Did you know that it’s possible to train a horse without riding it? This is called lunge work, a practice well-known to riders and the ferme. Lunging a horse is particularly important during the training phase, as it is a way to familiarize young quadrupeds with the feel and constraints of equestrian equipment.
Additionally, it helps develop a positive relationship between a rider and their mount. That's not all! Horses are also lunged to strengthen their muscles, improve their stamina and coordination, enhance their flexibility, or simply to calm them. Discover how to lunge a horse, all the right techniques, and mistakes to avoid.
As you can see, lunging a horse is both a method of breaking in and a daily exercise. This type of exercise allows you to closely observe the animal to understand its functioning, symmetry, or engagement.
Through these guided trainings, the youngest horses strengthen themselves and learn new commands, becoming familiar with the saddle and equipment.
For all others, the lunge exercises are a way to develop specific muscle groups, lose weight, or gain flexibility. It's also an excellent tool to calm a lively mount or promote recovery after a race or a long ride.
Are you wondering how to lunge a horse correctly? First of all, you must choose a suitable location. Opt for enclosed spaces like indoor arenas, lunge rings, or even outdoor arenas. This way, the animal will feel safe and you’ll avoid any escapes if it breaks away.
Then attach the lunge line using a technique that matches your mount's temperament and your level of expertise, then position the animal on the circle before placing yourself at the center of the enclosure.
You should be perpendicular to the horse and hold the lunge line in the left hand if it turns to the left and vice versa if it goes to the right. The excess of the line should be held in the outside hand in a figure-eight pattern. This second hand will also be used to hold the whip if necessary. In this case, the horse, the lunge line, and the whip should form a triangle.
Lunging a horse is much more than just a ride around the arena… Some people make beginner mistakes that can have unfortunate consequences if the animal refuses to cooperate or becomes entangled in the equipment. Here are a few tips to prevent poor practices:
Lunging training is a real asset for the rider. Through this specific work, they observe their mount closely. They correct certain behaviors and teach it a verbal code to convey their instructions. That's not all! They use certain accessories and control their gestures to reinforce their intentions.
When the handler gives a command, each intonation or injunction is a clear indication for the horse. It signals the rhythm or pace to adopt: rising tones encourage the animal to accelerate, while descending tones slow its pace.
Wondering how to lunge a horse effectively? Verbal communication is not the only tool for the rider. They combine certain physical postures with spoken words to better guide the horse on the circle.
For example, they spread their arms to push the mount back to its initial position, or they adopt the opposite stance for the equine to approach them. All these instructions are reinforced by the presence of the lunge line, providing a direct link between human and animal.
Finally, the handler uses a whip to accompany the horse and facilitate understanding. However, while this accessory may remind the animal of the rider's leg, it should never touch them to avoid frightening them.
As you understand, there are different techniques for lunging a horse. To select the appropriate equipment, consider your intentions, your level of expertise, and the specific temperament of the animal.
The bridle is suitable for intensive work because the presence of the bit makes it easier to control the animal. However, this type of equestrian equipment should not be used for lunging a hot horse to avoid injury.
The cavesson is an accessory created for lunge work that exerts no action on the mouth. It is a semi-circle of metal whose thick noseband facilitates the handler's control while ensuring the animal's comfort.
Since this equipment is fixed, it provides firm support but must respect the size of the equine's muzzle to avoid any injury.
This type of halter is inexpensive. It allows for lunging the horse with a loose rein while preserving its mouth. It is a delicate accessory reserved for animals that do not require close contact in tight lunge work.
The stable halter is an accessory that allows for moderate control. It is perfect for calm foals as well as the thinnest horses.
The lunge line can be attached in different ways to facilitate handling, depending on the type of accessory used.
To attach the lunge line to a bridle, it is placed in a "curb chain" or "colbert" configuration, otherwise using a bit attachment. In the first case, the lunge runs through the inner ring, then under the horse's chin, before being attached to the outer ring. While this lunge line positioning provides more ease for the handler, it is also the most difficult technique to master.
The "colbert" is a softer control method. It involves connecting the inner ring to the outer ring by passing the lunge over the animal’s neck.
Finally, the bit attachment requires an accessory connecting the two rings, offering a more comfortable central anchorage for both the horse and its rider. Whatever the type of fixation used, never attach the lunge line to a single bit ring as it could injure the animal.
For this type of equipment, attach the lunge line to the central ring to allow changes of direction. Adjust the lunge so it doesn't rotate but also doesn't compress the nose bridge.
With a halter, the lunge can be attached in two ways. It can be fixed on the lower ring if aiming to facilitate changes in direction, or on one of the side rings if prioritizing flexion.
To effectively lunge a horse, you need to get suitable equipment and learn how to manage the reach of the lunge line.
Want to lunge a horse? You will need a bridle, a halter, or a cavesson, and a lunge line along with some accessories:
Finally, you may use a training surcingle if you wish to train the horse with a training aid.
Wondering what the ideal length of the lunge line is between the horse and you? In fact, you should form a triangle with the animal and the whip. Regarding the lunge line, it should remain parallel to the ground to avoid tripping on the rope.
Finally, maintain some tension, as you would with reins, to clearly communicate your intentions to the horse.
You have decided to work your horse on the lunge? These few exercises will help you hone your technique.
To optimize these two points, choose the spiral lunge technique. Simply accompany the horse as it performs these geometric shapes at all three gaits, enlarging then shrinking the circles.
Want to build the animal’s muscle? Perform transitions at each letter of the ring by combining all possible variations to engage different muscle groups.
Does your horse tend to be overweight? Work it on a slope to engage the abdominal and gluteal muscles. You can alternate all three gaits to optimize the exercise. Want one last tip? End the training session with a few jumping exercises at the trot.
In Short! You now know how to lunge a horse without risking injury. Whatever the type of equipment you choose, always ensure to never let the lunge line drag on the ground to prevent accidents. Lastly, adopt a correct posture and guide the animal with your voice throughout the training period.
In principle, lunging work lasts about twenty minutes, but this duration can vary depending on the age or temperament of the animal. Thus, a horse slow to warm up may need an extended session, which could then last 30 to 40 minutes.
The youngest equines will gladly be content with a shorter session because their concentration decreases beyond this time. As for horses that you wish to ride directly after exercise, 20 minutes of lunging will be enough to promote bonding between the mount and its rider.
If you're lunging a horse for the first time, above all, you must be patient. Start by reassuring the mount by speaking calmly and touching it gently, and offer it some treats if necessary.
Once you've gained its trust, begin the exercise without rushing. Of course, do not expect to lead a perfect training session; lunge work requires time and perseverance before the animal understands your expectations.
Place yourself perpendicular to the horse, holding the lunge line in the hand following the animal’s direction, and guide it step by step. Don’t forget to reward it at the end of the session.
Is your horse nervous, aggressive, fearful, or shy? These equines are particularly difficult to ride and work with. As they require specific attention, they are often entrusted to qualified professionals. In principle, these are individuals who have received appropriate training, but if you decide to handle the animal yourself, you must follow certain guidelines.
First of all, always remain calm and kind. Then, place yourself behind the horse's shoulders, level with the girth area, and hold the lunge line firmly: it must remain taut.
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