Balance training on the lounge line?

Question

I don't have a roundpen where I keep my horses and Im having a hard time getting my 5yr old balanced and slow. Ive been working him on the lounge line and tracking left at the canter he really drops his shoulder and the other way he'll canter but then spin in and stop. Ive been working him with side reins but still at the canter he just flys around and is very unbalanced. How do I work him to help him get better balance and to slow down and not drop his shoulder?

Answer 1

Have you tried long lining rather than lunging?  Long lining is similar but instead of one line you have two.  Perhaps the attachment on both sides will help with his balance/  Instead of going in circles you can drive him from behind and steer using direct reining.  You can also long line in a circle.

Also, even if you don't have a round pen you can use the corner portion of a fenced pasture to have use of railing albeit not all around.

The side reins would only help with a head set but you could try tightening the side reins on the side that he tends to be off on.

Also, I would work more on trotting rather than cantering until he is more balanced....naturally.

Answer 2

he may not be ready for the canter yet...get him balanced completly and confterably at the walk and trot first and then you can ask for the canter...also the side reins i think are a good idea so im sure some ppl who reply 2 this are gonna say loose the side reins but dont...they allow him to be in a frame and its easier for a horse to be(get) balanced wen they are in a frame...i wish i could help more but this may just be one of those things that takes time.

Answer 3

I agree double-longing is a great way to teach your horse balance and bending. Using this technique, you can keep a feel on both sides of your horse while actually SEEING what your horse is doing. Also, you can prevent him turning suddenly since you have control of both sides. You can use a circingle to change the angle of your line in order to lift a shoulder or intensify a bend.

While riding, I would suggest trying a counter canter to improve balance and to slow his pace.