How do I lunge?

[bexj]

I'm thinking about starting to lunge our 20 yr old very unfit fat hairy cob! I've heard that it will get him fitter much better than just riding him. But I've never lunged before! What do I do? What do I need?

Thanks
Becky

[suze]

First you need the equipment. A lunge line, lunge whip and a cavesson or head collar plus a hat and gloves for yourself.
Next I think you need to get someone to show you how.
How long have you had your horse? has it been lunged before?.
Its always easier to learn if the horse is an old hand and knows what its all about.
You should also remember with a horse thats unfit that lunging is very hard work and demanding. Make sure the horse is warmed up and keep the sessions short.
Hope you can get someone expierienced to help you and your horse.

[KarinUS]

Keep in mind that different people use different props to lunge. I bought a lunge caveson and now never use it because my instructor prefers to lunge the horse in the regular bridle.
So find your instructor first and let her/him tell you what she uses.
Then you and your horse can have a lunge lesson together.
I only tried lunging on my own after I've had instruction on it. It seemed a little bumpy at first, but now it's real easy.
But I've also heard terrible horror stories on how dangerous or difficult this can be, so I would really hope you can find someone to help you get a good start at it! :)

[Gracie]

There are some good books about lunging if you do not have an instructor. But like others have said I would recemmond getting some kind of lunge lesson. It took me forever to learn how to lunge I was horrible at it and the horses always walked all over me!!!!! If you do not have an instructor do you have a friend who has a horse who is trained to lunge? Because then thats the best way to start! Because teaching a horse to lunge can be even more tricky!lol!

[kelsey]

Be careful of lunging with a bridle only on a horse that is unused to being lunged. And never ever clip the lunge line onto only one ring of the bit, this can pull the bit right through the horse's mouth. It is best to use a proper cavesson.