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Discussion on Lunging problems
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Member:
mandrie
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Posted on Saturday, Nov 10, 2007 - 6:53 pm:
I have a four year old Saddlebred who has been on restricted turn out because of foot problems (see discussion under white line). The last few times I have put him on a lunge line, he begins fine, but the bucks, kicks, and changes direction (without being asked). I know part of the problems is pent up energy, but obviously not behavior to be tolerated. My question is the best way to deal with this-I don't have access to a round ring, so he has to be on a lunge line.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Sunday, Nov 11, 2007 - 7:56 am:
Hello marie-anne,
Rather than fight this behavior it is better to let the horse get it out of his system then once he calms down begin serious work. Having looked at your photos, I am uncertain your horse should be doing work of any kind until the walls grow out to support the soles.
DrO
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Member:
mandrie
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Posted on Sunday, Nov 11, 2007 - 9:35 am:
Thank you for responding. Would you also advise against handwalking?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Sunday, Nov 11, 2007 - 5:44 pm:
marie, since I cannot examine your horse I cannot make specific recommendations at all. But if a horse with feet like your horse is tolerating hand walking well and is not more sore afterward I would recommend it for the improved circulation.
DrO
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Member:
ekaufman
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Posted on Sunday, Nov 11, 2007 - 7:51 pm:
Hello Marie-Anne,
One of Bill Steinkraus' principles of training is "never fight the oats." I agree that bucking on the lunge is rude, but would tend to forgive it in a horse that is cooped up, provided he wasn't dragging me around the arena. Keep your elbow in so he doesn't hurt your arm.
Good luck!
- Elizabeth
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Member:
lhenning
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Posted on Monday, Nov 12, 2007 - 4:05 pm:
Hi Marie Anne,
When your horse is ready for lunging this is how I would handle this situation.
I tend to disregard this behavior and keep working slow and consistently toward a nice even trot then reward by letting him stop. The horse that bucks is putting forth a lot more energy and work than he is at trot, so it does not take long for them to see it is easier to trot. Use your voice in a calm and reassuring manner and don't let yourself sound angry or reprimanding. When he tries to turn, use your whip and body to keep him going the direction you choose by pointing your belly button at, while stepping toward, the front of his head. Make him turn when you say turn, not when he chooses. Let him canter, buck, kick out, anything but turn or stop. Move your feet as little as possible and make him move his feet as much as possible. He is trying to intimidate you and dominate the situation, and the one who moves - loses. That's the name of the game.
Good luck,
Linda
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