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LUNGING ON A LINE
Lunging is a great way to exercise your horse before, or in between riding sessions. It also enables you to manipulate your
horse's actions from the ground, which makes the bond stronger, and enables more control to the handler. I personally believe
lunging should be a very important factor of any rider's routine.
Click Here To View Our First Session: Lunging Intro
Click Here To View The Second Session: Lunging Continued
Goal:
Horse lunges 15-20 feet away from the handler both in left,
and right circles, wearing saddle and halter, being able to go 3 different speeds on cue.
Before reading my training steps below, consider that I had to shape circles with Dakota before hand. To accomplish this,
I first c/t* every time Dakota took a step away from me. Then, I c/t every time Dakota took a step away and to the left. Eventually
I would c/t when Dakota stepped to the left and did anything from 1/8 to 1/4 turn. After a few trials, I selectively c/t for
partial circles only. Then, I would c/t for full circles only. Once you can achieve full circles, you want to make sure to
c/t on a variable schedule of reinforcement.
Criteria / Miniature Goals For Shaping The Lunge
(Wearing a regular halter only)
1. Horse lunges in left direction (any speed or distance)
2. Horse lunges in right direction (any speed or distance)
3. Horse lunges in left direction at 15-20 feet from handler (any speed)
4. Horse lunges in right direction at 15-20 feet from handler (any speed)
5. Horse lunges in left direction at walk, jog (any distance)
6. Horse lunges in right direction at walk, jog (any distance)
7. Horse lunges in left direction at 15-20 feet from handler at a walk, jog
8. Horse lunges in right direction at 15-20 feet from handler at a walk, jog
9. Horse lunges in left direction at a walk, jog, canter (any distance)
10. Horse lunges in right direction at walk, jog, canter (any distance)
11. Horse lunges in left direction at 15-20 feet from handler at a walk, jog, canter
12. Horse lunges in right direction at 15-20 feet from handler at a walk, jog, canter
Notice how I push either distance or speed. Do not change the criteria for what you are asking of your horse during a
session. If you click for speed and direction, but then hold back on the click when the horse is at an undesirable distance
at proper speed, the animal will become confused. It's okay to try this criteria at the next session.
Next, try all steps with the horse saddled. There after, try it with the horse wearing just his bridle. Once he does well
with both of those separate, try lunging the horse with both his bridle and saddle on. The key to this kind of training is
to be patient. Also, end the session once one of the smaller goals has been met - do not ask to see it multiple times, despite
your excitement.
*c/t = click and treat
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