Why do some horses behave badly on the lunge line?

Question

like bucking, rearing stopping turning around in circles etc etc

Answer 1

To me it is not normal. The horse should respect you, and bucking, rearing, and all of that is not respectfull at all. Why use lunging to get energy out? Why not use it to get them to respect you, your spacxe and so one day you can just get on and ride. A horse that does bad on a lunge line is disrespectfull and can sometimes be dangerous.

If you would like to know more about my methods email me at [e-mail]

Answer 2

Most of the time it's because the owners/riders let the horse get away with it because they see it as since they aren't on the horses back then it's okay since the horse isn't hurting anyone. It is a respect issue. I won't allow a horse to buck or act like a dufus while exercising on the lunge line, what he practices on that line will soon translate into what and how they act under saddle.

Most horses that do act out on the lunge line don't fully understand what is being asked of them. This could be because of unclear signals from the trainer or being new to this activity.

When I have a horse that acts out on the line. I ask for a halt/face towards me and then politely ask again. If they don't go or are slow to go, I use a gentle wave of the whip(NEVER touching the horse) to ask kindly. If they continue to act out, I move up a phase. I ask for a halt/move towards and then ask the horse to back until his body relaxes. Most horses learn that one way or another they are going to be worked.

There is no reason to allow a horse to get away with bucking, rearing, and doing rollbacks while that close to a human. Horse's need to save that for being out in the pasture with their mates and away from humans.

EDIT- you should NEVER use lunging as a way to get the fresh out of a horse. Not only does it build the horses stamina, but it is wasted energy for both human and horse. After a week of 30 minute a day lunge exercises, it may take 1 hour the next week to get the fresh out.

I have plenty of horses that are fresh when pulled up to work. However, they are respectful and don't act like a total nut just because they are "energized". I use that energy towards something productive, like working on lead and transition changes.

AQHA- I gave you a thumbs up for a great answer.

Answer 3

Well, to a well trained horse, the longe line is for getting out excess energy, but horses who a) don't respect their handler or b)haven't been trained to longe properly it's just being lazy and seeing what they can get away with. Bucking is normal, but horses usually run on the longe line, not stop and rear. Turning around in circles and stopping and rearing are untrained/unrespecting horses.

Answer 4

well most of the time they are just letting out energy. but sometimes it is a training issue. but most people lunge there horses so they can get there horses extra energy out.

Answer 5

My opinion is that they are just getting their energy out.

I let it go most of the time because I'm happy my horse is getting her energy out then and not while I'm riding her.

i just keep her moving forward and she usually stops.

The only thing i don't let go is when a horse trys to pull me across the arena or trys to run me over.

Answer 6

I completely disagree with posters who think that behavior is "normal".  It is no more so than when a horse behaves that way under saddle.

Longeing is training, and controlled behavior is the only acceptable behavior.  a horse that is acting this way is untrained, or is improperly trained.Silvaspur has said it well...you don't longe to dissipate energy...that is idiotic.  Mindless longeing only develops the horse's endurance.

Answer 7

That's usually because they don't know what the owner is asking of them. Or they may just have some extra energy. But usually it's a training issue.

hope i could help (:

Answer 8

i think its because they are fresh, you know, like extremely hyper when they get on the longe line, so when its time, they are so happy and excited to stretch that they buck and crow hop and everything. after a while, they calm down and do what you want them to.

Answer 9

some horses may not like/understand what you want. the Tb mare I'm leasing has never been lunged.. so I've started working with a 10 foot lead and having her walk around me.  she's learning that if she listens.. the circle will ge bigger and slower for her. if she refuses a lot, the circle gets smaller and faster. Attempt to teach horses to lunge in steps

good luck

also, see a few Pat PArelli videos on the web for help in understanding how a horse thinks.. it has helped my mare and other progress greatly.. my gelding now does not buck on lunge line, cause I taught him he gets a treat and praise everytime he canters w/o bucking. if he does, he has to switch direction and keep going

Answer 10

Maybe because there not very use to it. And there just testing what they can and can not do. But either way they are burning energy! lol

Answer 11

Because lunging a horse is one of the most mind-numbing things you can put them through. Too much of it makes them sour, IMO.

Answer 12

That's the purpose of the longe line! To get out excess energy! Its completly noramal!  

Answer 13

well when i lunge my horse, my aim is to get the energy out of her before i ride her :)

it is normal for horses to have a maddy on the lunge :)