Setting Up Communication
Written by: Valerie Netto

From walking a straight line to fluid lead changes communication is the key. The horse, whether young and being ridden for the first time or older and out of shape or with problems must have an idea of what is being asked of them in order to make an attempt at any command. Much like a computer a horse must be programmed first and then ridden in a like manner to be accurate. Therefore you must see that training is a two-fold deal. Both the horse and the rider must have the same knowledge.

Lunging is the first step to opening up the lines of communication with your horse. Lunging teaches many things in a way that is easily understood. Lunging is the first step in creating correct movement in a horse. Conformation will always play an important part in movement, but proper training will teach a horse to carry a rider in a controlled, safe manner.

Lunging sets up pecking order by effectively controlling the horse's space.

Lunging teaches obedience and patience by learning body and voice commands. The horse learns to wait for them rather than running helter-skelter around in a circle. This will make the same commands while mounted easier to understand.

Lunging teaches circles. Circles encourage a horse naturally to use his legs correctly, pick up his feet and place them well. (Circles while mounted will be our next step.).

Lunging conditions the body. Like any other athlete, a horse must have strength and endurance, even for recreational riding. Lack of condition causes soreness and strains, the weight of a rider especially an unbalanced rider compounds the problem. A sore horse will be cranky at best and dangerous at worst.

Lunging teaches a horse to give to the bit. First by not learning to lean on the halter, and then with the aid of a rhythm collector or similar device will come off of the bit by himself without human error.

Lunging is a fine way to evaluate a horse's way of going. Checking disposition and soundness in a pre-purchase situation or for daily use to spot soreness and attitude, which in turn will allow you to adjust your training program for the day to suite your horses needs.

Please note that as, with any training, lunging must be done correctly to be effective.

 

Article written by and reporduced with permission by Valerie Netto, of Valerie Netto Equine Assistance. Valerie lives near Placerville, California where she trains and gives riding lessons. She has been training professionally for over 15 years and earned her certification through The American Riding Instructors Certification Program. Valerie holds a certification in Resistance Free Training from Richard Shrake is also certified through The American Society OF Equine Appraisers.

To contact Valerie Netto. phone: (530) 620-1152 or email vnetto@directcon.net