2006-07-13 05:11:15 · 7 answers · asked by desmondmallywilliam 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I never care much for lunging as a substitute unless the horse was being free-lunged in an arena. It puts far too much stress on the joints when constantly turning in a tight circle. Trotting in a frame is the best method for building up muscle.
2006-07-13 05:17:57 · answer #1 · answered by iceni 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can't... according to me. I think overall, the best for your horse (and you) is being ridden. I hadn't heard much about the answers above but those are good points. However, lunging definetly has great points. I always lunge for about 5 minutes before riding. It's mostly a safety precaution. If my horse is on over the top energy and wants to run run run and buck, if he's being lunged, it gets out that first bit of wild energy, and he doesn't learn that when he acts like that I'm probably going to be thrown off. It also gets him warmed up and ready to work. He starts his mind on the 'work track'. So, all in all, it is great in some places (desensitizing too!) but isn't a substitute for riding.
2006-07-13 05:43:17 · answer #2 · answered by sir'slady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends what you are trying to acheive & the skill of the person lunging! I lunge my dressage horses alot as part of their training program - sometimes it is easier to acheive a movement whilst the horse is being lunged than with a rider on board. long reining is fantastic for this & is also the correct way of teaching a horse to passage & piaffe. They recommend that you only lunge a horse for 20 minutes due to the intensity of the work load & to prevent strain on joints
2006-07-13 06:21:58 · answer #3 · answered by ATP 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with ATP. Lunging has great benefits if it is done correctly. I am using it alot to help re-train a thoroughbred. She is becoming more responsive to voice commands and it has also helped her to pay more attention to me, instead of her surroundings. I think lunging is also a great way to see a horses movement and confirmation in the gaits. I don't think you can beat actual riding, though.
2006-07-13 14:49:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
lunging can be used regularly but i do not recommend it. It is good for transition and studying the gait changes but lunging on a circle does not exactly prepare them for working on a straight line
2006-07-16 05:58:25 · answer #5 · answered by loopyloz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because both work the quads in the thighs.
2006-07-13 05:14:32 · answer #6 · answered by Soonergirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because it works all the leg and back muscles
2006-07-16 09:20:39 · answer #7 · answered by Samantha T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋