Riding lesson on lunge - question

[Scarlett 001]

This may come across as naive, but it's been years since I had a lesson on the lunge. I know that the trainer has a whip and a lunge line. But does the rider usually have no reins, or sometimes would you hold the reins? If you don't have the reins, do I take it that you don't worry about the horse having any contact, but let him nose-poke if need be and focus on other things (independent seat etc.)?

[jovi_y2k2]

it just depends really sometimes when ive had lessons ive had reins but no stirrups, and other times the horse has had side reins on so then i dont have to worry about contact and can totally focus on my position

[andreaB]

for position work my instructor does no reins but side reins on the horse & generally i have no stirrups

sometimes i would have the reins but with no contact just to encourage a correct hand carriage & bend at the elbow

[Whatanejit]

With my instructor the horse always has quite loose side reins attached to the bit.

I usually hold the reins initially and then may do some exercises with hands in the air etc just riding with the seat/lower leg.

Sometimes stirrups, sometimes not.

OH in a lesson.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f270/Whatanejit/The%20School/Octlungelesson.png

[Nazdaq]

Like they said, I usually when on the lunge have the reins but just a loose contact to have my hands in the right position :D

[micky17]

when i hade a lunge lesson i fought it was fun you dont relly need you reigns because you teacher is icontrol of you


lol

[Skyhuntress]

Really depends on what you're working on and at what level you are at in riding.
Usually, for more novice riders (or ones who desperately need to focus on their seat), the reins are tied and the rider doesn't have to focus on them.

Once you advance a bit, YOU should really be in control of the horse, even while lunging. For example, when I ride on the lunge, the trainer is pretty much just ensuring that I stay on a circle. I have to do all the transitions myself, keep the shoulder from popping out, maintain impulsion and keep the horse on the bit, all the while still working on my seat ;)

So just depends on what you're comfortable with. To start with, I'd do a couple of rides without the reins, but after tha,t see how it goes!@

[Skib]

Early lunge lessons with a specialist teacher will establish your seat (teach you how to sit on the horse) and work at your own level.

But once your lunge lessons become long term, there is very little you cant learn to do on the lunge. I've done everything - from bare back with no reins to controlling almost everything and learning canter transitions.

It is completely wrong to assume that being on the lunge puts you entirely in the hands of (at the mercy of) another person. The aim of a good teacher working with a student on the lunge is completely the opposite. To make you feel so relaxed and secure on the horse, that you learn to ride just as relaxed and just as secure when you are on your own riding in the open.

[Keket]

It depends on what you're working on. When I'm on Topaz on the lunge, we're working on her. By having her on the line, I don't have to think about steering, so I can focus on getting her transitions nicer or collecting her up or whatever the problem du jour is. When I'm on Coquette on the lunge, it's usually working on me and my seat, so I may or may not have reins, and certainly I won't have stirrups. It comes down to what you're focussing on. Timing? Balance? Transitions? What you're trying to accomplish will determine the set-up.