I have a 13 y/o Quarter horse (Probably some arab in there somewhere) That is WAY to smart. He really really knows how to work people to get what he wants.
Well, I have a problem with lunging him. He used to be great at it. But then when we started having the trailer problems, he had to lunge and then he got to rest in the trailer. Well, he learned that lunging means he has to work hard, so he just doesn't do it anymore, he will basically end up lunging you. I don't know how to make him lunge. He backs up, spins, side steps, all to not lunge.
Does anyone have an idea how to get him to be a good lunger again?
is he lunging you, meaning making you run around or lunging AT you? Are you using a whip? My guy went through something like this and just showing him the whip got him right back on track.
is he lunging you, meaning making you run around or lunging AT you? Are you using a whip? My guy went through something like this and just showing him the whip got him right back on track.
It is kind of hard to explain, he like pivots on his front foot, moving his hind end so he doesn't have to go around you.
I am using a whip, but he isn't afraid of a bag/flag. And I have tried tapping him with the whip, but it doesn't work.
I would put him on a small circle and get in his face about moving away from you. Don't worry about which direction he's going or how far away from you he gets, just make him move away from you. Keep your leading hand open and tap him on the rear end until he moves. Even if it is just to dance a few feet from you. Keep his feet moving. If he spins and puts you at a bad angle, just get back to a good angle and keep after him. When he does move away from you reward him with a rub and a small break. Make it harder for him to avoid the lunging than the actual lunging. Also, if he just refuses to move increase the tempo and power of the taps. As long as he's still ignoring the stick/whip/etc it's 1. not hurting him, 2. not being annoying enough to get a response and 3. Not hard enough to make him want to end it. Don't be afraid to do a little tough love, when it gets too tough for him he will make a decision to move away from it. If he moves away quickly don't yank him in though, let the rope play out and let him get it out. The point is to get him moving and not spinning and avoiding so make sure when he does move that you don't catch him in the face and drag him to a stop again. Let him move out for a little bit then gently call him in for his reward. It takes time and patience, lots of patience, to retrain a horse to lunge once they've figured out that when they spin around you don't have a lot of control. Also, make sure that you are not holding him so close that he could get close enough to kick out at you or run you over as he will get angry and annoyed before he gets better since his ingenious plan is being ruined. 8-10 feet is generally a good guideline for this kind of thing but you need to fine tune it for your situation. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!
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