How to lunge

While there’s nothing better than a fun ride on your fave pony, it’s important to make sure his routine’s varied – and there might be days where time or weather doesn’t allow you a big session in the school or hours of hacking. So, lungeing can be a great way to do something different with your pony and work on all the things you do under saddle, but without the weight of a rider.

What you’ll need to lunge your pony…

To lunge your pony safely, you’ll need a…

• bridle with the reins removed, or cavesson
• lunge line
• helmet, gloves and sturdy boots
• lunge whip
• safe, enclosed area, such as an arena or round pen

Where to start?

Whatever your reason for having a go at lungeing, it’s really important that you do so safely. Even if you’re pony’s well-behaved when you ride, if he’s not often lunged then he might find it a bit exciting! Before you get started, lead him around the arena and practise stopping and starting by using your voice. Remember to stay next to his shoulder and hold the lunge line roughly a hand’s width from the clip that attaches it to his bridle or cavesson. Once you know he’ll stop when you ask and move on as soon as you want him to, you’re ready to try lungeing him.

Round and round

The first thing to think about is you and your pony’s positioning. Imagine a triangle, with you at the point and your pony as the base – your lunge line and whip are the two sides of the triangle. This will make sure you’re positioned roughly at your pony’s shoulder, which keeps you safe should he kick out as well as making sure you don’t get ahead of him, which will make him want to slow down or stop.

TOP TIP

It’s a really good idea to ask your instructor to lunge your pony first so you can watch and see how your pony will behave. They’ll be able to give you advice when you’re getting started, too.

Getting it right

Once you understand how you’ll be positioned, here’s how to lunge your pony…

1. Start by walking your pony on a small circle around X.
2. Once he’s walking confidently, allow him to make the circle a little larger and stop walking with him. Stand still as close to X as you can, staying level with his shoulders.
3. Let out the lunge line as he moves further away from you – keeping it off the ground – and point your whip towards his side, this will encourage him to step away from you.
4. Use your voice and the whip to move your pony forwards. Keep holding the whip towards his side to keep him away.
5. The lunge line is effectively your reins, so keep a consistent contact without pulling on him or letting it become too long and drag on the floor.
6. After a few circles, try bringing your pony in to you. Use your voice and a gentle pressure on the line to ask him to stop – take care not too pull too hard because he’ll try to walk in towards you. Use your whip to keep him out.
7. When he’s standing still, walk towards his shoulder, looping up the lunge line as you go, and give him a big pat. You can then let him out again onto the other rein.

TOP TIP

If you’re struggling to keep your lunge line in neat loops, why not clip it to a chair or tie-up ring and practise away from your pony?

TOP TIP

Always lunge in a secure arena or field just in case your pony gets away from you.

Practice makes perfect

Lungeing takes a bit of practise – for you and your pony – but it’s a good way to get him listening to your instructions and build his fitness. The process is just the same in trot and canter, although you’ll need to move around a little bit more to keep up with him.