Throwing is the process of exercising a horse in circles on a long line or rope. It is the first step in establishing clear communication with your horse.
Butting a horse is a process that must be learned and constantly practiced in order to do it competently. However, once you have mastered the lunge method, it is a very useful tool to have in your repertoire. Let’s start the ramming process.
A horse can be released freely in a round yard without equipment. However, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the equipment ahead of time. This allows you to learn the proper use of the equipment before adding the complexity of maneuvering the horse.
Equipment needed to ride a horse
The following equipment is required to charge a horse.
- Lunge line: A long kidney made of flat straps, usually 10-12m long. Rope can also be used.
- Cavesson – Similar to a halter, but has rings attached to secure the lunge line.
- Lunge Whip: A long whip, usually 2m long with a long whip attached to help keep a steady pace with the horse.
- Roller-similar to a girth that goes over the horse’s back and is tied with a girth. Like the cavesson, it also has rings attached at various levels to allow the use of lateral kidneys.
- Side reins: reins that can be adjusted to different lengths, depending on the size, shape and level of education of the horse. The lateral kidneys usually have an elastic or rubber piece inserted to allow for some stretching. These kidneys have clips to attach them to the horse’s bit.
- Bridle (optional) – Usually used if side kidneys are used.
- Solid boots, helmet, and gloves (for you, of course)
Exercise safety when lunging a horse
Your safety is of utmost importance when working with horses. It is vital that you remember the location of your charging line at all times when charging a horse.
Feet and hands entangled on the free end of the lunge line are frequent causes of accidents. Therefore, never wrap the lunge line around your hand or through the loop at the end. Fold the line over itself in the palm of your hand so you can easily pull it out and pick it up. Now, you are ready to start riding a horse!
- The beginning handler should learn to lunge with a well-mannered, calm horse and an instructor or other expert equestrian to supervise. An educated horse will know the voice commands. This will make the lunge process easier to learn.
- Access to a round patio or enclosed square patio is recommended.
- Hold the lunge line in your hand in the direction the horse is traveling. If the horse travels to the left, the lunge line is in the left hand; the whip stab at the other. The lunge line should be attached to the center ring of the cavesson.
- The correct position to lunge at a horse will form a triangle. You will be the apex of the triangle, and the horse’s shoulders and hips will form the other two angles. It should be positioned roughly in line with the horse’s shoulders. The horse should travel well when you are in this position.
- Start the lunging process with you and the horse in the center of the round yard.
- Lead the horse forward with your left hand while staying in the center of the circle. Simultaneously feed the lunge line and encourage the horse to walk forward with the whip.
- The whip is in the active position when it is parallel to the ground, pointing at the horse’s rump. Being active means you are encouraging the horse to keep going. The whip is in a passive position when the whip end of the whip is pointed toward the ground and angled slightly away from the horse’s rump. The whip should be in a passive position when you ask the horse to slow down.
- Using voice commands, ask the horse to transition up once it’s in the circle. These voice commands should be energetic and lively for ascending transitions, while a slower, falling pitch is effective for descending transitions. For example, a brisk “WALK ON” encourages the horse to walk, and a slower, quieter “WA-A-LK” or “WA-A-LK -ING” is better for the down transition.
- Body placement can also encourage transition. Taking a light step towards the horse’s head encourages it to slow down, and taking a step towards the horse’s rump encourages it to move forward.
- The horse should be asked to stop to change direction. You will pick up the lunge reins, walk towards the horse and guide it to change direction.
- Every horse owner has a unique way of charging. If you are learning to lunge a horse that is not your own, ask to see the horse being lunged so you know the appropriate voice commands and body placement for you.
- Make sure you have a watch. Use it to time each transition in each direction. The last thing you want to do is make your horse one-sided. If you spend 5 minutes jogging to the left, you should spend 5 minutes jogging to the right.
These are the basic principles of riding a horse and remember: Practice makes perfect! Happy charging!
