by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: April 24, 2007   Last Updated: August 11, 2010

Equine Training: Lungeing (Longeing) and Learning

The lunge, to a fencer and many others, is a forward thrusting action that is usually regarded as a move of offensive. To an equestrian or horse trainer, however, the lunge (longe) is something altogether different. The lunge (longe) line is an essential training tool, particularly for younger horses.

Basic equestrian training consists mostly of circles and straight lines. Traveling in circles encourages a horse to bend and flex his body, making his movements more graceful, fluid, and balanced.

The lunge (longe) line is one device horse trainers use for this essential training. Most equestrian trainers (or horseback riding instructors) also employ the lunge (longe) line for teaching both beginning and advanced equestrian students proper positioning in the saddle.

What is a lunge (longe) line?

The lunge (longe) line is a long rope or rein that is used for breaking, training, and schooling horses. Generally about 30 feet long, the lunge (longe) line is equipped with a swiveling snap (or a shank-chain and a snap) at one end and a hand ring or donut grip on the other.

Constructed of leather, heavy rope or sturdy nylon webbing, lunge (longe) lines are available at all saddle and tack shops, usually priced from $15 to $35.

How does equestrian lungeing (longeing) work?

Lunge (longe) training works in much the same way as a large round training pen, although it offers considerably more flexibility, as no structural enclosure is required for lungeing (longeing) a horse.

To lunge (longe) a horse, the equestrian trainer clips the lunge (longe) line to the halter or bridle of the horse and holds the other end. Using a special lunge (longe) whip (with a long popper tail at the end), as an extension of his free hand, the equestrian trainer encourages the horse to move forward in a circle.

Essentially, a triangle is created, with the equestrian trainer forming the fulcrum. The lunge (longe) whip, pointed behind the horse’s rump to urge him onward, and the lunge (longe) line become two sides, with the horse’s body forming the third one.

Many horses do not require a lunge (longe) whip. The equestrian trainer simply holds up an empty hand or swings the end of the lunge (longe) line.

After a few minutes, the equestrian trainer halts the horse, reverses the horse, and continues lungeing (longeing) for the same period of time in the other direction.

Lunge (longe) training is not to be used merely as a means of tiring

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