Training a Weanling ~ How to lunge?

horsegirl4 · 10-31-2009, 07:45 PM

I have a 4 month old colt (he will be 5 months on the 12 of next month). I know it is ok to lunge weanlings very very little, I really just want to get the concept down so it's easier when he's a big boy

.

He is very sweet and smart, here is a list of things he already knows how to do:

1- ties
2- cross-ties
3- trailers and loads
4- stand super quiet for vet and farrier (gave him a shot a couple weeks ago, he didn't even flinch

)
5- leads (walks and trots beside me)
6- stands square on que
and last but not least
7- clips (learning but doing very well

)

So my next task is to teach him how to lunge both directions. I know how to teach a full grown horse but I have never done a foal. So I need some tips.

thanks

Horselady44 · 10-31-2009, 08:00 PM

Well...its the same concept as teaching a big horse

Just make sure you stay consistant and be very gentle. Start him out small. Stand beside him like you would do a big horse. Ask him to take one step. Stop and reward him. Then two, then three, four, five,six, ect. Make sure you give him alot of reward and praise when hes doing it right. If he starts to crowd you use your lunge whip to guide him outward. Dont let him crowd your space.

Dont make him trot at all IMO. Give him time to grow. Just do walk on the lunge line.

horsegirl4 · 10-31-2009, 08:15 PM

Ok I'll try that. I know not to trot him on a lunge line he's too small and undeveloped for that. I just want him to get the idea.

I though it would be a little different since he is a baby.

breburtch · 10-31-2009, 10:15 PM

Teach the same way as you would a 3 year old accept since a weanling is still very young and babish and is still growing so keep it very very short as in 5-10 mins on the line, and walk only. You more or less at that age want to teach them to move off of pressure and to stay out of your space. You don't want to have them w/t/c and going over trot poles at that age. So keep it all short and to the point.

Bandit · 10-31-2009, 10:34 PM

I think lunging a weanling, even at a walk, is too young. There is plenty of time to do that when they are a bit older.

train2rein · 10-31-2009, 10:59 PM

To prevent injury, buy boots for all four feet (or wraps if applied properly). Young horses will not be injured if you keep the time you work them under 10 min. Just don't run them into the ground. I know there are mixed feelings about the weanling lounging thing, but I would like to point out that there is a yearling lounge line class at the APHA world show and many of thoes babies lounge better than the older ones (which shows that there was alot of practice involved)! Remember, babies will take off if you let them loose in a large area (some will buck, rear, kick, etc!), so if you think about it, what you are asking your foal to do will not hurt them as long as you are not pushing so hard forward that the horse could get hurt (You can get them to trot and lope, but IN BOOTS. See the video of Yearling lounge line. They trot, lope, stop, etc. Some of these babies have already worked in bitting rigs by the time they get to the World Show). Again, I Highly Recommend Boots! They will give extra support so that the baby has extra stability around their legs. The last comment I want to make is that since you have only 5-10 minutes per session, go out every day with a plan and focused mindset so that you can get the most done within your allotted time. Good luck!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdhC_sVILb0

horsegirl4 · 11-01-2009, 12:19 AM

Yes I've got the boots. And I will definatly keep the session short and sweet.

I was wondering if it would help if I had my gelding (his dad, so he thinks) show him how to listen. Or would that be too much?
I'm just wondering because he is very attached to him, not so much so that he's herd bound. Just enough to follow and mimic everything my gelding does

.

breburtch · 11-01-2009, 05:41 AM

if you mean having the weanling loose in the arena while you linge the gelding...No as that is very unsafe and the colt could get tangled in the line. But if you mean have the colt in a field beside where you are lunging then that is fine. Although its not like the baby will learn how to lunge from watching, he will only learn from doing and being shown what to do. The only thing he may get from watching/seeing the other horse on the line is that the whip etc are things not to be afriad of.

dunamovin · 11-01-2009, 08:15 AM

I do long line driving instead of the lunge. Easier on their bones and just as productive. It gets them used to cues from behind which is where the rider will be eventually. Makes it easier when they're first ridden to accept the cues.

Drafty · 11-01-2009, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bandit

I think lunging a weanling, even at a walk, is too young. There is plenty of time to do that when they are a bit older.

Agreed.

visionquest · 11-01-2009, 11:07 AM

You might try starting the process in a stall. It is a small area and with a lead rope attached you can ask the baby to go forward with little fear of the baby getting away from you as you can control things easier. 2 or 3 minutes is all it takes. As soon as the weanling goes forward when asked you stop and reward. You can then change directions, teaching the baby to reverse by facing you, which displaces the hind end and then asking the baby to move in the new direction by yielding or displacing his shoulder away from you into the new direction. Keep it very short and only a couple of times a week.

Mac · 11-01-2009, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bandit

I think lunging a weanling, even at a walk, is too young. There is plenty of time to do that when they are a bit older.

I would have to agree as well. From what I have read and been told by a couple vets, lunging (at a trot, canter, or lope) causes a lot of stress on the legs which can cause damage. They did say that just at a walk would be alright but not at any faster gaits.

WSArabians · 11-01-2009, 12:54 PM

Wouldn't be training my weanling how to lunge, either.
Sometimes I think AQHA/APHA are a little harsh on their young ones when it comes to showing.

recklesshoundog · 11-01-2009, 01:43 PM

If you could guarantee he wouldn't do anything but walk it would be one thing. But what happens when he decides to tear off and hits the end of the rope and jerks himself all over? You've got plenty of time ahead to do it. Even waiting until he's truly a year is better.

Most yearling lunge line futurities are in the fall of the yearling year.

Touche · 11-01-2009, 02:04 PM

I think it is great that you are working diligently on raising up your youngster.

I personally would wait until your baby is a yearling to lunge him/her.
Why stress out those baby joints?

train2rein wrote:

Quote:

there is a yearling lounge line class at the APHA world show

THAT does not make it right.

Jockey Club also allows too young of a horse to race.

Another can of worms for another day.

horsegirl4 · 11-01-2009, 02:04 PM

Thanks for the advice. I wasn't firm set on it as I have plenty of time for it. I was just thinking it would be ok. But i really don't need to as I don't want to ruin him. He has other things he can learn right now, so thanks everyone I'm going to wait til he's 1-1.5 yrs old.

Horselady44 · 11-01-2009, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by horsegirl4

Thanks for the advice. I wasn't firm set on it as I have plenty of time for it. I was just thinking it would be ok. But i really don't need to as I don't want to ruin him. He has other things he can learn right now, so thanks everyone I'm going to wait til he's 1-1.5 yrs old.

I think that is a good idea as well. I wouldnt be lunging a weanling either. There are so many other things you can do with them. You can even teach her to walk out/go forward and when you go to teach her to lunge later on it will make things go a whole lot faster as well. Good luck! Keep up the good work

michlar · 11-10-2009, 04:36 PM

I watch almost everyone at our barn lunge and lunge and lunge. I know why they do it but too much lunging is not good for any horse. It is hard on their joints to circle like that for an extended length of time. I like round pens because it gives much more freedom of movement and you know if you have really taught it to them or not. That is just my opinion. I am not going to say that i have never lunged because I have but I do it as necessary and will always go to the round pen first if I can.

FlyinSoLow · 11-10-2009, 06:06 PM

I like to teach them to lead, then take them for LONG walks, focusing on leading the very best they can....

My baby that I just got is a late baby.... he is only 4 months old, so I think I will give him all of next year to grow up too and start him on more formal training like lunging in 2011

plus he is supposed to get 15.2 or a little more so he has a log of growing to do!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Need Advice Training Weanling	Serenity	Training	5	10-18-2007 02:19 PM
For SALE COMPLETE TRAINING PACKAGE OF CLINTON ANDERSON TRAINING DVDS!	Squeekers Tovero Kid	Forum for Florida	0	09-05-2007 12:58 PM
Training Contracts	EquineAlberta	Training	6	11-01-2005 06:00 AM
How to get your horse to lunge!	Cynthia	General Horse Advice	6	02-11-2005 09:01 PM

10-31-2009, 07:45 PM
horsegirl4 Yearling Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: In the Saddle Posts: 826	Training a Weanling ~ How to lunge? I have a 4 month old colt (he will be 5 months on the 12 of next month). I know it is ok to lunge weanlings very very little, I really just want to get the concept down so it's easier when he's a big boy. He is very sweet and smart, here is a list of things he already knows how to do: 1- ties 2- cross-ties 3- trailers and loads 4- stand super quiet for vet and farrier (gave him a shot a couple weeks ago, he didn't even flinch) 5- leads (walks and trots beside me) 6- stands square on que and last but not least 7- clips (learning but doing very well) So my next task is to teach him how to lunge both directions. I know how to teach a full grown horse but I have never done a foal. So I need some tips. thanks __________________ Galazy ~Dec. 22 1983 - Oct. 21 2006~ RIP ~ My sweet Gal-Gal Girl, I'll see you again in heaven! Unique Fashion Jewelers

10-31-2009, 08:00 PM
Horselady44 Started Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 2,395	Well...its the same concept as teaching a big horse Just make sure you stay consistant and be very gentle. Start him out small. Stand beside him like you would do a big horse. Ask him to take one step. Stop and reward him. Then two, then three, four, five,six, ect. Make sure you give him alot of reward and praise when hes doing it right. If he starts to crowd you use your lunge whip to guide him outward. Dont let him crowd your space. Dont make him trot at all IMO. Give him time to grow. Just do walk on the lunge line. __________________ A happy horse equals a happy rider!

10-31-2009, 08:15 PM
horsegirl4 Yearling Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: In the Saddle Posts: 826	Ok I'll try that. I know not to trot him on a lunge line he's too small and undeveloped for that. I just want him to get the idea. I though it would be a little different since he is a baby. __________________ Galazy ~Dec. 22 1983 - Oct. 21 2006~ RIP ~ My sweet Gal-Gal Girl, I'll see you again in heaven! Unique Fashion Jewelers

10-31-2009, 10:15 PM
breburtch Started Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ennismore, Ontario Posts: 2,910	Teach the same way as you would a 3 year old accept since a weanling is still very young and babish and is still growing so keep it very very short as in 5-10 mins on the line, and walk only. You more or less at that age want to teach them to move off of pressure and to stay out of your space. You don't want to have them w/t/c and going over trot poles at that age. So keep it all short and to the point.

10-31-2009, 10:34 PM
Bandit Coming two Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 1,967	I think lunging a weanling, even at a walk, is too young. There is plenty of time to do that when they are a bit older. __________________

10-31-2009, 10:59 PM
train2rein Newborn Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 35	To prevent injury, buy boots for all four feet (or wraps if applied properly). Young horses will not be injured if you keep the time you work them under 10 min. Just don't run them into the ground. I know there are mixed feelings about the weanling lounging thing, but I would like to point out that there is a yearling lounge line class at the APHA world show and many of thoes babies lounge better than the older ones (which shows that there was alot of practice involved)! Remember, babies will take off if you let them loose in a large area (some will buck, rear, kick, etc!), so if you think about it, what you are asking your foal to do will not hurt them as long as you are not pushing so hard forward that the horse could get hurt (You can get them to trot and lope, but IN BOOTS. See the video of Yearling lounge line. They trot, lope, stop, etc. Some of these babies have already worked in bitting rigs by the time they get to the World Show). Again, I Highly Recommend Boots! They will give extra support so that the baby has extra stability around their legs. The last comment I want to make is that since you have only 5-10 minutes per session, go out every day with a plan and focused mindset so that you can get the most done within your allotted time. Good luck! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdhC_sVILb0 Last edited by train2rein : 10-31-2009 at 11:12 PM.

11-01-2009, 12:19 AM
horsegirl4 Yearling Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: In the Saddle Posts: 826	Yes I've got the boots. And I will definatly keep the session short and sweet. I was wondering if it would help if I had my gelding (his dad, so he thinks) show him how to listen. Or would that be too much? I'm just wondering because he is very attached to him, not so much so that he's herd bound. Just enough to follow and mimic everything my gelding does. __________________ Galazy ~Dec. 22 1983 - Oct. 21 2006~ RIP ~ My sweet Gal-Gal Girl, I'll see you again in heaven! Unique Fashion Jewelers

11-01-2009, 05:41 AM
breburtch Started Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ennismore, Ontario Posts: 2,910	if you mean having the weanling loose in the arena while you linge the gelding...No as that is very unsafe and the colt could get tangled in the line. But if you mean have the colt in a field beside where you are lunging then that is fine. Although its not like the baby will learn how to lunge from watching, he will only learn from doing and being shown what to do. The only thing he may get from watching/seeing the other horse on the line is that the whip etc are things not to be afriad of.

11-01-2009, 08:15 AM
dunamovin Halter broke Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: where the blacktop ends Posts: 181	I do long line driving instead of the lunge. Easier on their bones and just as productive. It gets them used to cues from behind which is where the rider will be eventually. Makes it easier when they're first ridden to accept the cues.

11-01-2009, 11:07 AM
visionquest Weanling Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Harrodsburg, KY Posts: 463	You might try starting the process in a stall. It is a small area and with a lead rope attached you can ask the baby to go forward with little fear of the baby getting away from you as you can control things easier. 2 or 3 minutes is all it takes. As soon as the weanling goes forward when asked you stop and reward. You can then change directions, teaching the baby to reverse by facing you, which displaces the hind end and then asking the baby to move in the new direction by yielding or displacing his shoulder away from you into the new direction. Keep it very short and only a couple of times a week.

11-01-2009, 12:54 PM
WSArabians Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 788	Wouldn't be training my weanling how to lunge, either. Sometimes I think AQHA/APHA are a little harsh on their young ones when it comes to showing. __________________ Whispering Secret Arabians www.whisperingsecretarabians.com

11-01-2009, 01:43 PM
recklesshoundog Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NY Posts: 3,163	If you could guarantee he wouldn't do anything but walk it would be one thing. But what happens when he decides to tear off and hits the end of the rope and jerks himself all over? You've got plenty of time ahead to do it. Even waiting until he's truly a year is better. Most yearling lunge line futurities are in the fall of the yearling year.

11-01-2009, 02:04 PM
horsegirl4 Yearling Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: In the Saddle Posts: 826	Thanks for the advice. I wasn't firm set on it as I have plenty of time for it. I was just thinking it would be ok. But i really don't need to as I don't want to ruin him. He has other things he can learn right now, so thanks everyone I'm going to wait til he's 1-1.5 yrs old. __________________ Galazy ~Dec. 22 1983 - Oct. 21 2006~ RIP ~ My sweet Gal-Gal Girl, I'll see you again in heaven! Unique Fashion Jewelers

11-10-2009, 04:36 PM
michlar Yearling Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: saskatchewan Posts: 589	I watch almost everyone at our barn lunge and lunge and lunge. I know why they do it but too much lunging is not good for any horse. It is hard on their joints to circle like that for an extended length of time. I like round pens because it gives much more freedom of movement and you know if you have really taught it to them or not. That is just my opinion. I am not going to say that i have never lunged because I have but I do it as necessary and will always go to the round pen first if I can. __________________ The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears. ~Arabian Proverb Happy to follow Dutchess to the end of the world and back!

11-10-2009, 06:06 PM
FlyinSoLow Halter broke Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: PA Posts: 71	I like to teach them to lead, then take them for LONG walks, focusing on leading the very best they can.... My baby that I just got is a late baby.... he is only 4 months old, so I think I will give him all of next year to grow up too and start him on more formal training like lunging in 2011 plus he is supposed to get 15.2 or a little more so he has a log of growing to do!