Lunging a Horse

Lunging a horse is a method of training that can benefit the horse’s overall health. In this article, we look at the ins and outs of horse lunging.

What does it mean to lunge a horse?

Simply put, lunging involves the horse moving in a large circle around its handler while being attached to the handler by means of a long rein, or ‘lunge line’.

The benefits of lunging a horse

So why lunge a horse in the first place? There are several reasons why a handler might choose to lunge their horse - those reasons being to improve health, balance, discipline, and to help the rider learn more about their horse’s body language.

Lunging a horse can:

• Improve or maintain the horse’s cardiovascular fitness.
• Develop the horse’s strength.
• Help to calm an energetic horse before the rider mounts.
• Help a horse become more balanced without a rider.
• Act as a training exercise for young horses, where they become used to the sound of commands.
• Be a useful form of quick exercise when time is limited.

The potential dangers of lunging a horse

While the act of lunging is quite simple, there are some things you should watch out for to ensure that the exercise is performed safely (for both the horse and the handler).

Potential dangers include:

• Walking in a constant circle puts excessive strain on the distal limb structures.
• Risks of slipping or stumbling - make sure you lunge your horse on a suitable flat non-slip surface to minimise the risk of slips and stumbles.
• Risk of losing control of the horse - if your horse is less experienced with lunging, try it in a smaller area to more easily keep it under control.
• If the horse gets too tired, it may stumble, which could result in injury.

Equipment for lunging a horse

For the horse:

• Long rein, or ‘lunge line’
• Lunge whip
• Bridle or lunge cavesson - this reduces the sideways pressure of the lunge line from the horse’s mouth
• Roller with side reins or a training aid
• Overreach boots/brushing boots

 

For the handler:

• a hat
• gloves
• sturdy boots

Horse insurance from Towergate

Towergate offers equine insurance that can be tailored to suit you and your horse. Read more about our horse insurance and what we can cover.

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About the author

Adam Summersby is a respected leader with 11 years’ varied experience in niche personal and commercial lines insurance, including caravan, site operators and excess reimbursement, with proficiency in leadership, sales and account management.

Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems we recommend that professional advice be sought.