Lunging Troubles

Freedomnchrist · 08-25-2008, 12:15 AM

So...you can laugh to your hearts delight...after you answer my question.

I have debated posting this question as I know...I will look like an idiot.

Anyways....

I have to lunge Sugar in my pasture.

Well...actually I would lunge her...if we could get it figured out.

I can't get her to go...and move into a circle.

She just stands there...and turns into me and walks towards me.

I have tried swinging a lead rope at her behind...but that does not work either.

I have tried clucking...everything...except a lunge whip.

I am not sure how to use one...so I did not want to do her damage.

She just stands there...and obviously is confused with me...and I am puzzled by her.

I just can't get enough cordination(sp) going!!!

rm185western · 08-25-2008, 12:22 AM

Not laughing here, it's not funny.................it's a pain in the butt trying to get started , especially if you haven't done much lunging, and she hasn't either.

First suggestion, it's so much easier to crack this one with help, get someone to lead her on the circle while you guide from the middle.

Second, GREAT excuse for calling hottie farrier, who has offered to help you out.

Third, while he is there GET PHOTO'S

Seriously, I would get help from someone on the ground there

Horselessnomore · 08-25-2008, 12:24 AM

I am laughing with you -- my TWH does the same thing. I am thinking he was never taught to lunge. He does drive though (apparently) and I may be able to teach him to lunge using 2 lines, but with my luck and lack of co-ordination I would end up tangled in the lines.

Seriously -- you might need a helper and the helper can walk to keep her out on the circle -- either leading her from the opposite side or on the same side the lunge line is attached to.
I am sure someone more experienced can explain it a whole lot better and I will take notes and learn how to do it myself as well. I have never actually had to teach a horse to lunge -- all I have actually lunged have know how.

Oh -- posted at the same time as RM -- but I do like her suggestion of calling hottie farrier out to help & take pictures!!

Freedomnchrist · 08-25-2008, 12:29 AM

Well I'll be dog gone...you mean they don't come programed to lunge????

No wonder she looks at me like I am crazy....cuz I am.

Now....Rm...as far as the hottie farrier....I am not sure if that will go over well with hubby.

But....he is suppose to bring by a side pull halter!!!!

So..I did not even think of enlisting help...I am always out working with the horses by myself!

Crookedblaze · 08-25-2008, 12:31 AM

I love my trainer, he taught me how to lunge Mac. It is safe, easy, and simple.

Get a dressage whip. You won't hit your horse, it is just an extension of your arm. Keep them on a short lead (about 2 feet) hold it on your hand, and push their head out, hold the whip in the opposite hand and tap them gently on the butt and cluck. If they try to cut in, use your palm to gently push them away. Do NOT let them try to cut infront of you, I let Mac do that and he very quickly picked up bad ground manners, and I am still trying to fix getting his head out of my face. Reward them when they move.

Mac tried and tried and tried to cut infront of me you just have to be strict. Everytime he turns to face me, I'd push his head away, tap and cluck.

It's kind of weird to explain, but I can get some pictures tomorrow morning.

Freedomnchrist · 08-25-2008, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crookedblaze

I love my trainer, he taught me how to lunge Mac. It is safe, easy, and simple.

Get a dressage whip. You won't hit your horse, it is just an extension of your arm. Keep them on a short lead (about 2 feet) hold it on your hand, and push their head out, hold the whip in the opposite hand and tap them gently on the butt and cluck. If they try to cut in, use your palm to gently push them away. Do NOT let them try to cut infront of you, I let Mac do that and he very quickly picked up bad ground manners, and I am still trying to fix getting his head out of my face. Reward them when they move.

Mac tried and tried and tried to cut infront of me you just have to be strict. Everytime he turns to face me, I'd push his head away, tap and cluck.

It's kind of weird to explain, but I can get some pictures tomorrow morning.

Oh yes...pictures would be great!

My mind is mush right now...so I better get some sleep so I can download what you all tell me!

David · 08-25-2008, 07:13 AM

Ok, here is how I was taught to lunge and how I have taught several horses to lunge. Put the line on the horse and get a grip on the line about 5 ft from the horse then grip the line about 5 ft from the loose end.

Point ( with the hand closest to the horse) in the direction you want the horse to go. Then swing the loose end of the line like you are going to smack the horse just in front of the shoulder ( this will get the horse turned in the direction you want) as soon as the horse turns then you continue your swing but this time aim at the hindquarters. The horse will already be pointed in the right direction and the swing at the hind quarters will get it going forward. Remember you steer from the front and drive from the rear.

At first you may actually have to smack the horse with the line to get it to move, I like the method described by everyone's favorite Aussie- increase the pressure till you get the result you desire, the remove the pressure. So this means when they turn their front end then you quit swinging at the front end and when they move out ( from the swing at the hind quarters) then you stop swinging the rope. Although, at first you will be constantly swinging the rope at the shoulder then the hip then the shoulder then the hip...until the horse gets it.This will teach them that you want them to move in the direction you pointed.

I hope I explained this in a way that can be understood and I hope this helps.
David

Freedomnchrist · 08-25-2008, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

Ok, here is how I was taught to lunge and how I have taught several horses to lunge. Put the line on the horse and get a grip on the line about 5 ft from the horse then grip the line about 5 ft from the loose end.

Point ( with the hand closest to the horse) in the direction you want the horse to go. Then swing the loose end of the line like you are going to smack the horse just in front of the shoulder ( this will get the horse turned in the direction you want) as soon as the horse turns then you continue your swing but this time aim at the hindquarters. The horse will already be pointed in the right direction and the swing at the hind quarters will get it going forward. Remember you steer from the front and drive from the rear.

At first you may actually have to smack the horse with the line to get it to move, I like the method described by everyone's favorite Aussie- increase the pressure till you get the result you desire, the remove the pressure. So this means when they turn their front end then you quit swinging at the front end and when they move out ( from the swing at the hind quarters) then you stop swinging the rope. Although, at first you will be constantly swinging the rope at the shoulder then the hip then the shoulder then the hip...until the horse gets it.This will teach them that you want them to move in the direction you pointed.

I hope I explained this in a way that can be understood and I hope this helps.
David

Oh yes...that was great David. Now...if it would just stop raining so I can go try it out!

horselady · 08-25-2008, 09:31 AM

No laugh from me either.
and the request from HOTTIE is a good idea too. Just make it at a time when he is going to visit and trim or look at horses feet!!!!!
I was instructed to use both lunge line and whip.
your shoulder (hand holding the whip is pointed to her shoulder. and your hand holding the lunge line is bent like you were holding a rein.
Do not lift hand holding line and pull horse forward. your hand will act like a wall blocking her path.
Keep circle small at first about 6 feet in diameter this way you are pushing her with the whip,
Practice without horse to pop popper, When that is perfected than just the noise will encourage to go forward.
Just a flick of the wrist like fly fishing. takes practice. but it easy.
Is there a horse that knows how to lunge? try on that one until you are confident.
Have fun

dproaps · 08-25-2008, 11:13 AM

No laugh from me either. I've been lunging horses for years and sometimes when they are new I still find that they are in the middle and I'm the one running around!

Good suggestions given so far, best of luck to you.

mustang_hope22 · 08-25-2008, 02:54 PM

im not laughing because i had the same problems

i start walking beside my horse at first and then start backing away from her. then i start walking towards the hind quarters. i hope i help!

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08-25-2008, 12:15 AM
Freedomnchrist Greenbroke Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,312	Lunging Troubles So...you can laugh to your hearts delight...after you answer my question. I have debated posting this question as I know...I will look like an idiot. Anyways.... I have to lunge Sugar in my pasture. Well...actually I would lunge her...if we could get it figured out. I can't get her to go...and move into a circle. She just stands there...and turns into me and walks towards me. I have tried swinging a lead rope at her behind...but that does not work either. I have tried clucking...everything...except a lunge whip. I am not sure how to use one...so I did not want to do her damage. She just stands there...and obviously is confused with me...and I am puzzled by her. I just can't get enough cordination(sp) going!!!

08-25-2008, 12:22 AM
rm185western Greenbroke Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Saskatchewan,Canada Posts: 3,658	Not laughing here, it's not funny.................it's a pain in the butt trying to get started , especially if you haven't done much lunging, and she hasn't either. First suggestion, it's so much easier to crack this one with help, get someone to lead her on the circle while you guide from the middle. Second, GREAT excuse for calling hottie farrier, who has offered to help you out. Third, while he is there GET PHOTO'S Seriously, I would get help from someone on the ground there __________________ ________________________________ Okay, who put a stop payment on my reality check?

08-25-2008, 12:24 AM
Horselessnomore Long Yearling Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,343	I am laughing with you -- my TWH does the same thing. I am thinking he was never taught to lunge. He does drive though (apparently) and I may be able to teach him to lunge using 2 lines, but with my luck and lack of co-ordination I would end up tangled in the lines. Seriously -- you might need a helper and the helper can walk to keep her out on the circle -- either leading her from the opposite side or on the same side the lunge line is attached to. I am sure someone more experienced can explain it a whole lot better and I will take notes and learn how to do it myself as well. I have never actually had to teach a horse to lunge -- all I have actually lunged have know how. Oh -- posted at the same time as RM -- but I do like her suggestion of calling hottie farrier out to help & take pictures!!

08-25-2008, 12:29 AM
Freedomnchrist Greenbroke Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,312	Well I'll be dog gone...you mean they don't come programed to lunge???? No wonder she looks at me like I am crazy....cuz I am. Now....Rm...as far as the hottie farrier....I am not sure if that will go over well with hubby. But....he is suppose to bring by a side pull halter!!!! So..I did not even think of enlisting help...I am always out working with the horses by myself!

08-25-2008, 12:31 AM
Crookedblaze Started Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2,447	I love my trainer, he taught me how to lunge Mac. It is safe, easy, and simple. Get a dressage whip. You won't hit your horse, it is just an extension of your arm. Keep them on a short lead (about 2 feet) hold it on your hand, and push their head out, hold the whip in the opposite hand and tap them gently on the butt and cluck. If they try to cut in, use your palm to gently push them away. Do NOT let them try to cut infront of you, I let Mac do that and he very quickly picked up bad ground manners, and I am still trying to fix getting his head out of my face. Reward them when they move. Mac tried and tried and tried to cut infront of me you just have to be strict. Everytime he turns to face me, I'd push his head away, tap and cluck. It's kind of weird to explain, but I can get some pictures tomorrow morning. __________________ Owned by Rocketman, a 17 year old AQHA and Stormy, a 10 year old Peruvian Paso x Arab

08-25-2008, 07:13 AM
David Long Yearling Join Date: May 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,066	Ok, here is how I was taught to lunge and how I have taught several horses to lunge. Put the line on the horse and get a grip on the line about 5 ft from the horse then grip the line about 5 ft from the loose end. Point ( with the hand closest to the horse) in the direction you want the horse to go. Then swing the loose end of the line like you are going to smack the horse just in front of the shoulder ( this will get the horse turned in the direction you want) as soon as the horse turns then you continue your swing but this time aim at the hindquarters. The horse will already be pointed in the right direction and the swing at the hind quarters will get it going forward. Remember you steer from the front and drive from the rear. At first you may actually have to smack the horse with the line to get it to move, I like the method described by everyone's favorite Aussie- increase the pressure till you get the result you desire, the remove the pressure. So this means when they turn their front end then you quit swinging at the front end and when they move out ( from the swing at the hind quarters) then you stop swinging the rope. Although, at first you will be constantly swinging the rope at the shoulder then the hip then the shoulder then the hip...until the horse gets it.This will teach them that you want them to move in the direction you pointed. I hope I explained this in a way that can be understood and I hope this helps. David __________________ "If you see your stirrups slap together above the horn, you're probably bucked off". Dave Stamey. Last edited by David : 08-25-2008 at 07:15 AM.

08-25-2008, 09:31 AM
horselady Greenbroke Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: albany new york Posts: 3,309	No laugh from me either. and the request from HOTTIE is a good idea too. Just make it at a time when he is going to visit and trim or look at horses feet!!!!! I was instructed to use both lunge line and whip. your shoulder (hand holding the whip is pointed to her shoulder. and your hand holding the lunge line is bent like you were holding a rein. Do not lift hand holding line and pull horse forward. your hand will act like a wall blocking her path. Keep circle small at first about 6 feet in diameter this way you are pushing her with the whip, Practice without horse to pop popper, When that is perfected than just the noise will encourage to go forward. Just a flick of the wrist like fly fishing. takes practice. but it easy. Is there a horse that knows how to lunge? try on that one until you are confident. Have fun __________________ www.rainbow-horse-retirement.com We love and take care of your companion for the remainder of his lifetime

08-25-2008, 11:13 AM
dproaps Coming two Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Dickson, Tennessee Posts: 1,511	No laugh from me either. I've been lunging horses for years and sometimes when they are new I still find that they are in the middle and I'm the one running around! Good suggestions given so far, best of luck to you. __________________ Those who suffer with the suffering are dancing to the rhythm of God.

08-25-2008, 02:54 PM
mustang_hope22 Halter broke Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 138	im not laughing because i had the same problems i start walking beside my horse at first and then start backing away from her. then i start walking towards the hind quarters. i hope i help!