How to Lunge a Horse Without a Round Pen (For Beginners)

If you own a horse, being able to lunge them without a round pen is incredibly useful! In this video, I cover everything you need to know to properly lunge your horse without a round pen.
Hi there! 👋 I'm Carmella. I’ve been obsessed with horses for as long as I can remember, and I make videos about all things horse training, horseback riding, and living an equestrian lifestyle. New videos are uploaded EVERY WEEK so subscribe now for more horse videos.
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Read my horse articles @ equinehelper.com/!
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[@EquineHelper]

My online course all about lunging is now live! You can check it out here: shop.equinehelper.com/courses/lunging

[@kariblazek6630]

I am a new owner and I used to think it was so cute that he would crowd me and not lunge but spin around me. Ahhh, he loves me. No, he's being a turd. We still struggle sometimes but it is getting better. I feel like I have two left hands dealing with a rope and whip. This was clear instructions- thank you!

[@poeticmegan]

Really love your techniques and how you use body language (a horse’s main language) to communicate instead of making big motions and/or hitting your horse. Thank you for posting this!

[@EquineHelper]

Thank you for watching! If you haven't already, please subscribe! And do you have any videos you want to see in the future? Comment them below!

[@rebekahsprlyan6982]

Equine Helper this is so helpful! I haven’t done this before but I’m going to start spending time with two horses we have at our house who get no work done. I will start with the basics and build my confidence and theirs! I’ve only recently started watching your videos so am keen to see what else you have that I can work with 😁

[@savstougard7148]

How about collecting your horse? 😊

[@codyshae3043]

Hello! Just found you and so glad I did! My horses past owner used a whip for everything which is great but not great. I even touch the whip and he sprints away. Terrified. I can't hold it anywhere near him. Help!

[@elizabethburns2700]

Do you have any videos on teaching horse to ride bareback and on standing still while mounting

[@coreycipperley9914]

Hi. Thaer

[@roxeyzion3391]

I just found your channel. I’m glad I did😃. These are good tips.

[@EquineHelper]

Thanks Roxey! I appreciate you!

[@thepolkkids4558]

OMG IM SO SORRY I MEANT TO HIT THE LIKE BUTTON AND I ACCIDENTALLY HIT DISLIKE BUT I CHANGED IT SOOOOO SORRY

[@sofiyamircheva]

Finally found a channel that helps me understand everything haha

[@EquineHelper]

Thanks for your support!

[@victorm7274]

I really like the way you broke one exercise in to small achievable pieces to achieve the complete exercise. 👍

[@ehoneybr]

I’m new to horses (I’m familiar) but new and I just found your channel thank you so much it’s easy to follow along with you Sadie and I have been having a time lol 😆

[@EquineHelper]

Thanks so much for watching, Erin! And best of luck to you and Sadie 😊

[@ThatBlondeCowgirlll__]

Thank you this is so useful I've been waiting for one of these!!!! Thank you so much 💓

[@vickicortez8600]

Thankyou for taking your time to share your knowledge

[@riverj3932]

Thank u so much I just got a new horse and she bucks and is a little confused about lunging this really helped ☺️

[@beeloved6285]

Your channel is SENSATIONAL! I love yr education and explanations! ♥

[@lorraineanderson5679]

Simple well illustrated instructions. Wonderful! Thank you

[@patriciajuarez2674]

Thank you for this ! I was struggling today with my horse and will go at it again tomorrow!!

[@FluffyHellKitty]

This was so useful!!! I'm just starting out, only a few months into training my first horse (10 year old Norwegian Fjord stallion). He's a super smart, calm boy and responding really well so far, but I've been looking for videos to really break down lunging without a round pen since we don't have one yet, and this is perfect! Also the way you explain things is super clear and concise and easy to understand, I've subscribed and will be watching more of your videos! Thank you so much!

[@catdog7497]

Beautifully explained well done

[@nancyhagan3683]

Thanks! You are a good teacher!

[@lindajavadi4413]

Have several rescues which have made me slow down and rethink....love your explanations

[@teagrrl]

Really helpful and easy to understand> more please. Thank you, Sam

[@lizevannieuwenhuizen8092]

Thank you. I do not have a round pen and this was very helpful

[@kathyreese7031]

Very well explained! Thanks!

[@Joanvice]

I'm new to horses and I LOVE all your videos! They are well explained and extremely helpful! You seem very nice and you can tell that you actually care about horses.

[@jackyclayton6276]

Just like to thank you for sharing. Your knowledge. You have helped me so much. Keep posting. Your videos. You are so clear in your demonstrating. 👏😁

[@mercylyons1404]

Thank you for being so simple and clear.Very easy to understand your instructions😊👍😆

[@JoeMama-ot9jv]

Your channel is so helpful

[@carlahlavac5286]

Thanks for this really helpful video! I’ve been struggling with this because my mare keeps coming toward me instead of going out on the circle. Can’t wait to try it.

[@THE.CRAZY.BLONDE.BARRELRACER]

I'm a barrel racer and I learned so much from you and tucker !!!!

[@courtneynoelstudio]

Great video, eager to try it. I have a gelding who thinks everything is a game and just wants to play. Cute sometimes, really frustrating others!

[@hectorguerra8037]

Hey miss thanks a lot for this .. I got my gelding 3 weeks ago this is very helpful

[@MariaFLaRiva]

I so love the way you teach thank you. I have learned so much with you! I would love you to make a video of how to fix a horse pulling on the lunge all the time and being very energetic while lunging even when I am not. Thank you!

[@tamerbadr8384]

You make it looks easy. Thanks for sharing. Wish you all the best.

[@EquineHelper]

Thanks Tamer! I've had a lot of practice 😂 I appreciate your support!

[@marissawood1436]

Thank you for posting this! I'm still struggling with getting my horse to understand my cues for yielding both from and back legs, I will keep watching your awesome videos but am wondering if you would ever offer one on one coaching calls via facetime or zoom?

[@alonsovillarreal9495]

Thanks for the info. It helped me a lot to understand what I was doing wrong, now I work better with my horse!

[@EquineHelper]

No problem! I'm glad it was helpful for you!

[@debemery74]

As someone who grew up owning horses but then took a LONG time off and is now back in the saddle, I am finding all of your videos really informative and fun to watch. I've admittedly developed a horse crush on Tucker so I need Carmella to do a video on 'how to find your very own Tucker' as I'm in search of an equine partner in crime.

[@thelastinvoker6311]

Great video! As an amateur i'm going to start my first lunging with my 3 year old mare soon so finding your channel right now is really a blessing

[@EquineHelper]

Thank you! Best of luck working with your horse!

[@sevennine9208]

I love this video! I was searching for a beginning lunging because I am struggling and this brought a huge smile to my face!! Thank you for going slow for us beginners! Miss you lots!! (Karl and Jen and Dolly)

[@EquineHelper]

❤️❤️❤️❤️ Miss you guys too!!

[@lisatopham4249]

Realy helpful thankyou .

[@skyequestrian]

I just found your channel, and I love it! Great info. I subbed :)

[@EquineHelper]

Thank you so much!

[@ln6455]

loved watching Tucker run away!!! I am still having problems sending out and keeping him going

[@meonly914]

I just love watching you .....like your horse.

[@dhgconsulting3552]

Cool I just found your channel and it's pretty helpful I have 6 horses and I'm sure I can teach them how to lounge 😊❤️☺️❤️😍🤩😗😘😺🐎🐴

[@larryvogt3962]

Love your videos

[@destinyscroggs2099]

I recently got my first horse. I’ve ridden and had some experience before and Ik the basics of most of everything, I had an idea about lunging, but this helped me so much and cleared up every question I had. I’m new here but I will definitely be checking out your other videos ☺️

[@beckyschneider7357]

This video was SO HELPFUL!! THANK YOU! I’ve had trouble getting my horse to stay out on the circle and maintain gait and after watching your video I was able to get him to go both directions for at least 3 complete circles at walk and trot!! Love how you break things down and your explanations are so clear. It made it very easy for me to put into practice. Would love a video on tips for how to handle your tools while lunging and not getting tangled up (lunge stick and rope) :)

[@EquineHelper]

Hi Becky! Glad to hear this was able to help you! That is also a great video idea!

[@Lorittax3]

Thank you so much! I just got a green 4 year old horse. He's so disrespectful! But he's never been worked with so I'm literally starting ground work with him after I post this comment. 🤣. He's the first horse I've ever had. I'm not quite sure why I ended up with such a difficult horse as my first when I probably should have gotten one that has been worked with and isn't stubborn. Hopefully with consistency I can get him to respect me and eventually be rideable. 🙏. This may be a very rewarding relationship for both of us (with a lot of work) or I may be in way over my head. You have taught me a lot though so I think this will be good. 😅

[@marylynnmorganbrubaker5681]

Hi! Love your videos! This was so helpful♥️ I just subscribed. Can I ask what rope halter and lead/longe is that? What brand?? Looks “senior friendly” ♥️

[@barbarajarowoi9669]

Excellent instructions and demonstrations on lunging a horse without a round pen which I do not have access to, only a large outdoor arena. How much space does a horse need to lunge in?

[@abbycarriere8165]

So helpful, thank you!!

[@EquineHelper]

My pleasure, Abby! Thanks for commenting :-)

[@zaighamkazmi3407]

Can you please share your what's app contact number I need help for my new horse

[@horselady4375]

What a pretty horse.well you made my day .I get it NOW.your the bomb

[@Amanda32085]

You are extremely pretty! And tucker is such a good boy! You are so lucky to have him in your life!

[@hodayahbatyahweh9003]

Really good tips, I used my hand to ask my horse to move over, she did it the first time. I will be starting to lunge her and feel a bit more confidence watching these videos

[@EquineHelper]

Glad to hear! Best of luck!

[@sieliestschonwieder1987]

This is so helpful, thank you! I do training with a beautiful Arabian "grannie" and I really feel like standing in her way and confusing her while lunging. Those clues were great! With her it is more the problem that she stops easily or comes towards me.

[@sieliestschonwieder1987]

@@dariaharruff7025 sure

[@navidahmed9930]

fantastic video

[@EquineHelper]

Thank you!

[@torigoff7378]

can you do a video on how to do join up plz? btw I love your videos!

[@HandyMe]

Thank you for doing this kind of content. We just received our first mare. Although we have help close by, we have no experience with horses. Your channel, in addition to inspiring, is technically excellent. A big thank you from Portugal. PS: unfortunately I am not be able to buy your course in Europe :( I already tried

[@EquineHelper]

Email me at [e-mail] and we can help you get the course!

[@HandyMe]

@@EquineHelper Done

[@siggertherigger9833]

Hi there. I find your videos really helpful for my level. I have a question about lunging though. I live on a horse farm and I am the only one here who comes from a natural horsemanship background, but I am very green. I see people chasing their horses around in circles for long periods and I can’t necessarily tell what they are trying to achieve. Especially since some trainers that I admire (i.e. Alexander Nevsorov) are completely against the principle of lunging. What is the purpose and what exercises are there that are constructive to the horse and not only chasing a horse into submission? Maybe you could make a video about it 😉

[@Blinks46]

Tucker is so cute I love your videos

[@sixx3553]

Thank you so very much

[@rhinebckfirefighter]

He is so with you he knows what you want

[@falconheavy595]

thank you Ygritte :)

[@alingwu7539]

Hello, Thanks for making so helpful video. Can you also share what ground work will help an unbalanced horse?

[@EquineHelper]

This is a great video idea! Teaching the horse to move their shoulders is a good one. Also teaching the horse to halt and back will help a lot with balance and teach the horse to engage the hind-end

[@chaosgirl1157]

Hiya watching from NZ, thanks for a really informative video! I was just wondering where do you get your Halter set from? its so beautiful and I can't find similer in New Zealand.

[@EquineHelper]

Hi Katie! I got it from a consignment vendor at a horse event, so I'm not really sure where it came from. I've gotten a few here: www.bigdweb.com/product/code/HR-01.do?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzP6ywt6h6QIVhYTICh27vwUjEAQYHSABEgIZ4fD_BwE

[@lindanichols3586]

Tucker is so cute Hes lucky to have you my horse just runs off if i lunge him in the open Thats his response to pressure

[@smittyjetson]

Hi. How about a video on groundwork to improve the top line. I have a 22 year old QH that needs some conditioning.

[@anikamcphee3676]

Hey I have never lunged my horse before and just found this video. So helpful and keeping in mind what you said I went down to the paddock a attempted lunging. It turned out great. so thank you so much.

[@lillianaparris]

I like how you specify that the whip isn’t to hit the horse but is an extension I think people are very quick to miss understand the correct purpose of the whip

[@EquineHelper]

Agreed!

[@elizabethburns2700]

Do you have videos on teaching horse to stand tied, stand still for mounting and dismounting, trailer loading.

[@skudd123]

Thank you so much!! I'm struggling with lunging arm.. both my (older) girls just want to go full tit fast, I have so much to learn and will be watching your videos on repeat

[@tonyabussard1524]

Any tips for someone just starting out with a young horse and no riding skills yet? I'm having her broke this fall but hiring it done. I'm just trying to do some groundwork and get familiar myself.

[@Baylee52926]

I just got a new horse and it doesn’t walk very well and when I try to lead it it tries to run over me and doesn’t respect my space very well I don’t know if you have one or not but I couldn’t find one so could you please make a video helping me out on that ps also I love you page and everything is soo helpful 🤍

[@godzillagaming844]

Ok I will sub ok I am a HUGE fan:() :)

[@beggsnachin]

My mare never wants to go more than a few steps. And trot? She will buck a little n throw a fit. She's older. 23. And she has been thoroughly vet checked. She was a rescue and for the first month or so, she was a wild, kicking, biting, butthead. But she's pretty gentle now. And she loves my little grandson. If my grandson would ever stop being scared of the horses (he's 5, and a bit timid in general), she would probably be a great match for him. She adores kids and is always gentle around them.

[@pamelacoe2981]

I was only going to suggest that if you update this video you may want to add that the lead rope and whip need to be in different hands depending on the direction. Great video though, I always learn from them.

[@Nurmuhammad-lj6dl]

Thanks

[@hopebault2407]

I have a horse with back issues and I'm wanting to teach him to lower his head and bend his neck to the inside while lunging. I'm not great at lunging to begin with so this was helpful, but I'm really curious if you can help me teach him to do this because it will teach him to stretch his backand develop his top line.

[@daisyhindmarch8526]

Hey I'm a hige fan I was just wandering if you could do a video about when your riding and cantering how to slow them done cause it takes me forever to get my horse to slow down?

[@sophiaandlucy2355]

One way i noticed to help with that is talking to them, like slowly sayinh "Woaah".

[@sixx3553]

Good to know

[@rebeccasimons5990]

If you could do one for pushy horses that would be really helpful!!!!

[@DrPepper_Millie]

I just started leasing a horse. I wanted to see if you can make a vid on how you ride your horse. I never rode without a trainer. So how long do you walk, trot, canter for but in order. Example I walk for 20 min then trot both directions for 30 min. I wanna get a idea on how to ride alone

[@ShondaSakala]

Hello! I have been watching your videos for a while and have starting taking one of your online classes. I was wondering if I could request a video on an issue? I did riding lessons for years as a kid and now I officially have my own horse. She is about 15 years old and sweet but also a little stubborn. One issue with her is that she is completely un-phased by my techniques. Trying to lunge her she is unbothered by my swinging the rope near her bum or taping the ground or her bum with the lunge whip. She just is totally cool and doesn’t care. She is the opposite of a spokey horse. She is rock solid! I have been doing the respect class techniques and the backing up with body language is a no go. I’m doing a dancing jump around that would make you proud and she is unphased. Any suggestions?

[@aimyneah7131]

Some good tips. My horse leads but just stands there and keeps disengaging his hind end when it comes to lunging

[@dianneshears2321]

Thank you so much for this video I just got a new horse her name is whinny and she is only 8 months old and I have been really wanting to lunge her lately but I don’t have a round pen so if there are any more tips you can give away lol I would really appreciate it

[@charlottecomeau1266]

8 months is still pretty young, even for lunging in my opinion, but this video is a really good place to start and getting her out in the circle might take a lot of patience but its a good excercise to teach personal space (especially bc a lot of youngsters have issues with that hahaha). I'd recommend small sessions, maybe 10 minutes each side and always end on a good note :)

[@sonjarenae3968]

That’s quite a bit too young to be lunging. I’d work more on groundwork such as leading perfectly, yielding to pressure, turns on the forehand and haunches, etc :)

[@user-yb6sy5mb6f]

Do you have a video on how to transition from round pen lunging to lead lunging?? I recently got a horse that was round pen trained but I don't have a round pen and he refuses to lunge on a line.

[@sixx3553]

Nice

[@poohbear9550]

Okay this is an really weird question, but I don't got an lunge whip. Could you use just a long thin stick for lunging? Considering the whip is just supposed to be an extension of your arm?

[@troytrivia]

Can you teach me - the new horse owner - how to lunge the horse. I can't teach the horse how to lunge until I understand how to hold the lunge line & lunge whip - which hands they belong in when I want the horse to go left or right, my foot work so I don't get dizzy, how not to get twisted up in the lunge line (no joke), how to stop my horse from always turning toward me and from stopping & turning toward me when I try to change direction. The horse is my girlfriends horse. He's very sweet but, this is my 1st 6 months around horses. I love it. I just don't know where to stand, how to hold the lunge line or keep him moving. I think I confuse the horse so he doesn't know what I want & stops. I really love the horses & want to figure this simple training routine - lunging - as a foundation for working with her horse. So, I guess I am asking for a lesson for new owners not new horses on lunging & ground work. The videos I have watched so far are great but focus on training the horse. I need some training & tips so I can lunge our boy. Thanks!

[@anujsingh2311]

Luv u from India 💛👑👑💛💛

[@amydustin550]

Hello I am trying to get a horse to lunge that has been soured by previous people misusing the lunge whip.. Any ideas on how to desensitize her on the sight of the whip?

[@CeritaBudakKampung]

nice & cute❤️

[@lynnevickery-clark423]

Where did you purchase your lunging cavesson and lunge line?

[@Surfchickoxo]

Question: What if your horse shuts down when it sees a crop or whip,how do you get them to move out?

[@sophiaandlucy2355]

I'm trying to train a broken green 4 year old gelding, is this a safe way in order to not get kicked. We've had several rears/buck attempts and he's not at smooth. He's only let of warning kicks but if he wanted to kick me, he would. What do i do if he happens to come towards me in the middle?

[@anaaaaluvu]

Thank you this helps a lot! But I have a problem with my horse bucking and running away when I ask him to canter.

[@anaaaaluvu]

I am not sure. He is a pretty spooky horse. I have been leasing him for five months and he can do a lot of things except lunging and I don’t know why. His owner never lunged him because if they want to correct it then they would rather be on the horse but that isn’t helping my horse learn. I want to lunge him but I can’t

[@anaaaaluvu]

My trainer is going to lunge him today

[@kirsty4187]

Mine is just learning to lunge and wont trot, do you have a tip please?x

[@sophiaandlucy2355]

Though i avoid it, sometimes just a little tap with the whip will go a long way! Maybe try that?

[@sawyerbeals5105]

The first time I tried this it worked great. My horse immediately started lunging. A few days later I tried it again and he would not do it and I haven’t been able to do it since. He just looks at me. Any thoughts?

[@spikiethespycat4438]

Thank you so much 😊 cant wait to teach that to my mare, she is a 15 yo sweetheart and has never been lunge before 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@limoncello3488]

hi! so i have a horse i might get soon, and im fairly new to horses. im sure if i do get him i will get alot of help from his current owner (she is a family friend), but he hasnt been ridden in about 9 years and he is an ex racer, have any advice? like on if he will be okay lunging and stuff?? i will update if i do start to train him!

[@EquineHelper]

Congrats on getting a new horse! The biggest issue I see with horses being lunged is that they tend to get worked up. Most horses only get lunged when they need to burn energy, so they automatically associate the lungeline with "lets gallop around and go crazy!" One great thing to work on is just getting the horse to walk on the line and be calm. If they go to a faster gate, have them disengage their hind end and stop to face you!

[@limoncello3488]

@@EquineHelper thank you so much! i will try that if i do happen to get him, but i found out he has bad arthritis so i dont want to ride him if that is the case. i found a trained horse at a rescue that may be a better fit for me.

[@naturalenergycuisine9118]

Hi what halter are you using

[@kieralumb3225]

Could you please help me when I lunge my horse I ask him to go the over way but he just comes in my space please could you do a video on that amazing video I just found your Chanel and I love it keep been amazing

[@EquineHelper]

Hello! A great exercise for this is yielding the horses shoulders. You can find this in many of the groundwork videos. Practice this and it should make changing directions much easier!

[@kieralumb3225]

@@EquineHelper thank you so much I'll try it this weekend xx

[@rajdeepsarkarRaZorZacaRius]

What food u r giving as treat?