How To: Lunge Your Horse

Reasons for Lunging

   There are just a few reasons we choose to lunge a horse. The first one I'm sure most people would think of is to expel some unwanted energy. When your horse is feeling a little fresh, it is often safer for you to allow your horse to get their energy out on their own than with you on their back.

   The second reason would be for exercise. Working your horse on the lunge line is a perfect solution for those days when you maybe don't have time or the energy to fully tack up and ride. There are many different pieces of equipment that can help teach your horse how to hold themselves properly. We will go over those in posts to come. 

   Another important reason to know how to lunge is when you need to for the vet. Many times lamenesses only show up on a circle and knowing what you are doing and having your horse know whats happening is key to helping the vet.

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A Wrong Way to Attach the Lunge Line

   When lunging in a bridle NEVER attach the lunge line directly to the bit. As your horse circles around you the lunge line pulls on the bit putting pressure on the mouth in a very uncomfortable way. It can also create rubs on the sides of the horse's mouth because you are essentially trying to pull the bit out through the horse's mouth.

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A Correct Way to Attach the Lunge Line

   There are many safe ways to attach the lunge line, this is just one option. Maybe in a future post I will outline the other options. This one is just my favorite because it gives me the most control over my horse's head. And if I am lunging to relieve energy I don't want the rope pulled out of my hands or to get drug around.

   Step #1: Start on the side facing the middle of your circle, so in the pictures I planned on lunging my horse to the left, counterclockwise, first. Run the lunge line through the bit.

   Step #2: Next put the lunge line over the horse's head so it rests on the poll, where the bridle sits behind the ears.

   Step #3: Then attach the lunge line to the bit on the opposite side.

   Make sure the lunge line isn't twisted, this could cause rubs if your horse were to be overly spirited and pull on the rope. 

   Again, this is my personal favorite way to attach the lunge line to a bridle because I feel it is the safest, most gentle way and that it gives me the most control over where my horse goes.

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How to Hold the Lunge Line

   How you hold on to the lunge line is critical! NEVER EVER wrap the lunge tightly around your hand. If the horse you are lunging decides to yank on the line really hard your hand is trapped and could be seriously hurt! Always make sure the excess line is neatly and loosely looped up in your leading hand (the hand on the same side as your horse is facing). Having a neat line makes it easy for you to let out more slack to move your horse away from you and create a larger circle. 

   Depending on which direction your horse is going determines what hand you hold the lunge. Now, I am right handed so it is much more comfortable for me to hold the lunge line in my right hand. However, in order to safely lead my horse around the circle I have to change it up. When I am lunging to the left, counterclockwise, then the line needs to be in my left hand. Therefore, when I am lunging to the right, clockwise, the line needs to be in my right hand. 

​   There are two reasons for holding the lunge line like this. The first is because you need to lead your horse around the circle. If you hold the lunge in the opposite hand, the line then "crosses" your body and you end up actually signaling to your horse to slow down and move backwards, instead of telling your horse to move forward around the circle.

   The second reason is because you should be holding the lunge whip in your other hand. I will always bring a lunge whip with me, even if my horse is too energetic. I may just drop it in the center of my circle and not use it, but if I need one I want to have one handy.

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The Triangle

   So, when you are holding the lunge whip you want to follow behind your horse with it. Creating a triangle. You horse is one side, the lunge line another and the whip being the third side and you are the point.

   By creating this triangle you are guiding your horse with the hand that is holding the lunge line and pushing your horse with the hand that is holding the whip.

   Holding a whip is not ever supposed to scare or cause injury to your horse! The main reasons are to tell your horse to continue to move forward and as a way to keep space between yourself and an energetic outburst. Many times I have had to use the lunge whip to keep a horse away from me because they are bucking and playing and they don't realize how close they are to me and that a stray hoof could easily hit me. 
  
   Safety should always come first for you and your horse any time you handle them. Notice how I have wrapped all four of my horse's legs in polo wraps to keep them protected just in case. As always, you should be wearing closed toed shoes and gloves are a smart choice as well.

Look! Even husbands can do it!

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Moving with Your Horse

   Alright, now that we have all the basics out of the way it's actually time to get moving! And yup, I mean you too! Again, another safety thing, you need to walk around a smaller circle with your horse. This ensures your horse is on a big enough circle, if you stand in place often the circle is not large enough. Imagine you are going to ride the circle you have your horse on, does it seem doable or impossible?

   Walking with your horse also forces you to do another SUPER important thing! Pay attention to what your horse is doing! Many times people will just let their horse out on a large circle and let them have at it and stop watching. Working your horse on too small of a circle can be dangerous, especially if they are wild. They can slip and fall down or strain one of the tendons in their legs because you weren't paying attention. If you are aware of what your horse is doing on the lunge line you can help them avoid rocks or deep spots in the footing or you can help them work through a "scary" area of the ring. You can also make sure your horse stays balanced and uses themselves properly. Many horses will fall off their leads at the canter and it is your job to make sure they keep working correctly, even if you are just trying to burn off some steam.

   Before I wrap up there is just one more thing you need to do every time you lunge your horse. Go both ways! Horse's are more comfortable going one direction, but it is your job to make sure they get worked evenly. Many times I will think the horse I'm lunging is quiet now, only to change directions and realize they still have bucks they wanted to get out. Also, if you are lunging for exercise it is important to build each side of muscles evenly.

   Whew! That was a long one, but it is all very important to a safe and successful lunge. If you have any questions at all please feel free to contact me! And in case you are interested below is a video of me walk, trot and cantering my horse on the lunge line.