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  Discussion on Lunging questions
Author Message
Member:
Rhondal

Posted on Thursday, Feb 2, 2006 - 10:19 pm:

I lunged Valentine for the first time today he did great didn't need anything to get him going or to keep him going I think this will be good for him to get back into shape considering nothing has been really done with him in quit a few years. The question that I have is how do you get him to slow down? He doesn't want to walk he just wants to trot or canter I can't even get him to stop unless I start pulling him in.

The girls did some ground work with him today also, I think it went quit well except that my oldest needs to relax a bit. My youngest did way better than I ever thought she would she's only 5 she got him to go in and out of the cones had him stop when she commanded I think she might be a natural.
Member:
Christel

Posted on Friday, Feb 3, 2006 - 10:27 am:

Hi Rhonda, when lunging a horse I like to give the first few moments to the horse, will let them kick up, run or whatever, letting them get the fresh out- I usually liberty lunge in a round pen w/ no lead line. After a few minutes of that, then it is my time and we do what I want to do.
To slow him down position yourself more to the front of your horse, getting in his space a little more should slow him down, if that doesn't work try reeling him in, making your circle smaller, horses usually don't like to go fast in small circles that may help too.
How neat your 5 year old is doing so well, sounds she and the horse are going to be great pair.
Chris
Member:
Lhenning

Posted on Friday, Feb 3, 2006 - 1:15 pm:

Hi Rhonda,

It's important to notice your own body position while lunging. If you are holding a whip or stick, you need to DrOp it low when you ask for a slow down. Also, keep your head and posture low and stop following his motion. Your movement should mimic what you want his movement to be. If he doesn't slow, then as Christella said, you also need to point your belly button toward his head and step toward him bringing your whip or stick down in front of him while bringing the lunge line into your belly. By also using verbal commands, you can further help your horse understand what you want him to do. Clinton Anderson has a great book "Lunging for Respect" which teaches lunging in short, step by step routines. I highly recommend it.
Linda
Member:
Rhondal

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 7, 2006 - 12:14 pm:

Linda after reading what you said about my own body position I tried lunging him again. You were so right my arms were to high, I didn't notice it but he sure did after lowering my arms (I haven't used any whips or sticks) he then started to slow down and even walk so thank you for pointing that out.
Member:
Dtranch

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 7, 2006 - 2:33 pm:

You are right on point now. Body position and body language is 99.9% of successful lunging. When my horse is doing what I want, I give him space and let him work. Driving through the shoulder ... moving in front of shoulder to slow or stop ... move to the rear for releasing the rear and stop to face, or change direction. Eventually, you can control all movements with just your body.
Keep it up ...
DT
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