How to Lunge a Horse

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Lunging a horse, sometimes called “longeing,” involves leading your horse in a circle around a small enclosure. Not only is this great exercise, but it will also help you and your horse bond through training. Lunging can also help improve your horse’s balance and trot. While most lunging is done with a heavy cavesson bridle, which doesn’t have a bit, you can lunge with a regular bit harness if you don’t have a cavesson.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Setting up Your Equipment

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  1. In general, you’ll need a space that’s about 14–15 m (46–49 ft) for your horse. This will give it enough room to trot, but not so much room that it will feel like it’s out at the open, which might make the horse try to escape. [1]
    • If you don’t have a ring, try using bales of hay to make a circle instead.
  2. Lunging is a physical workout for your horse. To help protect it from injuries, you may want to wrap a special athletic bandage, known as a polo wrap, around the horse’s ankles. Start about 2/3 of the way up the horse’s leg, then wrap down toward the ankle. The bandage should be tight, but not snug. Loop the bandage under the fetlock and continue wrapping back up the leg, then fasten the wrap with velcro. [2]
    • Wrapping your horse’s ankles in polo wraps can help protect their feet and ankles from injury if it stumbles on the lunge line. It can also prevent injuries caused by an improper gait, which is especially a risk for a green horse.
    • You can also use sports boots on the horse if you prefer them.
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  3. A lunge cavesson is a special piece of headgear that allows you to control the horse without causing it discomfort. Place the cavesson so it fits snugly across the horse’s nose without slipping. Also, make sure it rests above the soft tissue to allow the horse to breathe freely.
    • You can find lunge cavessons and reins wherever horse supplies are sold.

    Tip: If the horse is wearing a bridle, you can place the cavesson over the bridle.

  4. A lunge rein is a long rein that clips to the cavesson. They’re typically made from webbing or another lightweight material to make them easy to handle. You’ll use the rein to guide the horse in a wide circle, so it needs to be long enough to allow the horse to reach the outer edge of your enclosure. [3]
    • If you don’t have a lunge rein, use a strong rope or flat webbing that’s about 8.5 m (28 ft) long. [4]
  5. While a lunge cavesson does make it easier to attach the lunge rein comfortably, you can still lunge if you don't have one. Just settle the harness low on the horse's head and clip the lunge rein to the inside of the harness. [5]
    • Never attach the lunge line to the horse's bit. This could cause the rein to pull painfully on the horse's mouth.
  6. When you're handling the lunge rein, take the time to fold it neatly in accordion-style pleats. Folding the reins will help keep any excess from getting tangled, and it will make it easier to hold. [6]
    • Never fold the coil the line around your hand. If the horse bolts, the line could pull tight around your hand, causing you serious injury.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Starting the Lunge

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  1. When you’re ready to start lunging your horse, guide it to the ring, and stand right in the middle. Carry the whip and the excess lunge rein in the hand that’s closest to the horse’s backside, and use your free hand to control the rein and take up or loosen the slack. Imagine making a triangle where the horse’s body is the base and the whip and lunge rein are the sides.
    • For example, hold the lunge rein and the whip in your right hand if you want the horse to go left, and use your left hand for adjusting the reins. [7]
    • Carry the whip so it's pointing behind the horse and down when you're not using it. Also, try to keep the whip still, since it will be less effective if you’re constantly flicking it.
    • Try to face the middle of the horse, since staring at the horse’s face could make it feel stressed.
  2. You can use any word or sound you want to command your horse to walk, but make sure you’re consistent. For instance, if you make a clicking sound to get your horse to walk, that should be the sound you use every time.
    • Use very distinctive tones for each command, and try to keep your verbal commands to a minimum. If you’re constantly talking, the horse will start to tune out your voice. [9]

    Common Horse Commands: You could say "Whoa" to get the horse to stop immediately, say a long “Trot” sound to speed up to a trot, and make kissing sounds to go into a canter. [8]

  3. Let the slack out a little at a time, and try not to let it drag on the ground too much, or the horse might get tangled up in it. Keep your elbows soft, so it feels like the line is elastic. If you hold the rein too tight, the horse will start to resist you.
    • Let the horse walk around the circle about 3-4 times.
    • You can either stand on one spot and turn as the horse walks the circle, or you can walk around in a small circle.
  4. After the horse has walked 3-4 circles, it’s time to pick up the speed to a trot. Give the horse your command for trotting, and make sure to turn at the same speed as the horse so you don’t get tangled in the lunge line. Use the whip if you need to correct the horse’s speed during the session. [10]
    • Most of your lunging session should be done at a trot.
    • If the horse is experienced with lunging, or if it’s done very well with the session, you can move to a canter for a few minutes at the end.
    • If the horse seems winded or lame, you can stop the session sooner.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Using the Reins and Whip to Command the Horse

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  1. Hold your arm out so the lunge rein is pulling toward where the horse is going, rather than straight out from the horse. At the same time, bring the whip up and hold it closer to the horse’s hindquarters. This should encourage the horse to speed up slightly. Lower the whip once it does so. [11]
    • You can also include a verbal command or a sound like a clicking noise to tell the horse what you want.
  2. When you’re lunging a horse, it’s important to keep it from walking in to the center of the circle. Not only does this defeat the purpose of the exercise, but it also creates slack in the line that the horse could trip over. To prevent the horse from turning in, point the whip at the horse’s shoulder, or lightly touch the horse on the shoulder with the whip. This should encourage it to move back toward the outside of the circle. [12]
    • You don’t necessarily have to give the horse a command
  3. The whip is a simple training aid that’s there to allow you to direct the horse while remaining out of kicking distance. For situations when a horse is deliberately misbehaving, you can flick or crack the whip, but try not to do so unless you need to. If you move the whip around too much, the horse will start to ignore it. [13]
    • Never use the whip to hit or scare the horse. It will lose its trust in you, and you’ll likely have escalating behavioral problems from the horse.
  4. The horse should start trying to figure out what to do in order to get you to release that pressure. When the horse behaves how you want it to, ease up on the pressure. That way, it will know exactly what was expected of it, and it will be more likely to do that behavior in the future. [14]
    • Don’t yank hard on the lunge rein. You could hurt the horse or cause it to buck, which could lead to an injury.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Stopping the Horse

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  1. After about 15 minutes of trotting in circles, give the horse a command to slow to a walk. However, don’t pull the lunge rein to bring the horse in toward the center of the circle. Instead, bring the horse to a full stop at the end of the lunge line. [15]
    • Turn the horse to the outside of the circle before you unclip the rein. If you walk the horse into the center of the circle, it will want to come in toward you every time you slow to a walk when you’re lunging.
  2. If the horse starts going too fast, hold the rein so it’s pulling slightly back toward the horse’s neck. Hold the whip down and away from the horse. [16]
    • Use a command like “Walk” to tell the horse to slow as you pull on the rein.

    Tip: If you hold the whip too close to the horse, it will resist slowing down. To the horse, if it keeps going faster, it will be able to get away from the whip.

  3. Once you've brought the lunge reign back and your horse has slowed to a walk, maintain pressure on the rein, then move the whip so it’s in front of the horse. This should indicate to the horse that you want it to stop. [17]
    • Wait until the horse slows before you place the whip in front of it. Otherwise, the horse could become startled, especially if it's whip-shy. The horse could rear back and get tangled in the lunge rein, which would be dangerous for both you and the horse.
    • Try saying “Whoa” at the same time you stop the horse.
  4. Lunging your horse is a great workout, and it helps to reinforce your horse's training. While there are no set guidelines for how often to lunge your horse, 2-3 times a week is a good guideline, especially if you can't ride every day. This will help keep your horse in good shape, and it will improve the bond between you and your horse, since you'll be spending quality time giving it instruction.
    • You may also want to lunge your horse before you ride it, especially if it's been a while since your last ride. This can help remind your horse of some of its training basics, and it can help get the horse in a compliant mindset before you mount up.
    • If your horse hasn't exercised in a while, start by lunging 1-2 times a week, then work your way up as the horse gets more comfortable.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What are the benefits of lunging a horse?
    Ted & JoAnn Dawson
    Equestrian Experts
    Ted and JoAnn Dawson are Equestrian Experts based in North East, Maryland. Ted and JoAnn gained years of business and horse experience operating Carousel Farm & Riding Stables in Delaware from 1986 to 1998, and in 1999, they opened Fairwinds Farm & Stables, offering riding lessons, trail rides, equestrian summer camp, horse-drawn carriages, pony rides, and special events including weddings and birthday parties. Fairwinds Farm has been selected as a Maryland Horse Discovery Center and was inducted into the Cecil County Business Hall of Fame. It has also been awarded Tourism Business of the Year and Cecil County Outstanding Farm Operation. Fairwinds Farm is a “destination” farm and B&B, featured on Good Morning America, in The New York Times, The Baltimore Sun and Country Woman, Horse & Rider, and Maryland Life Magazines. The Dawsons both teach Equine Science classes at Cecil College, are members of the Maryland Farm Bureau and Maryland Horse Council, and work as animal wranglers for film and TV. JoAnn has a B.S. degree in Animal Science and Ag Education and a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Delaware. She is the author of the Lucky Foot Stable series of books for ages 8-13, and screenwriter of the film Cream of the Crop, now streaming on Amazon Prime. Ted holds a B.S. degree from the University of Delaware in Business Administration and Finance.
    Ted & JoAnn Dawson
    Equestrian Experts
    Expert Answer
    Lunging a horse serves multiple purposes, primarily establishing control and dominance to convey that you are in charge. It is a tool to demonstrate authority and ensure that the horse recognizes you as the leader. Additionally, lunging is employed to assess the horse's soundness and detect lameness, providing a non-ridden method to evaluate its condition. This technique is useful when considering riding the horse but suspecting potential issues. Furthermore, lunging is valuable for training, facilitating the teaching of voice commands, and preparing the horse for riders. It allows a controlled environment for students to familiarize themselves with riding while maintaining full control of the horse. Moreover, lunging is effective for releasing excess energy in the horse, particularly in situations like horse shows, where the animal may act up or become agitated. By lunging, you can help the horse settle down and exhibit more manageable behavior.
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  • Question
    How long is a lunge line, and how do I properly hold it?
    Ted & JoAnn Dawson
    Equestrian Experts
    Ted and JoAnn Dawson are Equestrian Experts based in North East, Maryland. Ted and JoAnn gained years of business and horse experience operating Carousel Farm & Riding Stables in Delaware from 1986 to 1998, and in 1999, they opened Fairwinds Farm & Stables, offering riding lessons, trail rides, equestrian summer camp, horse-drawn carriages, pony rides, and special events including weddings and birthday parties. Fairwinds Farm has been selected as a Maryland Horse Discovery Center and was inducted into the Cecil County Business Hall of Fame. It has also been awarded Tourism Business of the Year and Cecil County Outstanding Farm Operation. Fairwinds Farm is a “destination” farm and B&B, featured on Good Morning America, in The New York Times, The Baltimore Sun and Country Woman, Horse & Rider, and Maryland Life Magazines. The Dawsons both teach Equine Science classes at Cecil College, are members of the Maryland Farm Bureau and Maryland Horse Council, and work as animal wranglers for film and TV. JoAnn has a B.S. degree in Animal Science and Ag Education and a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Delaware. She is the author of the Lucky Foot Stable series of books for ages 8-13, and screenwriter of the film Cream of the Crop, now streaming on Amazon Prime. Ted holds a B.S. degree from the University of Delaware in Business Administration and Finance.
    Ted & JoAnn Dawson
    Equestrian Experts
    Expert Answer
    A lunge line for horses is typically around 15 to 30 feet long. Attach one end to the horse's halter, stand in the center of a circular area, and guide the horse using verbal commands and body language. Maintain a consistent tension on the lunge line, communicate cues effectively, and foster a better understanding between the handler and the horse during training sessions.
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  • Question
    How long should I lunge a horse for?
    Community Answer
    It depends. If the circle is 20 meters, then you could lunge the horse for about 20 minutes on each rein. If the circle is smaller, like 15 meters, then 15 minutes on each rein will work. Circles are very hard for a horse to maintain, so don't keep your horse going for too long on each rein, otherwise the inside leg will feel too much pressure.
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      Tips

      • Keep your sessions to about 20 minutes to keep your horse fresh.
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      • Lunging is a great way to get your horse in a cooperative frame of mind before you go riding. It's also good exercise during periods when you can't ride your horse a lot.
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      • It’s a good idea to wear gloves during this exercise to protect your hands from rope burns, especially if you’re working with a green horse.
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      Warnings

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      Things You’ll Need

      • Circular enclosure
      • Polo wraps
      • Lunge cavesson or harness
      • Lunge rein
      • Whip

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      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about caring for horses, check out our in-depth interview with Ted & JoAnn Dawson .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2016/11/a-lunge-lesson-with-malcolm-barns/
      2. ↑ https://eventingnation.com/the-sunday-jog-up-tips-from-a-groom-19/
      3. ↑ https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2016/11/a-lunge-lesson-with-malcolm-barns/
      4. ↑ https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/buyers-guides/horse-lunging-set-whip-kit-aid-641835
      5. ↑ https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2016/11/a-lunge-lesson-with-malcolm-barns/
      6. ↑ https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2016/11/a-lunge-lesson-with-malcolm-barns/
      7. ↑ https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2016/11/a-lunge-lesson-with-malcolm-barns/
      8. ↑ https://www.horsejournals.com/lunging-horse-rider
      9. ↑ https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2016/11/a-lunge-lesson-with-malcolm-barns/
      1. ↑ https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2016/11/a-lunge-lesson-with-malcolm-barns/
      2. ↑ https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2016/11/a-lunge-lesson-with-malcolm-barns/
      3. ↑ https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2016/11/a-lunge-lesson-with-malcolm-barns/
      4. ↑ https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2016/11/a-lunge-lesson-with-malcolm-barns/
      5. ↑ https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2016/11/a-lunge-lesson-with-malcolm-barns/
      6. ↑ https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2016/11/a-lunge-lesson-with-malcolm-barns/
      7. ↑ https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2016/11/a-lunge-lesson-with-malcolm-barns/
      8. ↑ https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2016/11/a-lunge-lesson-with-malcolm-barns/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To lunge a horse, start by standing in the middle of the ring and holding the lunge line in your hand. Once you're ready, have the horse walk around you in a circle. When you want to control the horse's movement, use voice commands like "stand," "walk on," and "whoa." You can also control the speed of your horse by moving your feet faster or slower. If you want to slow the horse down, bring the lunge rein back slightly and point the whip down. To stop the horse completely, tell the horse to "slow" and point the whip in front of it. For tips on when to crack the whip and how to make your horse trot, read on!

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