Tips on Lunging a Horse

Before many trainers ever get on the back of a horse they are training, they introduce the horse to lunging. Lunging involves connecting the horse to a long rope or line, and having it move around you in a wide circle. Through lunging, a horse can learn your expectations through body language and voice commands. Lunging is also used to reduce a trained horse's excess energy before a ride.

  1. Consistency

    • When lunging your horse, consistency is necessary to avoid confusion or bad behavior. Using the same voice commands for each request will help your horse understand what you are asking of it every time. Be consistent with the use of the whip as well, to avoid startling your horse. Always follow up a voice command with a change in whip position. Raise the whip slightly when you ask for a faster pace, and lower it when you ask your horse to slow. This provides your horse with two cues, and reduces confusion.

    Positioning

    • How you position yourself and your horse will have a significant affect on how effective lunging is. According to Livery Stable, your body should form a V-shape, with you at the tip of the V, the lunge line as one stem and your arm and whip as the other. Position yourself at your horse's shoulder, so that your horse moves within the gap in the V you have created. This allows your horse to see you at all times, and provides you with the most control.

    Variation

    • Vary your lunging workouts so you and your horse do not get bored and lose focus. This is especially important as you train your horse for riding, as it prevents your horse from forming negative associations with work under saddle. Ask your horse to change pace often enough that neither of you are bored. However, asking too often can confuse the horse, unless you are working on pace transitions. Work in both directions when you lunge, to avoid asymmetrical muscle fatigue.

    Considerations

    • If you are new to lunging, have a trainer or experienced rider help you at first, to ensure you are lunging safely and properly. Working in a round pen is safer than lunging in an open space, and can provide control and security. The Art of Riding suggests working in a 20-meter (65-foot) circle. This provides you with the most control and allows your horse a wide range of motion.