What to use to lunge my pony?

mrsjcmking

mrsjcmking

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I want to start lunging my pony beginning of next year and am currently writing my christmas list

However this is the first pony I have TAUGHT to lunge. I've lunged before , but always an experienced pony. I originally thought, okay i'll make sure i get the whole shebang, lunge cavasseon, rollers, whip, lines, side reins, etc, but after watching friends and scouting forums, i've seen that others rarely tend to use cavessons, side reins or rollers, instead opting for headcollars, bridles, saddles or bareback.

What do you use?

What do you think is the best thing to use for a pony who has never been lunged before?

Also when do you think the best time to start lunging is?
 
It's advised not to use a saddle incase the horse falls over can cause damage to saddle and back, rollers are handy to have as you can use most 'gadgets' with a roller.
Technically a cavasseon is correct, but I use a bridle with a loose run snaffle but my boy is older and I can also lunge him in just a head collar! :)
 
mrsjcmking said:
I want to start lunging my pony beginning of next year and am currently writing my christmas list

However this is the first pony I have TAUGHT to lunge. I've lunged before , but always an experienced pony. I originally thought, okay i'll make sure i get the whole shebang, lunge cavasseon, rollers, whip, lines, side reins, etc, but after watching friends and scouting forums, i've seen that others rarely tend to use cavessons, side reins or rollers, instead opting for headcollars, bridles, saddles or bareback.

What do you use?

What do you think is the best thing to use for a pony who has never been lunged before?

Also when do you think the best time to start lunging is?
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I always lunge of a bridle, it is safer for me as my horse is very large and if he were to get excuberant (as he does every so often when lunge jumped) it is easier to restrain him and bring him back to earth, so to speak!! You should wear gloves and always have a riding hat on in case the pony kicks out at you. Keep yourself and the horse in a triangle formation, ie the lunge line should be at 10 o'clock and the whip at 2 o'clock with the horse at twelve o'clock (if that makes sense). If the pony is young i would recommend lunging him ocassionally as this can put additional strain on joints.

Another lunging tip is to make your circles large, ie seldom lunge on small circles as this puts more stress on joints too. I speak to the horse as little as possible, and always say his name first before I give a command to get his attention first. This was a really good tip I picked up and I've used it ever since.
 
He's currently 18 months old, and I'm just walking him out at the moment but he's always so full of energy, i'm getting exhausted trotting him everywhere (I have M.E. as well so it's VERY exhausting!)

Is this too early? He is also currently still a colt, so he's being a bit of a pain in the arse, would lunging get him more obedient, or likely to cause more problems?
 
mrsjcmking said:
He's currently 18 months old, and I'm just walking him out at the moment but he's always so full of energy, i'm getting exhausted trotting him everywhere (I have M.E. as well so it's VERY exhausting!)

Is this too early? He is also currently still a colt, so he's being a bit of a pain in the arse, would lunging get him more obedient, or likely to cause more problems?
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Oh! Sorry off topic but I have M.E too and you are the first fellow horse owner I have found with it! :)
 
ladyandsilver said:
Oh! Sorry off topic but I have M.E too and you are the first fellow horse owner I have found with it! :)
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I had to cut down all my hours at work and very nearly lost my job until i got Sammy. I was getting so down :( but he brought me back to life again, gives me a reason to get my bum out of bed for a big fluffy hairy cuddle!

He's my little white knight in fuzzy armour!
 
I wouldnt be lunging that young. Far too stressful on young joints, i cant stress this enough.
Wait until he is three. If i were you id be loose schooling and walking inhand. You dont want him knackered before the time he's 5!
x
 
At 18 months old I would be teaching him to have respect and giving you your space.

I would also teach him to long rein every where and any where before lunging him.

Also get some one to give you a hand.
 
If I were to use anything I always use a cavesson with the lung line attached to the centre ring. It allows me to control neck bend. This combined with a bridle if I wanted to attach side reins to my roller.

Having said that my cavesson has a bit attachment so can just put the cavesson on without the need for a bridle. Personally I would never lunge off the bit. creates too much pressure on the mouth and neck.

Personally for a young horse I would not entertain lunging until at least 3 years old and then only occasionally, instead I would spend time on groundwork installing manners then introduce a bit of straight long reining.

Glad to hear he is feeling well :0
 
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