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Lunging Problem

2K views 11 replies 6 participants last post by  Ruben Morales 
#1 ·
Hey People

I'm new to this relational ship with my 17 month old Horse.The probelm I have is when lunging him to the right he doesn't want to go that way very well, i suggest with my right arm pointing in the direction I want him to go and my stick in the other, my body is behind the girth line of the horse. He'll go about a circle if that ,then turn the other way and drop his head, which is hard to regain him, i keep trying to get him to go that way but he keeps doing this, what can I do to get him over this
 
#3 ·
I'm in the process of making a round pen but won't be done til next year, I made a round out of poly T -bars and electric rope 4 ft high but when I try to get him to turn the other way we usally end up close to the rope and the little devil jumps over the rope, so I don't use that for that cause I 'm scared he will get tangled up. I did'nt really like that after he jump the rope, he's is quite quiet and laid back but going to the right he seems to freak out
 
#5 ·
I had the same problem with many horses. I accually encountered one yesterday. All horses have an 'off' side like humans. What you have to do is get ahead of your horse. Start by lunging him on his prefered side, then turn him around and ask him to go in the opposite direction. If he tries to turn on you, cut him off, point and snap your whip. Race him around to the horse side and urge him forward with your voice, body and whip. Don't give up until you win.

Make sure to do a lot of work on his bad side too. Walk, pet, touch and work from his off side often, so he learns there's nothing to worry about.
 
#6 ·
I would not suggest pushing him for it, as in getting more aggressive. It could be that he is unconfident and he doesn't want you on that side of him. It's too much pressure perhaps. A lot of horses have that issue, but it's seen as bad behavior to the person. The thought of making sure you "win" is silly in my opionion. The horse isn't trying to get you, he's not trying to be bad. I, too, would suggest looking into some NH, like Parelli. It addresses issues like the one you are encountering right now.
 
#7 ·
I lunged him tonight and he seemed to be a little better, and yes I was lunging him more on his bad side. Spirithorse I think your right about hes not being confident on that side. He did a couple of circles then bolts the other way and lowers his head again when he does this it's hard to gain control of him. I have to flip the lunge line over his neck and position myself and command him to walk on in the right direction. I believe a person has to have alot of patience, which I do, he's just young. About NH I've been reading alot about Clinton Anderson and have been trying some of his stuff. Thanks everyone for your comments and help. I really see where a round pen would come in handy, can't wait til I get mine built next year
 
#9 ·
Well, i am very gald for you. Just remember to much lungining can be no good for a horse that young. I would only lunge him 3 times a week at the max!! You don't want him to hate it, and devolp more problems. Just warning you.

Cheers
 
#10 ·
I have been only lunging him about that, I've heard that it is hard on their joints also, being at a young age, so it has kinda scared me in lunging him to much. But thats ok because there are plenty of ground work exercises to do.Here's a pic of my boy 16 months old
 
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