Lungeing or Longeing is a technique used in horse training. This method is used on horses two years old and up as a beginning to their training. Lunge line training allows a horse to walk, trot or canter large circles around the trainer. There are many purposes for lunge line training. Some of the most common reasons for use are: 1. Helps develop obedience to voice commands 2. Allows horse to warm up or settle down 3. To develop balance and rhythm 4. Develops confidence and security between horse and trainer 5. Used to exercise horses that cannot be ridden 6. Easy way for the horse to become comfortable with new tack
Lunge line training is used before the horse is ever ridden. The trainer uses a lunge line attached to the halter of the horse. This line is usually 30 feet long allowing for a 60 foot circle. The trainer will also use a lunge whip, though the most important piece of equipment is the trainer’s voice. The overall purpose of lunge line training is to get the horse accustom to you and your voice commands. You want the horse to respond to and listen to you.
It is important to wait until the horse is at least two years old and even at this point the horse should walk or possibly trot. Horses should only train for twenty minutes to avoid any undue stress to their limbs and possible injury. Do not over use this method or a horse will become bored and the purpose will be lost.
Begin with a warm up period, and then move onto what the horse already knows. Build on the lessons already learned. Horses have wonderful memories and will remember what they have learned, good and bad, so make sure to teach each lesson correctly. It will be harder to retrain a horse that has learned a lesson poorly than to just be sure to teach it correctly from the beginning. Add a piece of equipment then remove it. Allow the horse to wear this off and on during lungeing for a couple of days. Use this technique when introducing a saddle. Let the horse get use to each new piece of tack. Do the same when adding a rider. Have someone ride the horse for a few minutes during lungeing. Use your voice commands during this time. Slow and steady wins the race. Gradually adding to your horses training will pay off much more than rushing your horse in that you will have a horse that listens better with less behavioral issues.
