How to Lunge a Horse
Lunging is an important groundwork technique for horses, allowing handlers to work horses from the ground. This has many practical applications. For one, the horse can be assessed for lameness by a vet through an evaluation of their movement in a controlled environment. Lunging is also useful for conditioning, building up strength and stamina, and lets a horse warm up and stretch, as well as release pent-up energy, before being ridden. Overall, lunging is an important skill to have as a well-rounded equestrian.
What is Lunging?
Lunging a horse is asking them to move around you in a large circle. Typically, it is done using a lunge line which is a lead between 20 and 30 feet long. Otherwise, it can be done in a round pen, in which case a lunge line is optional. When lunging, the horse will circle around the handler in both directions at a walk, trot, and canter. You can also set trot poles, canter poles, cavalettis, or small jumps on the circle depending on your goal for the session.
Equipment
To lunge a horse you will likely need a lunge line and a lunge whip or flag. If you plan to use a training aid, your horse will wear a bridle and either a saddle or surcingle. Otherwise, they can lunge in either a halter or bridle. You should also consider using boots on your horse to protect and support their legs while lunging.
Step-by-Step
- If using a bridle, pull the lunge line up through the inside ring of the bit, over the poll, and clip it to the outside ring. This ensures that the bit does not get pulled through the mouth and there is even pressure on both sides. When changing directions, feed the line through the other side of the bit.
- Position yourself so you are facing the horse and standing just behind their inside shoulder, roughly where the girth would be.
- Hold the working end of the line in the hand closest to the horses head. Hold the excess line and the whip or flag in the opposite hand.
- Flick the whip behind the horse and ask them to move out onto the circle while slowly lengthening the lunge line.
- As the horse circles, keep your body behind their shoulder; this keeps them moving forward. If you get in front of them, they will stop. Try to say in roughly the same spot as you follow them around rather than walking in a large circle.
- To ask for an upward transition, flick your whip and add a verbal cue. If needed, you can shorten the line to bring the horse closer to you.
- To ask for a downward transition, slow your own circle and use a different vocal cue.
Teaching Voice Commands
Knowing voice commands is a great skill for your horse to have. It will make lunging easier and more enjoyable, possibly eliminating the need for a lunge whip. It will also give you another way to communicate with them under saddle. Here are the commands I use for my horse incase you need some ideas, but you can of course choose ones that work best for you and your horse:
- “Walk on” – walk
- Tongue click – trot
- Kiss – canter
- “Hup-hup” – lead change
- “Woah-oh” slowly in a low voice – downward transition (canter to trot, canter to walk, trot to walk)
- “Woah” short and sharp – halt
To get your horse started with voice commands, pair each one with a physical cue like your whip while lunging or leg pressure while riding. remember, consistency is key. Once you decide on cues, don’t change them and use them every time you ask for their corresponding behavior.
Percautions
Lunging a horse can be hugely beneficial when done correctly, but also poses inherent risks if proper precautions are not taken. The most important safety measure when lunging is to work in an enclosed area with solid fencing and good footing, free of hazards and debris. Always begin by checking that tack fits properly and is in good condition so there are no surprises if the horse spooks or pulls back. Use a lunge whip judiciously as an extension of your hand to reinforce cues, not strike or frightened the horse. Stand clear of the horse’s path to avoid being struck or run over. Pay attention so as not to accidentally wrap the line around yourself or get tangled. Have someone assist you if working with a young or unbroke horse for the first few sessions. Know when to advance, retreat, or end the lesson based on concentration span, attitude and movement. Do not overwork the horse to soreness or exhaustion. Lunging in a small circle or for too long can cause long-term damage to joints, especially when the horse is moving erratically and leaning into the circle. While lunging offers many possibilities, safety and horse welfare should remain top priorities.