HELPFUL QUESTIONS 

Could a lunging system help your horse?

Information is key! Use it for the right reasons and put on correctly it can have a great benefit in bringing the best out in your horse.

What are lunging systems?

In a lot of situations, having your horses head and neck in the desired position doesn’t necessarily mean they are working there outline correctly. A forced, fixed position that results in a hollow back, reluctance to move forward with tension and short strides.

Certain lunge systems aid in the harmony of movement, asking your horse to engage their core muscles, lift there back and work into there bring and from there hind quarters. These generally consist of a series of pulleys and ropes that are placed under the horses tail and around the hindquarters.

How To Apply Lunging Systems?

Each Lunging System should come with a step by step instruction for the type of aid.

Once you have an understanding of how to fit, it will become a quick process and easy to use. Each brand may differ slightly so always read the manufactures instructions.

To apply a lunging system to your horse you must first start by tacking up as you usually would for a lunging session. Your horse will need to be wearing a bridle, cavesson, roller and boots if required. Once you’ve done this you can add the lunging system.

Here's our rough step by step guide:

Ensure that the triangle shaped rope attachment is facing your horse’s head. Place the tensioner rope (which sits behind the quarters) over your horse’s back, so that it’s in line with the roller.
Take the clip for the tensioner (the point of the triangle) and fasten it to the centre ring at the top of your roller.
Thread the flank lines through the rings on your horse’s roller (midpoint) and fasten both clips on either side to the bit.
Gently slide the tensioner along your horses back so they’re able to feel it, before placing it in position under the tail. Your horse may find this a little scary, so provide lots of reassurance.
Adjust the line between the tensioner and the roller. It should sit above the hocks, in line with the stifle. It shouldn’t be too tight as this will restrict your horse’s movement.
Unfasten both of the flank line clips from the bit on either side. There are two clips per side, one which is on a movable roller, another in a fixed position at the end. Reattach the movable clips to the bit on either side. Stand in-front of your horse holding the fixed clip to check that the remaining length is equal either side.
The next step will depend on what you're hoping to achieve...

Positions

Lunging systems can be used in a heap of different of positions, each with a different end goal. Here are the two Main variations.

Position One - Top Line Training

The starting point and the primary use of a lunging system is to achieve a long and low frame!

Intended to aid a long and low shape, your horse’s head should be below their withers. When in the desired position, the lines should be slack. If your horse lifts their head, the lines should provide tension. Feed both clips down between your horse’s front legs and attach them to the centre ring on the underside of the roller. This stops their head being lifted too high, ensuring they stay relaxed and stretched over their back. Combined with the activation of the hind legs, it encourages your horse to engage their core muscles.

Position Two - Intermediate Training

You should aim to use position one for a minimum of twelve to eighteen sessions across a period of six weeks. Once your horse is comfortable with the first option – Working correctly without resistance, you may wish to progress further.

To do this pass both clips back through the bit and attach them to the roller, just above the flank lines. Similar to the positioning of side reins, this encourages a higher traditional head and neck with the poll at the top of your horse’s frame. The lines shouldn’t draw your horse’s head behind the vertical, they should be slack when in the desired position. They will prevent your horse raising or lowering their head, without holding them in a fixed position. Your horse should not rely on the lines or become tense and stiff. Their jaw should be relaxed and they should continue to be balanced, moving freely with impulsion.