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T O P I C R E V I E W
connormum
Posted - 17 Sep 2011 : 10:17:28 PM Hi all,
I've had Freddie for a fare few months now and we will be getting a fitted saddle in the next week. But recently we've done ground manners work, walking over poles and lunging which to date has gone really well (odd setback here and there), not every day so he's not bored of it. Now today he was fine one way, though stopping to eat grass (lots of grass in the exercise field and none in his) but I could push him on so generally fine, the other way he kept turning in on me ... he has no respect for the lunge whip .... will chew it ..... I don't want to scare him, but need to be able to push him out (he's not new to this so he knows what is expected, just testing). Any ideas?
Thanks :)
6 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
Kes
Posted - 18 Sep 2011 : 1:10:22 PM Sarah, as I know you have done some good NH with him he should respect your space, he shouldn't be turning in and most certainly shouldn't come anywhere near or over you. I think because every horse is different you may have to try different things to find out what keeps him occupied. For instance, Kes doesn't enjoy long reins but with happily lunge for 10 mins if I make it fun (teaching is fun depending on your approach). Freddie may hate lunging but be great on long lines. Have a go with him and see what he does, see if he tries to evade/ be nappy or naughty with you driving him forward from behind. Also make it fun, do cones and poles etc. Oddly Kes doesn't have much respect for a lunge whip either but I only have to shake my 'spare rein hand' at him holding the loose lunge line and he understands perfectly. Carole x
Quarabian
Posted - 18 Sep 2011 : 12:22:07 PM When I first started 'starting' my own horses I didn't have anywhere to lunge, so they all learned by going out for walks and some long reining (off the headcollar) don't get hung up on lunging, it isn't the be all and end all. Take him for a walk instead. If you can lead from a safe horse even better.
Dot
Posted - 18 Sep 2011 : 12:05:26 PM Can't say I blame him lunging is the most dull thing you could possibly do with a horse and totally unnatural. Much prefer long lining or ride and lead to start a horse. They get confidence from going out on hacks with an older sensible/ field partner and get to see new stuff they have never seen in company. Once backed I can only ride one at a time hence huge benefit to do ride and lead for me.
carole ferguson
Posted - 18 Sep 2011 : 12:00:41 PM I always lunge with long lines - as you rarely need a whip then to keep them going forward or staying out on the correct line.
alison
Posted - 17 Sep 2011 : 10:42:10 PM I often lunge on long lines, it stops the horse from turning in as the outside rein will keep him out, I much prefer this and after long reining will often finish with lunging on the long reins makes it really simple. Alison
garnet
Posted - 17 Sep 2011 : 10:21:43 PM Have you tried lungeing on two lines to give you a bit more control over him turning in?
