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Proper Way to Lunge

10K views 59 replies 19 participants last post by  Casey02 
#1 ·
I wasn't exactly sure where I ought to put this, so it can be moved if needed. :)
Anyway. I was wondering what the proper, correct way to lunge is. I realize I've never really been taught what it is, just copied what my instructor does, and I'm not sure if that's what's considered correct. I usually lunge Rainy is just her halter, and occasionally with her saddle on, and I have a whip to encourage her to canter if needed. We lunge in a large, indoor arena, so I have trouble trying to make a real circle for her to stay in. Should the circle be rather large? Smaller? Medium sized? Is there a specific way to lunge her that I'm being clueless about? I've been told there are certain cues for walking, trotting and cantering, but I never really understood what they were/are. I have several videos of me lunging if you'd like to see what I'm doing right now, but now that I can find out how, I'm rather ashamed of what I'm doing presently. The videos probably make me look like a fool. :oops: Anyhow, any advice, tips, lectures are welcome. I'd just like to know exactly what to do, once and for all. Thank you!
*Passes out cookies*
 
#3 ·
Here's what my trainer taught me:
Hold the lead rope in the direction you want the horse to go and if you have a whip, hold that in the other. When you want them to go, point high with the hand with your lead rope in it and encourage them with the whip if necessary. Immediately after they start moving, drop both hands into a relaxed position and dont encourage them (i.e. kissing to them or using the whip) unless they slow down or something. When you want them to stop, bend down and stare at their hindquarters until they do so, this may take some time for them to learn. Then, switch hands with the rope and whip and continue. When you want the horsde to be done, stop them as already stated but don't let them walk towards you until you invite them in. When they stop, you ideally want them to turn towards you to the point you can see both of their eyes, but them not walk towards you.
 
#5 ·
When they stop, you ideally want them to turn towards you to the point you can see both of their eyes, but them not walk towards you.
No you don't. You want the horse to stay on the circle, facing in the direction of travel, one ear on you and to stand quietly while you approach the horse.

This 'turning' toward the person is a habit developed from NH and those guru's, and has no place in longeing.

The ONLY time you will ask a horse to turn toward you when longeing, is if you are performing a change of direction, which is an advanced maneuver. The horse turns and comes towards the person, at the same time the person moves towards the horse's opposite shoulder,moves the longe whip and line to the opposite hands, flips the ring on the longeing cavesson, etc.. etc., all in one sweeping motion never affecting the horse's tempo, cadence or frame.
 
#4 ·
Longeing is an ART, that takes YEARS to perfect. It's about developing a vocabulary with your horse that will translate to under saddle work. It's about showing your horse how to move correctly w/o the burden of a rider.

Unfortunately, to explain it to you would require I write a book, because even just covering the basics is really just enough information to get you into trouble.

You're best to pick up a book with explanations and illustrations. I believe Reiner Klimke wrote a book on longeing and that would be one of your best resources.

You'll need proper equipment to start: longeing cavesson, proper length longeline (at least 30ft), and a longeing whip.

You'll have to learn how to hold the longeline, how to cue different things with the longeline, what the whip cues are, where to position your body for various cues and so on...

Then there is the verbal cues that must be learned and applied correctly, and finally how you 'use' your body to affect the horse. How opening and closing the hips affects the horse, how to collect yourself to collect the horse and so on.

Finally, longeing 'may' be done on a circle, but a good trainer will longe on straight lines, serpentines, diagonals, as well as circles of varying sizes depending on what is being asked of the horse.

So you see, it's rather involved and gets more involved when you begin to long line.
 
#6 ·
^^ i have my horse turn in too, & its not just a 'NH thing' [sorry i know a lot of people who dont do or know 'NH' that have their horse turn in]

i dont see how that is incorrect at all, just a preference. my mare knows when its ok to walk in [i have a signal for it] & unless i tell her she doesnt.
 
#8 ·
Wow. Okay. :) Well, I'm just doing it to exersize Rainy, I'm not trying to be all advanced with it. I do have a better idea, I suppose, of what I need to do. But still, are there any other ways to just lunge your horse in a circle? Without getting overly technical and specific?
 
#10 ·
That's the whole point, it is 'technical' and it's become a dying art form used simply to burn off steam before bravely mounting.

The circle is of no use to the horse gymnastically if it's not done 'technically' correct. All that does is torque the horse's legs and encourage bracing and stiff muscles.

Longeing is of little use to the horse and rider partnership unless it's done 'technically' correct.

You may choose to carry on as you are...many do. But the path to better horsemanship and horse management, and thus better understanding of the horse, thus a better relationship with the horse is learning all aspects, even those that seem daunting at first glance.
 
#11 ·
In my experience, there are 2 distinct ways to lunge. I've always divided it into classical lunging and natural horsemanship (NH) lunging. Mercedes is outlining classical lunging, which I agree is every bit the art that classical riding is. Classical lunging is far more useful than NH lunging if you are lunging to give the horse real, correct exercise as an alternative (using the word alternative very loosely here) to a mounted schooling session.

NH lunging I find is most effective for very green or very disrespectful horses. The point here is not to build muscle or develop a good frame. What NH lunging contributes is respect and rapport. Not that classical lunging doesn't, but classical contributes to the physical development of the horse in addition to the mental and emotional. I personally have more experience with NH lunging, having handled mostly young or uneducated horses, unready mentally and emotionally to respond well to classical lunging. My personal horse is now very respectful, moving out of the grass green umbrella, and I thank Mercedes for the direction to the Klimke book as I begin my foray into more classical lunging. :wink:

So, to the original question: What is the proper way to lunge? It depends heavily on what "style" you want to lunge. NH lunging has so many brands and variations (almost all of which will get the job done if applied with common sense, feel, timing, and experienced help on occasion), type almost any name brand trainer into a search engine and you'll find a plethora of info on their slant to lunging. Several posters here have given excellent overviews of the basics. If that's what you're interested in, I recommend Clinton Anderson's Lunging for Respect stages 1 and 2; Pat Parelli's Circle Game; or almost any roundpenning series. NH basically treats lunging like roundpenning with a line. Not a bad thing, just different and used for a different purpose, to reach a different goal in horsemanship. It isn't "easy" per se, but is much more learnable from a DVD or study kit than classical lunging.

If you're looking for more classical lunging techniques, your best bet would be to look into a trainer and have a few lunging lessons, both lunging an experienced classically lunged horse and with your own horse. The adjustment of things like surcingles and side reins can be tricky enough to figure out alone, without touching on learning how to cue precisely, etc. I advise some research into classical dressage in general; that topic almost certainly will guide you into classical lunging. As I'm learning about classical dressage myself, I can't really give any specific advice about it other than to continue to research.

Good luck! :D
 
#13 ·
I don't want to get into the middle of the dispute, but IMHO,

If that's what your instructor does, and tells you to do, I'd just keep doing it that way for now. Maybe get him/her to observe and let them know you want CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. In saying this, I'm assuming that you're boarding at this barn for the knowledge of the instructor, and not just for a place to keep your horse. It will show your instructor you want to learn more, and not ruffle any feathers along the way.

Good Luck!!!
 
#19 ·
WOW! Ok, well we have two differences of opinion and let's just leave it at! No need for bickering back and forth about who's wrong and who's right. To each their own, everyone has a different agenda for lunging.

I know when I lunge, it is all about the bonding for me. My horse is still too young to really understand the whole bending on a circle. It's all about him trusting me. It took time for him to even stay out on the circle. He would always walk in towards me.

I am not looking for this perfect horse, who will be in the Olympics. Just perfect for me!
 
#20 ·
WOW! Ok, well we have two differences of opinion and let's just leave it at! No need for bickering back and forth about who's wrong and who's right. To each their own, everyone has a different agenda for lunging.
I'm at a loss as to why one would want to stop the conversation. The more opinions expressed, the more information is on the table to make an informed choice for one's self.

It's simply too easy, and frankly, a cop out, to use the argument...'everyone has a different agenda'. Of course they do, irrelevant. W/O additional input they have no idea there's more available to them. You can only do what you know. Don't you want to know more? Or are you content to live in a tiny box? (Rhetorical questions...hopefully)
 
#22 ·
Mercedes: As much as I love a good debate, what you continue to bring up insn't helpful. It isn't helping me figure out how to lunge my horse, and it's making others upset.
I'm not telling you to stop. I'm just letting you know my take on it.

Thanks to everyone else. What I'm attempting to do is blow off some steam from my horse before I get on, otherwise she gets prancy and will do nothing but canter. I'm sorry if that's not what lunging is 'really' about- but it's what I need it for. I suppose I should specify on how I lunge. I have the lunge line clipped to Rainy's halter. I make her move out away from me, keeping myself pointed at her hip, since that's what I've been taught to do. I do whatever I can to keep her moving at the pace I'd like her to go- walk, trot or canter- and then, when I think we've done enough and she's ready to either cool down (if I'm not riding) or begin under saddle (if I am), I let her stop, and then either she'll come towards me or I'll walk towards her. I'm only doing this at home, not at shows. I was just curious. :)
 
#25 ·
Mercedes: As much as I love a good debate, what you continue to bring up insn't helpful. It isn't helping me figure out how to lunge my horse, and it's making others upset.
I'm not telling you to stop. I'm just letting you know my take on it.
It may not have been helpful to you, but I don't think you would condemn the learning process of others, even though this is 'your' thread. Would you?

I haven't a clue why anyone would be upset. I'm not and I'm the one being categorized via a host of all sorts of adjectives that have a general negative connotation.

No one here has any say about how I feel at any given moment. Why other people give others the power to affect them is their issue, not mine. I've called no one any names and I've not addressed anyone with intent to harm.

Thanks to everyone else. What I'm attempting to do is blow off some steam from my horse before I get on, otherwise she gets prancy and will do nothing but canter. I'm sorry if that's not what lunging is 'really' about- but it's what I need it for. I suppose I should specify on how I lunge. I have the lunge line clipped to Rainy's halter. I make her move out away from me, keeping myself pointed at her hip, since that's what I've been taught to do. I do whatever I can to keep her moving at the pace I'd like her to go- walk, trot or canter- and then, when I think we've done enough and she's ready to either cool down (if I'm not riding) or begin under saddle (if I am), I let her stop, and then either she'll come towards me or I'll walk towards her. I'm only doing this at home, not at shows. I was just curious. :)
This is probably not helpful either...:wink: (that's a joke)...but how about more turnout? Or turning her out to have a run and stretch before saddling?

It's counter-productive (not to mention has to be frustrating for both of you) to struggle trying to keep her at the pace you want, when the purpose is simply to let her release some steam.

Once she's blown herself out, THEN put her on the longe line and begin the process of teaching her how to use her body more efficiently and effectively? Then longeing becomes meaningful and a way to progress both her and your training.
 
#23 ·
I think a tiny box is better expressed by saying people that think only their way is right and every one else is very wrong!

I agree with the poster that suggested the OP discuss this with their instructor/trainer and go from there. I personally think it is great that you asked. I also think (from what you just posted) you have a good basic knowledge.

Yes, there are wrong ways to lunge but I highly doubt you are doing anything seriously wrong. No matter how difficult and advanced some people want to make it sound, it like everything else, is something you start some where and move on to learn more on. And hopefully when you get to the point where you are an expert you will not look down your nose at the others who either do it slightly differently or are not as proficient. :D
 
#26 ·
The horse shouldn't turn towards you. And yes, picking up Klimke's book about lunging would be a great idea. There are a lot of really good books out by many Klimkes! I would recommend all of the ones I have read.
Anyways. The reason that you don't want your horse to turn into you, even to change directions, is because when you are lunging for something beyond exercise, you are most likely going to have side-reins or something that need to be adjusted. When the horse turns into you and you try to walk up the whole thig just gets really complicated, trying to get to the side of the horse and he just swings his butt around, etc.. You really just want to train the horse to stand quietly unless asked to move.
Also when lunging a big thing to remember is the triangle! Just google "lunging triangle" and I'm sure it will come up.

Anyways, read books, talk to your instructor and good luck!!
Ground work and lunging is an art and when done properly you can work the horse more correctly than under saddle! It is a great tool.
 
#33 ·
mercedes IMO (no offence intended) there con proably be many habits and ways to lunging but iv trained both of my horses and both have diferent ways of learning i had to use different methods. and i find it a bit amusing that you always advise people to get books im not being funny but everything i have learned about horses, i have learned by reading their body language and my trainers help. (i say you advise people as you have done it more than once one of those times to me! yes you may be a profesional at lunging im not saying you dont know what your talking about but to the question that was originaly asked, your answer has been IMO too much info.
 
#36 ·
I do not always advise people to get books, HOWEVER, for most people on this board (seeing as they find it impossible to communicate their questions and thoughts to their instructors and trainers, and/or find it impossible to acquire a mentor), a book, written by a riding master with illustrations is a FAR BETTER resource than taking the advice of nameless, faceless strangers, none of whom have seen the interaction of posters and their horses, and most of whom haven't got a clue what they are doing.

There is no such thing as too much information in this regard. One can not make an informed decision based on a handful of tidbits. The amount of information being dispensed here (in general) is just enough to get people hurt.
 
#52 ·
What I do, and based what I am reading is probably completely incorrect is free longing. I have my horse go through all the gaits in a circle around me (no roundpen - either in the arena or in the pasture). I'm not a NH person, but when we are done, I raise my hand and call him into the circle so he knows he's done.

I don't have a specific reason I call him into the circle, other than to attach the leadrope and continue on with whatever else I'm working on. Sounds like I would be better off to teach him to stop and have me go to him though.
 
#54 ·
It's kind of difficult to write the proper way to lunge in summary. I could write pages on the subject and then look back again and realized I forgot something or didn't word it right. Perhaps you could post a video of you lunging in the critique section and people could offer feedback?
 
#56 ·
Basic lungeing means that you get your horse listening to your commands. Your whip acts as an extension of your arms. You use your voice to aid the horse and your whip to re-inforce. I don't mean whipping the horse everytime you ask something. Just hold it there so he knows it is there and you will use it lightly to teach him what you mean with your voice. You start in the middle of the circle. You ask your horse to walk on while you direct your hand holding the rope and point to the direction you want your horse to walk. At the same time you direct the whip to their behind. The horse moves from the whip. If you want him to go out wider on the circle point the whip to his shoulder. If you want him to speed up point it to his behind. Always at the same time aid the commands with your voice. Walk on, trot on, canter. Walk, Stand, Come In. I teach my horses stand so they know to stand still but stay out on the circle. Only when I say come in they walk towards me. Make sure you go up and down through the paces to get the horse listening and stabilised in his transitions and paces. He should be listeining to you the whole time. Make sure you finish with a relaxed walk where he is lowering his head. Then you know he's relaxed :)
 
#57 ·
Everyone is taught differently and it seems like no one know whats right and whats wrong but I was taught when the horse turns and gives you two eyes its a sign of respect so I have always yielded the hindquarters and gotten two eyes, and then changed the direction of the lunge.
 
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