How To

How to Train a Horse to Lunge

Contributor
By Marjorie Gilbert
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Lunging is a good exercise for the horse. Not only does it allow the horse to move its limbs in an active fashion, it helps you teach the horse how to move in a controlled fashion--even on the end of a long line. This is a useful skill for some dressage exercises and vaulting.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Enclosed Area Lunge Line Whip
  1. Step 1

    Choose an enclosed area. A round enclosure would be best, but any enclosure will do. This helps confine your animal.

  2. Step 2

    Clip the lunge line onto the ring at the bottom of the halter. Hold the lunge line in one hand and the whip in the other. If your horse is moving counterclockwise, hold the lunge line in your left hand and the whip in your right. If clockwise, hold the lunge line in your right hand and the whip in your left.

  3. Step 3

    Have your horse move in a small circle around you. Move in a small circle so you constantly face the horse's ribs. Urge him forward with the whip aimed on the ground behind him.

  4. Step 4

    Urge the horse forward with a clear voice command, such as "walk" or "trot." Keep moving in a small circle as the horse moves around you, making sure you always face the horse's ribs.

  5. Step 5

    Keep the whip low to the ground. If the horse does not respond directly to your command, lightly flick his hindquarters with the whip.

  6. Step 6

    Allow the horse to move further and further away from you while you maintain your position inside the circle. The optimum distance is 10 feet from your horse.

  7. Step 7

    Change direction by facing the horse's shoulder and asking him to halt. Walk to his head, turn him so he's facing the other direction, and begin the process again.

  8. Step 8

    Be consistent. Use the same commands and cues every time. Over time, the horse will recognize your cues such as whip flicks and body position and will respond without the verbal commands.

  9. Step 9

    Always be positive. Reward your horse with lavish praise when he does what you wish.

Tips & Warnings
  • Be patient. Teaching a horse a new skill such as lunging will take some time.
  • Never hold your lunge line by putting your hand inside a loop. If the horse bolts, the loop can tighten around your hand, trapping you. Coil the excess lunge line into a loop, then flatten the loop and place your hand around it. Hold the lunge line firmly enough so you have control, but loosely enough to allow more length in the line should you require it.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Get Free Sports & Fitness Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US

eHow Sports and Fitness
eHow_eHow Sports and Fitness