01/02/2025
🌟 Lunging 🌟
Why do we lunge our horses?
🐴 To increase fitness
🐴 Maybe to take the freshness off before we get on
🐴 To use training aids such as the Pessoa or EquiAmi to encourage our horses to be able to work more rounded and help with muscle development
🐴 To improve communication with our horses
🐴 As part of a rehabilitation programme
🐴 Suppleness - helping the horses to become more supple and engaged
🐴 Time? Not enough time to be able to ride
🐴 Obedience training
🐴 Balance
The benefits of lunging without the use of tack?
🐴 Allowing the horse to express natural behaviour
🐴 To allow the horse to move more freely
🐴 Balance
🐴 Allowing the horse to stretch on their own and determine whether they are comfortable in doing so
🐴 Encourage relaxation during exercise
🐴 Can also show whether your horse is working similar on both left and right reins
🐴 May show any signs of lameness and discomfort that may be disguised from the use of tack or training aids
Lunging can be very important as part of our horses exercise. However, it is vitally important that we do not overload our horses with repetitive exercise to reduce the risks of injury and strain. Working on both left and right reins evenly is vitally important for muscle development.
The use of training aids can be very beneficial with aiding muscle development when used correctly. Incorrect use can also lead to the risk of injury.
Here is a video demonstrating without the use of any tack and lunging in a head collar. You can see here that he is showing signs of relaxation and gradually working lower to stretch those back muscles.
EJP - Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation offers a variety of services to be tailored to your equines needs including full assessments and treatments. If you have any queries on your horses behaviour, or ways to improve your horses exercise regime please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
To book in contact:
📧: ejptherapy_rehabilitation@outlook.com
WhatsApp: 07889468412
