Lunging Dilemma!

[sarahcol]

Hi Guys - can anyone offer a little advice!!!

My horse is great to lunge, really listens and seems to enjoy it. The only problem is I have to keep the circle quite small (ie. as long as the lungeing whip) to keep up momentum, but I'm sure this can't be doing her legs any good! As soon as I let out more line and the circle gets bigger, she seems to know I can't get right behind her and just seems to 'flop' around.

Anyone have any ideas!!

[ros]

I think a lot of the lungeing whips we buy off the shelf these days are probably a bit too short - if you can find a really good one that feels balanced in your hand and has a good reach, it's probably worth paying a bit more for it. Try asking your local saddler.

[larri]

A good way to create more impulsion is to alter your angle to the horse - actually position yourself further back so that instead of being level with her wither you are level or even behind her quarters in a driving position. if she's rushing on position yourself further to the front to block. Alternatively learn how to crack the whip!!

[Sharon H]

I agree with larri, try altering you position so that you are more 'behind' the horse. Also don't forget that you should be walking in a small circle yourself, don't just stand rooted to the spot. If you make the circle that you walk larger, you can increase the size of the circle that the horse is doing. You could also try long-reining instead. It isn't good for the horse to be asked to do very small circles unless they are really fit and well balanced, it puts a lot of strain on their legs.

[sarahcol]

Thanks guys for your help!!!

Believe me! I have tried every position going (oh er!) but she is the same whatever - she just knows how to take the p&!s really well!

I have started to walk bigger circles myself recently as I was always taught 'the horse should work, not you', and did root myself to the spot!

Will definately see about the 'longer' lunging whip - sounds just what I need, although of course would never touch her with it!

Hope I can be of help to someone one day!

[chez111]

Hi there,

My horse used to do this, the only way I could get him to go out was to point the lunging whip at his shoulder in a jabbing/lunging motion, almost as if you were fencing with a sword. He would automatically move away from it and produce a bigger circle.
Then of course I could retake my position more towards his quarters.

Try it - you never know it might work for you.



Chez