Search Helium

Home > Pets & Animals > Horses > Horse Training & Riding

How to lunge a horse

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

Helium Debate

Cast your vote!

Is it inhumane to make a saddle seat horse exaggerate its gait?

Click for your side.

136238

Featured Partner

Environment Northeast (ENE)

Environment Northeast (ENE) has partnered with Helium, giving you the chance to write for a cause. Browse ENE's featured titles, pick an issue and write! You can also donate your article earnings. Share what you know, lear...more


CONNECT WITH US

Read
our blog
Helum for writers

Write and get published
Share with other writers
Polish your freelancing skills

Join our active writing community
Helium Content Source for Publishers

Quality articles from proven freelancers
Exclusive rights, fast turnaround
Brand engagement, business blogging -- our writers do it all

Get custom content today!

INFORMATION


Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA
#