Lunging

By lunging your sport horse, you can train it without the weight of a rider. It can be a good variation and addition to riding. The goal is to gymnastize and make your sport horse supple while it receives no support from the rider. It is also common to use various lunging aids to ask for the correct posture from the horse. It is important that lunging with lunging aids or double lines is done correctly to prevent injuries. One of the most well-known lunging aids is a thick rope that is attached over the withers and between the horse's legs to the bit. It applies pressure when the horse raises its head and releases the pressure when the horse lowers its head. This is a basic aid for horses that must be gymnastized long and low over the back. It is important to keep the horse sufficiently forward as it can encourage the horse to be on the forehand.

Lunging can also be used to build the horse's fitness in a systematic way. You can easily vary the training with interval training. On the lunge, it is easier to develop the horse's balance without the burden of a rider and let it move fully on its own legs. A good way to promote this is by adding cavaletti's or ground poles. This allows the horse to develop its technique without any extra weight.

When you use lunging training in the right way, it can positively contribute to the sport performances of your horse.