How to Change Directions While Lunging

Watch as I lunge one of my school horses, Ellie, working specifically on changing directions - a key skill for the handler during lunging, and one of the best movements for solving many problems.
Unlock your horse’s athletic potential with classical in hand work. ​In our Developing Balance In Hand program, Patrick King will take you through a series of exercises that will help your horse to release tensions and find relaxation, so that they not only move better, and in better balance, but will also feel better.
Learn More: www.balanceinhand.com

[@LuluKling-fb9xe]

This video was easy to watch and gets to the point quickly! I am SO TIRED of the other videos that start with the handler getting out of bed and making their breakfast! (FYI- nobody cares about YOUR morning routine!) I needed to see every point made and cannot wait to try it on MY EllieBelle! (Right after making everyone watch ME put my socks and boots on…….) hehe.

[@sdlboston2947]

Every time I see Ellie, my heart melts. She is just adorable!

[@user-bt7oh1hy2d]

I’ll be working on going back to a smaller circle and back to just walking to master her cues! Thanks for this video 😁

[@moniquecook1051]

Loved how far you walked backward; gave her more room and practicing from a walk. Great tip!

[@cherylchild]

Wow! This style of gentle lunging makes so much sense. In my Western training it was hammered into us never to move our feet or the horse "wins". I was always awkwardly trying to reverse direction my horse from a distance which made a mess for both me and the horse (I'm not that handy or coordinated). Really excited to slow it down with clear communication like this. And I never heard of a lunging cavesson before, also totally makes sense.

[@kerankeran5456]

thankyou, walking, taking it slowly, then over time move out!

[@samanthavanfleet9230]

Love this approach! Clear and precise instructions. Great way to teach my 2 year old Morgan to lunge. Can't wait to try this!

[@furqanhaque5208]

A very instructive video, Callie! I feel quite inspired to arrange a lesson with my instructor, at first opportunity, to go over the rudiments of groundwork, including lunging. Looking forward to your next video!

[@colleenchartier3680]

Favorite caveson recommendations?

[@sam-li2hm]

Love it, thanks a lot, this is the one video I've been hoping for, my TB loves to stop and turn towards me when lunging, I think I must confuse him a bit sometimes...

[@Phantasma_Rouge]

Thank you for the help! By the way she’s such a gorgeous horse, what breed is she? 💕

[@mlewis3070]

Very good video. Thank you.

[@michelekanefsky7511]

Excelllent demo Callie! Thank you! I highly recommend the Patrick King In Hand course! It clearly improved my relationship with my horse and promoted relaxation for both of us, lol!

[@natalieaebersold381]

Thank you, Callie. Awesome instruction. Loved the way you summed it all up at the end. I use the Parelli method („circling“) but your explanation for direction changes was great. I‘m a big fan of your videos, although I no longer ride. We just do ground work but he loves it!

[@andreawilliams8109]

Thank you

[@niniemecanik]

I would love to know how to not get dizzy when lunging 😂

[@gazingatmars]

Keep your eyes on your horses head/eyes, and try to ignore your peripheral vision. Keeps me engaged on my horse and helps me with dizziness. Also, you can do straight lines with in hand work!

[@niniemecanik]

@@gazingatmars Thank you 🙂

[@asiaqueen6282]

Never do that again please

[@peppertharp5223]

You’re the best

[@livjunglecat]

Thanks! This helped a lot :)

[@livjunglecat]

@EquestriaX ... I'm new to riding and I want to know a bit more about horses and how to work with them.

[@jeaniemacdonald3935]

I lunged a horse today. He was great going left, but right was a struggle! I’ll try your shoulder taps and stay at the walk longer. 👍

[@CROZBEEZ]

Love this thank you. My TB mare drops her shoulder and cuts across the circle in trot and then gets faster. I normally lunge her with 2 reins and a bridle so I have control of the outside rein but then she bends to the outside. I will try your way and use walk a lot and also get a long cane. Are there any other tips you can give me ?

[@Barbaracross64]

thanks for this video! what brand cavason do you use?

[@StaceyFrancis03]

I thought that it was incorrect to have the horse walk in towards you. Can I get more information on that? Thanks.

[@ln6455]

How do I keep the pace going with my horse? How do I get my horse to increase to the trot?

[@ln6455]

Do you need to keep the stick pressure on or do you need to drop the stick to the ground once the horse moves?

[@maryduranti6600]

i will use a cavesson, and get a bamboo stick. I see the importance of bending without rotating the head

[@elizabethalcala2516]

Going slower. My horse spooks a lot and so I want to slow down and just take it easy. Work on how I use my hands too

[@Bonniejeanno]

I am going to slow down.

[@lynnekennersonp2222]

Walking back as much as need, to get her to change direction along with tapping her shoulder