In better shape
Q
What exercises can I incorporate on the lunge to increase my horse’s muscle tone and encourage him to carry himself more, instead of leaning on my hand?
Bridget Marshall, Devon
Claire says... Start by making frequent transitions between walk and trot, and trot and canter, and bear in mind that using plain side reins — in other words, non-elasticated ones — can help your horse to maintain his balance, especially in canter (see panel, right, for more on using side reins correctly). Lungeing over ground poles is a great way to strengthen your horse’s back and build muscle. Incorporate stretching forwards and downwards over poles without side reins into your lungeing sessions. Do this in walk and trot before progressing to canter.
Simple polework
Set four poles in a large star shape so that your horse can work around the outside of them on a 20m circle, or over them on a
15m circle. Position yourself in the middle of the poles, and start off in walk before progressing to trot or canter.
After three or four circles on each rein, take your horse around the school on straight lines by walking (or running) beside him. This will improve his balance and prevent him from ‘motorbiking’ — ie, falling in and taking too much weight on his inside hind and not enough on the outside hind. Look for your horse to be taking weight evenly on all four legs. This is why it’s important to work him on straight lines as well as circles. Always allow your horse to stretch down without side reins at the end of each lunge lesson. Lungeing sessions should last no more than 30 minutes.