Double lunge
The double lunge is a special lunge that is used as an advanced form of lunging for horses.
design type
They are available as an open - that is, split halfway along - or a closed lunge. It is between 16 and 20 meters long and has snap hooks at both ends that are strapped into the horse's bridle . There is also the option of using a cavesson . However, the assistance is different with this one, and the range of options compared to the bridle is only limited. A halter should not be used here, as you cannot influence the horse enough with it and the training effect is not achieved.
In some models, the last two or three meters of each end are made of round material (e.g. nylon knit) to allow the lunge to slide more easily through rings or pulleys on the lunging belt. The rest of the lunge itself is usually made of solid nylon material or plastic straps. Sometimes thicker cotton ropes are also used, which makes use of the lunge guide more gentle, but also has disadvantages, since the lunge can soak up water when it is used in wet conditions, which makes it difficult to provide correct assistance.
Requirements and areas of application
Working with the double lunge requires a higher level of training on the part of those who use it. Further courses with a focus on double lunge or specialist literature are helpful here. The prerequisite is always the correct handling of the horse from the ground and good practice with the simple lunge.
But then the double lunge offers much more diverse and professional uses than a simple lunge. High dressage and baroque lessons are just as possible as cavaletti work , jumping training or overcoming trail obstacles. The main advantage is that the horse receives the rein aids via the bit as usual, but does not have to carry a rider and can therefore balance itself more easily. This is why the double lunge is very often used to teach jumping horses.
Buckling and lunge guidance
There are many different ways to fasten the double lunge. The prerequisite for this is a lunging belt with as many rings as possible. The double lunge is then first guided with the snap hooks through the rings or through pulleys attached to the rings to the bit of the horse and hooked there or passed through and fastened back to the lunging belt. The latter creates a deflection similar to a simple pulley . This means that the double lunge can also be used like variable auxiliary reins .
Objections that the horse could be hindered or even mistreated through the use of different buckles are unjustified if the double lunge is used correctly. Rather, it offers the opportunity to temporarily take the pressure off while working and to let the horse go forwards and downwards, which means fixed auxiliary reins, such as. B. Prevent reins or triangular reins from the start.
The further guidance of the double lunge usually runs between the croup and ankle of the horse, but it requires that the horse tolerates this and does not find it disturbing. The fear that guiding the outer lunge around the horse's ankle would cause the horse to experience pain in the mouth from jerking the lunge at the bit is unjustified as long as the lunge guide understands his craft and cushions any shocks with a soft hand. Rather, the lunge that runs on the outside of the horse's body makes it easier to bend the horse when lunging than with any other type of lunging.
Nevertheless, it is advisable to use the outer lunge over the horse's back in horses that have not yet had any experience with double lunge, especially young and fearful horses. This avoids disturbing influences and the horse can concentrate on the help of the lunge guide.
Posture of the double lunge
The lunge guide usually holds the double lunge with both hands like reins . If the rest of the lunge is too long or if you are working closely on the horse, the rest of the double lunge is taken up in a loop. As the distance to the horse increases, these loops can be given in again. In general, when lunging, you should only use your force as much as necessary and as little as possible, as the two longs act like reins in the horse's bit .
Whether a lunging whip is also used depends on the horse and the experience of the lunge guide. If so, it is taken in one of the two hands together with a lunge. This requires a lot of manual dexterity, especially at the beginning, and should only be used after experience with the double lunge, since the whip and, if necessary, its use must not hinder the reins.
Variants of use
There are basically three ways of using a double lunge. The individual variants of the double lunge are based on the skills of the lunge guide and horse and their intended use.
Double length work
Working on the double lunge is also known colloquially as "riding off the floor". The double lunge is mainly used as an extended replacement for the normal lunge. It is important that the horse knows the normal lunge. Under no circumstances should you work on the double lunge with a horse without prior knowledge, as you can break at least as much as under the saddle. So if you want to start working, it makes sense to bring in an experienced trainer. The double lunge can be used for every horse and can also solve almost all problems. Many horses find it easy to learn new lessons without weight on their back because they don't have to balance the rider in addition to themselves. In this way, a young horse can also be very well prepared for riding. With the possibility of framing with the outer rein, all aids of riding can be simulated. The bending of the horse is increasingly trained, as well as the acceptance and reaction to rein aids, e.g. B. to stop or parry . When turning the horse onto the other hand, there is no need to strap on, which makes it easier to train the horse evenly on both sides. At the beginning you always stay on the circle. If the horse is safe in all gaits, the whole hall can also be used and hoof beat figures can be included.
Driving off the ground
The lunge guide leaves the center of the lunging circle and stays a few meters behind the horse. It is important that the distance is greater than the reach of the horse's hindquarters in order to avoid injuries. The lunge runs to the left and right of the horse, similar to two leashes in driving . Driving horses can be trained for their work or circus lessons (e.g. compliments ) or high school can be practiced.
Work on the long rein
When working on the long reins, the lunge guide moves closely to the side of the horse's hindquarters. The risk of injury from knocking out is low here, as the person can only be pushed away and not fully hit. With this variant of the double length work, the double lunge itself is better to be replaced by two long reins so that you don't have to hold too many loops in your hand. Mainly side movements , piaffes , pesades , levades or other lessons of the high school are trained, as they are practiced, for example, in the Spanish Riding School in Vienna .