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Lunging is the first step to opening up the lines of communication
with your horse.
Setting up Communication
Valerie Netto
From walking a straight line to fluid lead changes communication is the key.
The horse, whether young and being ridden for the first time or older and out
of shape or with problems must have an idea of what is being asked of them in
order to make an attempt at any command. Much like a computer a horse must be
programmed first and then ridden in a like manner to be accurate. Therefore
you must see that training is a two-fold deal. Both the horse and the rider
must have the same knowledge.
Lunging is the first step to opening up the lines of communication with your
horse. Lunging teaches many things in a way that is easily understood. Lunging
is the first step in creating correct movement in a horse. Conformation will
always play an important part in movement, but proper training will teach a
horse to carry a rider in a controlled, safe manner.
Lunging sets up pecking order by effectively controlling the horse's space.
Lunging teaches obedience and patience by learning body and voice commands.
The horse learns to wait for them rather than running helter-skelter around in
a circle. This will make the same commands while mounted easier to understand.
Lunging teaches circles. Circles encourage a horse naturally to use his legs
correctly, pick up his feet and place them well. (Circles while mounted will
be our next step.).
Lunging conditions the body. Like any other athlete, a horse must have
strength and endurance, even for recreational riding. Lack of condition causes
soreness and strains, the weight of a rider especially an unbalanced rider
compounds the problem. A sore horse will be cranky at best and dangerous at
worst.
Lunging teaches a horse to give to the bit. First by not learning to lean on
the halter, and then with the aid of a rhythm collector or similar device will
come off of the bit by himself without human error.
Lunging is a fine way to evaluate a horse's way of going. Checking disposition
and soundness in a pre-purchase situation or for daily use to spot soreness
and attitude, which in turn will allow you to adjust your training program for
the day to suite your horses needs.
Please note that as, with any training, lunging must be done correctly to be
effective
Valerie Netto "Confidence Through Understanding" TM
Valerie says, “ I have been with horses 38 of my 45 years. I have been
training professionally for 10 years. Within two years I began to see the
“BIG” picture, and turned to training people. People can be a little more
difficult than horses, but people are where the leadership starts. Horses will
follow a solid, confident leader, whereas people tend to hurry; looking for
someone or something to make the horse right for them! (We are not tailoring
suits here!). I hold up a mirror and say “SURPRISE!” We can only blame the
‘canvas and the brush’ so far before we have to take responsibility for the
brush strokes used to create our ‘masterpiece’. I consider what I do a
lifestyle, not a method. I never stop learning and I don’t compromise my
values. I thank my students for my success and would love to help you achieve
success with YOUR horse!
Contact: Valerie Netto
5270 Bonnie Lou Lane
El Dorado, California 95623
Phone: 530-344-0771
Email: vnetto@directcon.net
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