Lungeing with a Plan: Your 3-Phase Model
Lungeing is much more than just a little bit of movement. To ensure your horse truly benefits, a clear structure helps. This prevents overexertion and ensures muscles grow exactly where they belong.
Phase 1: Arrival & Warm-up (approx. 15–20 minutes)
This is the most important phase for the horse's health.
- How: Begin at an active but relaxed walk on a loose lead. Later, let your horse trot along loosely. In this phase, we do not yet demand strong bending or collection.
- Support (optional): Ground poles or lanes.
- Goal: Your horse should snort/blow off, stretch its nose towards the ground (forward-downward), and arrive mentally.
Phase 2: Working Phase (approx. 15–20 minutes)
Now it gets sporty! In this phase, we strengthen the muscles and train coordination.
- How: Many transitions (walk-trot, trot-canter) are the best training. Vary the circle size—sometimes larger, sometimes smaller (but only if strength allows).
- Support: Here, GymnaStick2 is your best friend. Set up 2-3 cavaletti on the circle. Thanks to the 5cm height increments, you can dose the difficulty level perfectly. AgileWork serves as a visual boundary to prevent the horse from drifting outward.
- Goal: Active hindquarters, a swinging back, and concentration on your subtle signals.
Phase 3: Cool-down & Relaxation (approx. 5–10 minutes)
After exercise, the pulse and breathing rate must drop again.
- How: Let the horse end the session at a comfortable walk.
- Goal: Stretching of the muscles and reward. A relaxed finish ensures your horse will enjoy the next session.
Expertise for Further Reading
Want to dive deeper into the different philosophies? These experts and works offer fantastic knowledge for every level:
Reading Recommendations & Trainers:
* Babette Teschen & Tania Konnerth: The "Longenkurs" is ideal for understanding position and bending without auxiliary reins.
* Wilfried Gehrmann: The reference for working with the double lunge.
* Sharon Wilsie: Her "Horse Speak" approach helps you refine your body language so that almost no words are needed.
Conclusion
With the right phases and little helpers like Flux, AgileWork, and GymnaStick2, every session becomes a well-rounded success.
Whatsapp