Horse Lunging, Part 3: Communication

The purpose of longeing is to establish good communication. And communication can only be accomplshed if the two of you are speaking the same language. Once you build that language, it's your mission to speak consistently and distinctly every time. Sending assorted signals will only frustrate your horse and cause him to stop trying altogether. Always use the same message to get a desired response, and when they does respond suitably, reward those successes with kudos and a release of pressure.

In other words, if you want him to pick up his pace when you point and cluck, don't use the point-and-cluck message to try and make him do something else, as well. And when I say pressure, I don't just mean physical pressure, such as pulling the longe line and putting pressure on his halter.. There's also implied pressure, like waving your whip in the air behind him. There's no physical contact, but he will still feel pressured to moave off from this. With either type of pressure - physical or indirect - it's imperative to release that pressure as soon as your horse even tries to do what you've asked of him. He'll learn quickly which response results in less pressure. Your horse doesn't like pressure. That's why he moves away from it. He'll learn quickly what to do to relieve the pressure you're applying.

And it's for all of these reasons – establishing a common language, being consistent in that language, and rewarding every try – that I strongly recommend lunging inside of a round pen. Using the same body language horses use while lunging them in a circle and keeping them close enough to hear your voice and see your body language will feel very natural to a horse and will make it easier to see your intent. You will of course have spent time with your horse prior to this point to get them familiar with the lunging routine, and what you are asking of them - whether it's to go right or left, reverse, give face, give at the poll, etc.

Once you have the body language aced, add voice commands to match the body language. Having already established communication through body language, it should be relatively easy to combine your physical direction with voice direction and have your horse associate the two. These efforts are the foundation you'll build upong as you transition from ground work to training under saddle. The more clearly you teach these lessons now, the smoother that transition will be.

That's why it's so important that you use clear, consistent body language during this phase. Once you are in the saddle, if your body language matches what you gave your horse on the ground, you will build confidence in your horse that you are a trustworthy leader and he will listen to you. Of course, some horses will remain stubborn no matter how consistent your message. These are the animals you really need professional help with. Choosing a good trainer is an important step - ask your horse friends, fellow boarders, or even check out local horse websites for recommendations. Just don't let this challenge bring your work to an end. Continue training on the basics until you meet the trainer you need.

A fundamental lesson that you can never over-train on is getting your horse to stop on command. As simple as it sounds, all you have to do is stop all forms of communication. Quit walking, lower your head, and softly say "Whoa!" If you want a nice stop, quiet and relaxed, you have to give your horse the right language to do that. This may not work on the first try, or the first several tries. In that case, start over. Take a few steps and try to make eye contact with your horse but don't give any additional direction. Then stop moving and try it again. Repeat this as often as necessary until your horse understands. They will get the idea so long as you have the patience. Remember that your horse will reflect you. If you're agitated and abrupt, your horse will be the same. Your calm quiet manner will inspire the same in him over time.