference some lunge lessons can make. Good luck in your Stage 2 lesson - I'm sure you won't need it though!
 
[ QUOTE ]
Cantering without stirrups and reins is fairly advanced

[/ QUOTE ] I have done it loads. Sometimes on purpose!
 
im starting to train for my BHS stage 1 in sept,im really exited about starting that,i want to hopefully go as far as PTT a few yrs down the line.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top