Preparing the horse for lunging and ground driving (2)

Part 2 of a series about preparing the horse for lunging and/or ground driving.

After posting the series on lunging and another on leading, I received a lot of emails and comment posts. Some people were confused and needed a "problem-solver" post.

With that in mind I started this new series that will hopefully explain how you can take your untrained, green horse, to a calm, confident partner on the lunge or on ground driving lines.

Part 2 shows how to use tension of the rope or line across the length of the horses' body to cue for a turn. This video was deliberately done in the grass to show you a way you could introduce these concepts in a low-key way while your horse is grazing.

While there is pressure in this video, you can substitute with a target and clicker training if desired.
(see the target clicker training video for assistance)

Whichever way you go, one thing that does need to be accomplished is the horse is totally comfortable with the line on his body. This prevents accidents later if by chance the line touches the horse unexpectedly or if the horse gets tangled in the rope, he knows to stop and wait for you.

* keep the rope above the hock so there isn't any stepping or getting tangled up in it.

* stay calm and do everything in a smooth, ontrolled manner.

* Start with small pressure and see how your horse reacts before increasing.

* remember each horse has their own level of how well they accept touch and pressure. Always be aware of your own horse's needs.

Z is an AppaloosaXArab cross that is extremely non-spooky, confident and dominant. She was green when I started her lunging and driving but overall was an easy horse to start as she was calm (though rather slow to get moving!).

Horses with a higher "alert", spooky behavior, has a past history of abuse, or who don't have confidence in people, will need more time and patience. Take it slow and break it down in baby steps for these horses.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• horse
• ground
• driving
• lunging