Lunging

Question 1

What are the reasons for lunging?

Answer 1

• To save time if you don’t have time to ride.
• If your horse is unable to be ridden but can be exercised (eg. if it has a sore back).
• For the horse’s exercise routine.
• To train a young or inexperienced horse, teaching them basic voice aids, obedience and accept the tack it’s wearing.
• To tone up and develop the muscles.
• To relax or warm up a tense horse.
• Preparation for a competition or event.
• To teach riders.

Question 2

What equipment is used when lunging?

Answer 2

• Cavesson
• Lunge roller
• Breastplate
• Boots
• Side reins
• Whip
• Lunge line
• Saddle

Question 3

What is a cavesson?

Answer 3

Similar to a headcollar, with a brow band, cheek pieces, noseband and throatlash. It also has three rings on the noseband: a central swivel ring and two side rings. The noseband is padded to prevent rubbing.

Question 4

What is a lunge roller?

Answer 4

It’s used instead of a saddle: it’s made of webbing or rubber and has various ring attachments.

Question 5

What is the breastplate used for?

Answer 5

To stop the saddle or roller from sliding back.

Question 6

What boots should be worn when lunging and why?

Answer 6

Brushing boots on all for legs, and overreach boots, for protection.

Question 7

What whip should be used?

Answer 7

A lunge whip, so it’s long enough to influence the horse.

Question 8

What is the lunge line?

Answer 8

• It’s normally from 25-30ft long (8-10m).
• They are made from either cotton or nylon webbing.
• The line has a clip at one end and a handle at the other end, allowing the handler to keep control of the horse on the circle.

Question 9

What are side reins?

Answer 9

They have a clip at one end which attaches to the bit and a buckle or thread-through fastening that you can alter.

Question 10

What are the purpose of side reins?

Answer 10

• They teach acceptance of the rein contact on the bit.
• Improve the horses balance when working in a rein contact.
• They keep the horse straight.
• Helps improve the horse’s muscle across its crest and back, by encouraging the horse to work its head in the correct position.
• They encourage a steadier head carriage.
• Gives more control of the horse

Question 11

How should side reins be used?

Answer 11

• Side reins are there to encourage and show the horse the correct way. They should never be used to force the horse’s head into position or made too short to obtain a better head carriage.
• If the horse is forced into position it may become a tense and frightened, or will fight against the resistance.

Question 12

Why is a saddle used when lunging?

Answer 12

It helps to give the horse a sense of discipline, it also helps to keep the horse’s back and girth area accustomed to the equipment.

Question 13

What should you wear when lunging?

Answer 13

• Gloves, riding hat and strong boots
• Do up your jacket and make sure there is nothing that will get in the way of the lunge equipment

Question 14

How long and at what pace should you work a horse on the lunge?

Answer 14

• It depends on fitness, as an unfit horse can be lunged for about 10-15mins, and a fit horse from 20-35mins max. 20 mins on the lunge can be equivalent to an hours exercise.
• Most work is done in trot, with short periods of walk to warm up and cool down; you may also include small bits pf canter.

Question 15

Where should you lunge a horse?

Answer 15

• In an enclosed area, such as indoor school, outdoor manege or a fenced area within a field. If you lunge in the middle of a field the horse may take the opportunity to break away out of control.
• The ground must also be flat and firm. You should not lunge on wet mud on steep slopes, slippery or very hard/stony ground.

Question 16

How should you fit the cavesson for lunging?

Answer 16

• Remove the noseband from the bridle, so it does not rub or interfere with the lunge cavesson. Put the bridle on, twist the reins as many times as possible so they are safe, and secure them through the throatlash.
• Put the cavesson on. The headpiece sits on top of the bridle’s headpiece. The noseband should fit the same as a normal noseband (two fingers from the projecting cheekbone).
• The cheekstraps and noseband go under the bridle cheekpieces, on both sides. Make sure the noseband is firm so it doesn’t slip.

Question 17

How should you fit the saddle and side reins?

Answer 17

• Put the saddle on and fasten the girth loosely so it’s easier to attach the side reins.
• Pass the appropriate end of the side rein under the third girth strap and loop it around the third strap. Pass it under the first and second.
• If the girth is fastened on the second then the side rein is looped around the second strap and passed under the first strap.
• Fasten the clips of the side reins to the D rings, then the girth can be done up properly. Lastly secure the stirrups by looping the leathers through the iron so they do not drop down.

Question 18

How do you check if the fit of the side reins is correct?

Answer 18

• Their height should be level with the mouth. If too low they force the horse’s head into a fixed position and pull on the bit. Too high they will have little or no effect.
• Check they are the right length by stretching one forward towards the head, the clip should just reach the bit ring when the horse is standing with its head in its natural position.
• Check that each are the same length.

Question 19

What are the last steps of fitting lunging equipment?

Answer 19

• Fit brushing and overreach boots if you use them.
• Attach the lunge line to the middle ring of the cavesson, and check the rings are secure, as they can become loose (some are stitched and some velcro).
• The line itself should be coiled or folded up and held in the hand furthest away from the horse (usually left).
• Tuck the whip under the left arm to lead the horse to the point of the circle, as you would hold the line near the horse’s head in the right hand.

Question 20

What are the steps to correctly lunge a horse?

Answer 20

• Walk a few paces with the horse and at the same time ask them to walk on, then let them walk forward on their own. The horse should always walk away from the handler when moving off onto the circle.
• Pass the whip into the right hand by stretching the right arm behind your back and take it from under the left arm. Raise it towards the horse’s hocks.
• Allow the horse to increase the size of the circle until around 15-18m.
• Walk a few circuits then ask the horse to trot on. It should be active and forwards.
• When ready, bring them back to the walk.
• Remember to work evenly on both reins.
• In canter keep the circle as large as possible.

Question 21

What should the lunger be doing which lunging?

Answer 21

• They should be relaxed, with straight shoulders and back down. Elbows bent, lower arms flexible.
• Upper arms hanging in a natural position close to the body. The whip should be held at hip level and not drag on the floor.
• Their body should face and stay parallel with the horse’s body, following the movement around the circle. This should form a wedge shape.

Question 22

What hazards should you be aware of whilst lunging?

Answer 22

1) The line should never be dropped or dragged along the ground.
2) Avoid stepping back when you’re in the centre of the circle. This normally happens when the horse falls in. Instead use the whip towards the horse’s shoulder to make the horse go back out again.
3) Do not crack the whip with another horse in the school.