by Jennifer Pontier

Created on: June 11, 2007   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

Lunging a horse is one of the most important aspects in owning or having a horse. Lunging is not done to tire out a horse but to gain its total respect for its owner. When lunging, you must make sure that your horse has his full attention on you and what you are asking of him or her to do.

The first step is to back the horse out of your space and them send it off in either

direction that you want him or her to go by moving the front feet. Once this is
established, the horse should then be driven in a forward circular motion by driving
his behind to keep moving forward. You must be standing behind the girth line to drive the horse forward, otherwise, you may be asking him or her to either stop or change directions, confusing the horse.

The second step is to keep your horse moving around you in a circle by just simply
driving his behind. Make sure to take the pressure off your halter and lunge line if
the horse is performing the task that is asked of him. This is releasing the horse so that he or she understands that they are doing what is asked. Try to stay in one area, but if necessary, move with the horse to keep driving his behind. When wanting to stop him or her, simply slide your hand up the lunge line, pull into your
belly button, and swing the lunge whip at the hind quarters so that your horse gives you the hind quarters properly to stop.

This is basically the proper way to lunge your horse. If you do so, your horse
will gain nothing but total trust and respect for you and what you are asking of him
or her to do. They will also give you their full attention and this is exactly what you need to develop a bonding relationship with your horse and a wonderful animal and friend. If your a horse lover and need the respect from your horse that you deserve, you could never ask for a better way to gain it than lunging your horse into what you deserve, a great and respectful friend.

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