Lunging????

[paula kemp]

Hi i have just booked my first lesson, and the instructor said that I would have to start being on a lunge horse - what does this mean and is this the best way to start?

As I am new to the beautiful world of horses alot of the terms mean nothing to me!!!

I am really excited as well as nervous.

Regards

Paula Kemp:eek:

[Peace]

Hi, Paula

Congrats on booking your first lesson, and welcome to NR!

A lunge lesson means the instructor will have the horse on a lunge line - think of it as a really long (15 foot) leash for the horse.:) The horse has been trained to move around the instructor in a large circle, while the instructor holds the line, at the pace the instructor says (probably mostly at a walk for your first lesson). On a lunge, you'll be able to concentrate on just getting comfortable with riding before you have to worry about steering.

I've never had a lunge lesson, but I think it's a more common practice in your part of the world than mine. I've heard it's a great way to start. Have fun!:)

[Maria]

Hi

Lunge lessons on a good horse are an excellent way to start riding. It means you can work on your position and security in the saddle without having to worry about controlling the speed or direction of the horse.

Maria

[Piaffe]

Hi Paula,

You don't live too far from me! - I'm in West Ewell/Chessington!

Where are you having your first lesson?!

[Santorium]

Hey Paula,

You live down the road from me! Tell me an Piaffe where you're riding?

[paula kemp]

Hi Piaffe and Santorium,

I am having my lesson in Chobham, Surrey at the Langshot Equestrian Centre, which is about 1/2hr away from me, as I wasn't too sure where to ride, and some of the schools are quite expensive!

Do you own your own horses? I would love to have my own horse, but I think I would like to share first.

Santorium, where do you live?

Speak to you soon

Paula :D

[Santorium]

Hi Paula,

Santorium is otherwise known as Ben(jamin) and lives in Walton on Thames. Sadly I don't yet have my own horse, but ride a friends mum's - lucky old me :D

I've been to Langshot and they seem like decent people to me. Let us know how you get on!

[paula kemp]

Santorium,

Where is your friends mum's horse stabled, and do you manage to ride often?

Who many times did you go to Langshot?

[Santorium]

Paula,

I've only been to Langshot to have a look around as I was thinking of hacking out from there. I've not ridden with them as yet as I'm more inclinded to hack out in Richmond/Wimbledon park.

I ride with my friend/instructor 2 or 3 hours a week at the moment which is less than I'd ideally like, but more than I need to keep me happy.

[paula kemp]

that is lovely to able to ride that many hours, my lesson on Saturday will only be for 1/2 hr! boo hoo, but maybe my bottom will not be able to handle any longer - hee hee

[Santorium]

My first few were 1/2 hr at a time too, and girl was I glad about it. Talk about aches in muscles I didn't know I had! Happily I've a strong bottom so that was fine - maybe I was bad one too many times as a child?

What made you decide to learn to ride?

[Tootsie4U]

Sounds like this place is a good place! This instructor has the good mind to put a beginner on a lunge lesson first off! Be happy, alot of places stick you on a horse and just see what you can do. THis persons thinking about your safety and the horses ;) Glad to hear the tide may be changing!

[ojoisland]

Welcome to NR! I must agree starting on a lunge line is a great way to really focus on your seat, position, etc without having to worry about steering the horse. Every other lesson, I am on a lunge line which is very helpful. Have fun, you'll enjoy every minute of your lesson and just being around horses.:D

[friskyfilly14]

Thats great that your having your 1st lesson! Lunging is a long lead rope kinda thing with a special halter. Its the best way to learn balace and position without worring about the horses pace,or dirrection! Have a GREAT lesson! :D

[tarkia]

It means the horse goes around on a long rope (lunge) in a circle around the instructor. It knows exactly what to do, trained well. All you have to think about is your postition and about getting the feel of riding a horse. Believe me you will want to move on quickly but make sure you spend a lot of time with lunge lessons they get your position early on and then you will make less mistakes when riding later.

[tarkia]

It means the horse goes around on a long rope (lunge) in a circle around the instructor. It knows exactly what to do, trained well. All you have to think about is your postition and about getting the feel of riding a horse. Believe me you will want to move on quickly but make sure you spend a lot of time with lunge lessons they get your position early on and then you will make less mistakes when riding later.

[NuttyMare]

welcome to NR! glad you got your first lesson!

As for your question, riding on a lunge horse means going round on a circle controlled by your instructor so you don't have to worry about steering or control. A lunge rein is a long, strong rope that is attached to a piece of equipment that is strong yet comfortable for the horse to wear over or under his bridle. Lunging is a great way to improve your position (the way you hold yourself and position yourself when on horseback). If you don't feel very safe you can always hold the front of the saddle (the pommel).

Hope this helps!
NuttyMare :D:D

[Piaffe]

Hi again Paula!

Yes, I have my own horse - I've had horses for many years, but had an 8 year gap while taking o'levels and a'levels etc - as you do!!

I don't know that riding school, but from what Santorium has said, it sounds nice - as long as the people there are friendly and are happy to help and go at your pace, thats the main thing!

Let us know how you get on!!

[paula kemp]

I will keep you all posted. To answer Santorium's question "what made me decide to learn" I have always wanted to learn, but money and time was against me, until recently I have gone part time at work so only do 3 days a week, so seeing as i have some free time - I thought what the hell! Life is too short! It was my 30th this year (very depressing:(), so I thought now or never.


Piaffe, you lucky thing to have your own horse, let me know the details of your horse, like where do you have him/her, how long have you had him/her, how big etc

[Santorium]

What do you do for a living part-time girl?

[paula kemp]

well by day I work as a personal assistant in a Heating and Bathroom shop, and in the evenings and weekends I am a Reflexologist and Aromatherapist!

How about you?

[Santorium]

Sounds like you don't get out much then!

I'm a business analyst, which is short-code for "solves other peoples problems when they can't". It's excellent fun

[paula kemp]

:D Well I have had my lesson, and it was incredible, not much actual riding done today, but Lynne my instructor explained everything, from how to tighten the girth to the rising trot.

I was put on this beautiful horse called Bess who was about 15.3 and was a dark bay with a white star of her nose, she was very responsive and polite, god I wish she was my horse!!! maybe one day.

But I have to say that I am hooked line and sinker, I have booked another lesson there for this coming Thursday.

Hope you all have a fab bank holiday weekend!

Cheerio

Paula:D :D :D (big beam on my face)

[Happy Appy 16]

I never went to lessons my mom taught me and i never did the whole Lunge line deal or anything she just let me go in the round pen!!!! so dont worry about a thing (i was only 5)

Now i am 12 and i am showing and doing barrels!!!