Trotting on the lunge line probably conjures images in your mind of your first few weeks of riding lessons. What you probably didn't realize is that lunge line exercises for horse and rider can benefit equestrians regardless of their abilities. Not only does this improve the rider's balance and strength, but it can also build confidence for both parties.
What You'll Need
If you want to try these lunge line exercises, you'll need a few things for both the horse and the rider. First, of course, you'll want someone else to stand in the middle of the round pen and conduct the lunge line lesson. This can be an instructor, friend or trainer, as long as the individual you choose is comfortable with lunging. You'll also need:
- Lunge line
- Bridle with reins removed
- Comfortable saddle
- Normal riding attire
If you can't remove the reins from your bridle, you can improvise by twisting them under your horse's neck and weaving the throatlatch through before buckling it. In the future, however, it will be easier if you purchase reins that easily buckle or snap to the bit.
Lunge Line Exercise #1: Warm-Up
If you've never done any of these lunge line exercises before, you'll want to spend a minimum of 15 minutes warming up and getting used to the differences in riding.
Without reins, you'll want to rest your hands comfortably on your hips or the tops of your thighs, or you can hold them normally as though you have reins in your hand. Practice different postures to decide what feels best, and ask your instructor for pointers.
Lunge Line Exercise #2: Two-Point Balance
After you've warmed up and feel comfortable in the saddle, hop up into your two-point. This exercise promotes both strength and balance, forcing you to trust the rhythm of the horse rather than your grip on the reins.
At first, you might want to grab a handful of mane to center yourself, but don't pull on the mane or use it primarily for balance. Once you feel comfortable, raise your arms to your sides while maintaining your two-point.
Do this for ten revolutions of the round pen, moving your arms straight out in front of you, then to your sides, then out in both directions at regular intervals. As a variation, you can try going from post to two-point every three strides to work on developing those thigh muscles.
Lunge Line Exercise #3: Sitting Trot
Next, you will work on your strength and confidence in the saddle. Walk for a minute after the last lunge line exercise to catch your breath and stretch your muscles. When your heart rate returns to normal, ask for a trot again and, instead of posting, drop your stirrups and sit the trot.
Work on maintaining contact between your inner calf muscles and your horse's sides, absorbing the motion of the trot with your seat and thighs. If you start bouncing or become unseated, say "whoa" and ask your instructor to halt the horse. Start over when you feel comfortable again.
Lunge Line Exercise #4: Stirrup Pick-Up
Once again, pick up the sitting trot without your stirrups and get back into the rhythm. Then, when you start to feel comfortable again, pick up your stirrups while continuing the trot. You should be able to do this without looking down and in a minimum of three strides.
This trotting exercise prepares you for the possibility of losing your stirrups on the trail or during a competition. You won't be able to stop, regroup and find your stirrups manually, so you should be able to sense them while on the move.
These trotting exercises are excellent for both horse and rider. Not only will they help you to build your strength and balance, but you and your horse will begin to trust one another.
Laura Thompson - Laura Thompson is a horseback riding instructor and freelance writer living in Houston, Texas. She is proud to be the feature writer for ...
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