Lungeing, or longeing, is a technique that trains horses to respond to a line from a handler on the ground. A lunge line will attach to the halter to lead the horse in a circular pattern. Equestrian equipment retailer Dogwood London calls lungeing an effective tool to train a horse in the principles of balance, obedience and rhythm. Teaching lunge line techniques is a process that helps to improve communication between a handler and horse.
Introducing the Line
Horses adjust to familiar equipment. One initial technique is to introduce the line to your horse. This eases the process of training. Attach the line to one side of the halter with the clasp. Gently slide the loose end into the other side of the halter. This gives the horse an opportunity to smell and sense both ends of the line. Stand for a few minutes talking quietly while placing your hand on the halter. Slowly remove the loose end of the lunge line from the halter. Slide it over various areas of the horse. Spend time rubbing the line on the neck and withers. The goal is to allow the horse to adjust to the line touching areas of the body. Move with caution around the hindquarters, under the tail and the belly. If the movement upsets the horse, stop. Wait a few seconds and talk to it. Allow its apprehension to pass before proceeding.
Practice With the Line
Lunge training is as much for the handler as it is for the horse. Attach the line to the halter. Trainer Laura Phelps-Bell recommends that you wear gloves or use a flat cotton lunge line. This will protect your hands in case the horse pulls. Drop the line and pull it gently out to full length. Do not tug on the halter, just extend the line. Practice picking the line up and walking towards the horse as you wrap it into large circles. Visualize a how lines are held during a roping activity at a rodeo. This is the same style you want for the lunge line. Repeat the exercise until you can perfect the move quickly and smoothly.
Begin Lunge Training
Once you have control over the line and the horse is comfortable with it, you can start training. Stand to the left of your horse and attach the line to the halter. Hold the loose line in your left hand in large loops. The lunge whip should be in your right hand. Cue the horse to begin walking. The cue is distinctive to the handler. Phelps-Bells explains that she prefers "walk-walk" with a few soft clucks. Use whatever form of communication works best for your horse. As the horse moves forward to begin the walk, step back and hold the whip near the hind legs within the horses view. The whip is not a punishment tool, but a visual signal to move similar to clucks. Do not move close enough to the legs to get kicked. Avoid overusing clucks or the whip. The horse will begin to associate the tools with the scenery and ignore them. Let the line feed out as the horse moves away from you. Use the line and a few mild hand taps to maneuver the horse in a counterclockwise circle. If necessary, show the horse the whip near the hind legs occasionally to encourage forward movement.
Developing Your Cues
When the horse is working with the lunge line, start to practice using cues to control movement and direction. For example, stop the horse, say "walk-walk" and show the whip near the hind legs. After a few practices, the horse will associate the sound to the movement. Lungeing is a way to expand the communication between the handler and horse. Laura suggests that by teaching the sound cues through lungeing, you can use the same style when you ride. After time, your body movement will replace the sound and your horse will be more in tune with your actions and commands.
