Preparing for Your First Lunge Lesson

Before you arrive for your lunge lesson, find out if you are expected to put on the horse's lunging equipment. If necessary, get someone to show you how the lunge cavesson works. Of course, as there will be a rider on board, the horse will not need a lunge roller, but you may be asked to use other lunging equipment such as side reins. These will be used to ensure that the horse works correctly, to allow you to fully concentrate on yourself. It is best to attach them to the D rings of the saddle when not in use, so that they can be unclipped and reattached to the bit rings on the slip head or bridle. If using a bridle, try to get it to fit snugly under the lunge cavesson, to avoid rubbing the horse's skin; you may need to remove the noseband, but enquire about leaving the reins attached, as you may or may not be expected to use them.

Speak to the instructor if possible when booking your lesson, he or she will help to you to understand the benefits of lunge work for you and the horse. Also try to find out if they are qualified and experienced handlers of horses and lunge equipment, as this will give you an idea of the quality of teaching you can expect.

Safety is paramount when lunging and riding, and the horse should be warmed up without you on it first. The instructor will then help you mount and adjust your stirrups if necessary, after checking all of the lunging equipment to ensure it is still safe and in place. They should be wearing a riding hat as a minimum precaution, but ideally riding boots and gloves as well. Having checked the lunge equipment thoroughly, you will be sent out onto a circle, with the instructor holding the lunge line at the centre. This should be attached to the lunge cavesson, and the side reins may also be attached to the bit rings at this point.

Expect to have to sacrifice your safety nets - the stirrups and possibly reins as well, as lunge lessons are for improving your balance without having to worry about controlling the horse. Your instructor will have a firm contact to the lunge cavesson, and complete control of the horse's body by keeping it within a triangle formed between the lunge line and lunge whip. You only have to focus on the exercises you are asked to perform. Based on balance and security of seat, these may consist of stretching, rhythmical development and loosening exercises, but each will be explained in detail to you and you should have the chance to feed back as to their usefulness.

When assessing the quality of your lesson, obviously take into account how you felt you improved over the course of it. Also think about how you got on with the instructor, if you felt they understood you and listened to your needs, but also if you felt they were well qualified and experienced. Finally, ask yourself whether they took all safety precautions necessary, such as appropriate dress, warming up the horse without you on board, and checking the lunge equipment thoroughly before you mounted. Assess for yourself the quality and condition of the saddle, bridle and lunge cavesson, for wear and tear, and the suitability of any other lunge equipment used. Hopefully you will come to the conclusion that your first lunge lesson was a positive experience, and will feel the desire to reap the benefits of it on a more regular basis.

The Equine Store stocks many quality items for horse and rider, everything from leather boots to lunge equipment. Visit the shop at www.equine-store.com