A lunging exercise plan for when i cannot ride?
- Thread starter Amanda
- Start date
miniearwig
New member
Well with this horse I know she is at grass 24/7 so about 10/30 mins mainly trotting with some cantering and walking
Justine Ponomareff
New member
I've had to lunge a lot lately over the past half year or so. I would recommend that you lunge on a very wide circle, as it can be hard on a horse's legs to go around and around in a small circle. Only lunge 5-10 minutes each way and try to make it interesting for your horse. I do pole exercises, which also helps build some muscle along the top line. I would set up trot poles (four steps apart is one trot stride, 8 steps is two etc, etc,) and let your horse go over those. Also, canter poles can be good in moderation. 8 steps apart is one canter stride. Work on transitions and try to get your horse to respond to vocal cues, or subtle body movements. It's good bonding work.
One other thing that might be good is hill work. Obviously this isn't lunging related, but it's awesome for building muscles. Trot up hills, walk down.
Hope this helps.
EDIT: Also, I would try not to lunge too often. It's not very exciting for your horse. It can be great for bonding, but just be careful not to use it as a crutch.
One other thing that might be good is hill work. Obviously this isn't lunging related, but it's awesome for building muscles. Trot up hills, walk down.
Hope this helps.EDIT: Also, I would try not to lunge too often. It's not very exciting for your horse. It can be great for bonding, but just be careful not to use it as a crutch.
Justine Ponomareff
New member
I've had to lunge a lot lately over the past half year or so. I would recommend that you lunge on a very wide circle, as it can be hard on a horse's legs to go around and around in a small circle. Only lunge 5-10 minutes each way and try to make it interesting for your horse. I do pole exercises, which also helps build some muscle along the top line. I would set up trot poles (four steps apart is one trot stride, 8 steps is two etc, etc,) and let your horse go over those. Also, canter poles can be good in moderation. 8 steps apart is one canter stride. Work on transitions and try to get your horse to respond to vocal cues, or subtle body movements. It's good bonding work.
One other thing that might be good is hill work. Obviously this isn't lunging related, but it's awesome for building muscles. Trot up hills, walk down. Hope this helps.
EDIT: Also, I would try not to lunge too often. It's not very exciting for your horse. It can be great for bonding, but just be careful not to use it as a crutch.
One other thing that might be good is hill work. Obviously this isn't lunging related, but it's awesome for building muscles. Trot up hills, walk down.
Hope this helps.EDIT: Also, I would try not to lunge too often. It's not very exciting for your horse. It can be great for bonding, but just be careful not to use it as a crutch.