Horse lunging

What is lunging for

Training young horses: Basic obedience, approach to control and response to commands.

Developing fitness and muscle: Allows training without the burden of the rider, ideal for building back muscles and balance.

Improving balance and coordination: The horse learns to maintain a uniform movement in a circle.

Rehabilitation: After injuries or surgeries where it is necessary to limit the load.

Obedience work: Strengthens responses to commands - changing gait, stopping, turning.

Preparation for riding: Lunging teaches the horse basic obedience and control of the bridle or lunge before the rider gets on.

How to use lunging

Choosing a suitable location: A closed ring arena or a safe fenced area, without obstacles.

Lunge length: Usually 7–10 meters, so that the horse can move freely in a circle.

Lunge attachment: On the bridle (usually a lunge bridle or a regular bridle with a special buckle) or on the harness.

Commands and guidance: The trainer uses voice commands, a wand or a lunge whip to guide the movement.

Directional rotation: Alternating the direction of movement is important for even muscle development.

Training length: Beginners 10–15 minutes, advanced 20–30 minutes.

Safety: The trainer always stands inside the circle and maintains constant contact with the lunge.

Types of lunging3

1. Lunge on the bridle

The most common method, a bridle or a special lunge bridle is used.
Advantages:

Allows direct control over the horse's head and front end

Suitable for beginners and young horses

Easy to equip

Disadvantages:

Can create pressure on the hoof if used for long periods

Not always ideal for rehabilitation when finer control is needed

2. Harness lunge

The lunge is attached to a special harness around the horse's body.
Advantages:

Even distribution of force

Finer control of the entire body movement

Ideal for rehabilitation or training the hindquarters

Disadvantages:

Higher equipment cost

Requires trainer experience

3. Long lining / double lunge3

Uses two lunges on each side for more precise control.
Advantages:

Allows more detailed training of gait, bends and obedience

Suitable for advanced training and preparation for riding
Disadvantages:

More difficult to control

Requires an experienced trainer

4. Lunging with a whip and voice commands

A complementary method for better direction and motivation of the horse.
Advantages:

Helps respond more accurately to commands

Improves the horse's attention

Disadvantages:

Not suitable for nervous or sensitive horses

Incorrect use can cause fear

Benefits of lunging

Development of muscle and condition of horses

Improvement of balance, obedience and coordination

Low risk for the rider - training without load

Preparation of young horses for riding

Possibility of rehabilitation and gentle training

Flexibility - ability to change pace, direction and gait

Disadvantages and risks

Incorrect technique can cause strain or injury to the horse's neck and back

A lunge that is too long or short can cause inefficient movement or collision

A careless trainer can be at risk if the horse moves abruptly

Lunging on a hard surface can cause damage to the hooves and joints

How to choose the right lunge

Lunge length: For circle 7–10 m, for small spaces 5–6 m.

Material: Cotton or nylon for comfort and durability. Some have reflective elements for safety during outdoor training.

Connection type: To bridle, harness or double lanyard according to training needs.

Accessories: Whip or long stick, gloves for the trainer.

Safety: Check carabiners and seams to ensure the lanyard does not break during training.

Tips for effective lunging

Start with short training sessions and gradually increase the time

Alternate circle directions and gaits (walk, trot, canter)

Do not use excessive pressure, respect the horse's comfort

Before lunging, always check the surface - no rocks or mud

Always end the training by stopping and rewarding the horse

Most common mistakes

Incorrect length or loosening of the lunge

Too much pulling or squeezing of the horse's head

Too hard or hard surface on the circle

Insufficient control of direction and pace

Not using safety gloves

Lunging is an invaluable training method that promotes the condition, obedience and balance of horses, while also allowing safe training without a rider. The correct choice of lunge, type of harness or bridle and thorough control of the training are key to effective, safe and comfortable training of horses.