Lunging is a very necessary part of horse coaching. It assists in improving smoothness of motion and coordination irrespective of the discipline and may also be used to take the sting off an over fresh horse.

Lunging enables the coach to make critical assessments about whether a horse is ready psychologically and physically to go a higher level of training. Lunging enables your pony to master the practice of correct pressure regarding the reins and head control, and also to gain command over the various gaits , as well as commands like “whoa”. You’ll become consciously aware of the fact that “whoa” is one command that it’s mandatory for each horse to appreciate and obey.

When you are engaged with lunging, ideally you should use a rope of about 12 feet long. You may have a longer rope if you like more distance. You use the lunge to coach your horse in gaits like the trot and the canter.

The Lunge

You need to make certain you are operating on a level friendly surface. Uneven surfaces can wreak havoc with the tendons and ligaments in your horse’s legs. Round pens are appropriate if they’re roomy enough.

Before moving on with the training, get your pony into a good mood. He’s not going to be particularly responsive if he is despondent or irritated by or frightened of something. You should sweeten him up with a little bit of rubbing down and sweet talk. It’s fine to use tools that will help you conserve your energy while improving your capability to exert pressure. Never punish your horse physically. Avoid even screaming at him cruelly. There are other better ways of correcting him if he is going wrong. You must maintain the best of rapport with your pony to get him to absorb the training well.

Just a note: you shouldn’t be training your pony in lunging if you are not prepared for it.

Start your training by getting your pony to start moving. Let him go round in circles while you hold the rope slackly. Project your energy behind your pony to keep him moving forward.

If your horse is moving too quickly, take a couple of deep and slow breaths and ease off on the rope so he slows down. Occasionally your horse can act a bit bone headed and take his time about stopping. Use the rope with a touch more aggression, if necessary. Your training is meant to make your pony sensitive to the tiniest bit of pressure. You may have to drop your whip once in a while to get your pony to stop.

Move your horse clockwise and then ant-clockwise. Bring a halt to events by pulling in your pony toward you at the centre.

Horses are Heather Toms passion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of articles with other horse lovers, like all things about western clothes