How do I get my horse to lunge?

[horses_rock0095]

I got my horse a month ago and I have been riding her alot and shes doing really well, but now shes in the stage that she knows what I want her to do, but she is trying to see if I will let her get away with things. Sometimes when I am trying to correcther, she bucks and rears and has alot of energy! After about 20 minutes of riding, she is perfect. I think it might be a good idea to lunge her before riding because she is still kind of young, but when I try to lunge her, she comes in the middle by me. I was wondering if any one has any tips on getting her to stay out.
Thanks!

[Hollymead]

Hiya!

Sounds like you've been having fun with your new horse, and you've obviously already got a bond, as she comes to you when she doesn't understand something, in this case, lungeing!

Have you got someone who can help you? The best way to teach a baby to stay out, is to have them led round the circle. At first the helper should be in control, leading them from the cavesson, then they can progress to just walking next to them, then gradually start dropping back or walking further away (depending on whether the horse is likely to kick or not), until you, the lunger, is in complete control. This may take a matter of minutes, or several weeks!

[bexj]

How old is your horse? Has she been taught to lunge before? I am going through the same with mine at the moment, but I know that she knows what to do, she is just taking the michael by turning in and facing me. So I start by leading her round, from her shoulder, pushing her away quite aggressively if she comes into my space, and gradually getting further away from her. As soon as she is about 3ft away, I am making myself really big, and sending her into trot, and immediately letting the line out. This afternoon it worked!! Then when we come down to halt again, if she makes one single twitch of her ear that she is turning to face me, I send her off again. Eventually she stands so you can walk up to her.;)

Its much easier said than done, and I've only just started to get this with the help of my instructor.

Just to show how much of a mickey taker she is, I was standing near her and a huge firework went off (grrrrr) but Molly bless her didn't bat an eyelid. Another went off when I was lunging her and she found this as an excuse to go off at top speed bucking:eek: Little madam.:(

[horses_rock0095]

She is 6 years old. Im not too sure if she has been lunged before. Thanks for the ideas! I will try them!