Developing Suppleness & Soundness through Lunging Using Holistic Horsemanship
Lunging as a Tool for Flexibility and Suppleness
Lunging is also an excellent tool for helping a horse become more supple and flexible, which is critical for maintaining soundness over time.
Encouraging the horse to stretch longitudinally through its topline naturally develops strong and balanced movement. This allows the horse to move freely, without restrictive aids, thereby reducing the risk of injury.
Teaching your horse to relax its mind and body during lunging takes time and should be slow, practical, and progressive, step-by-step. When done correctly, your horse will be balanced in mind, emotions, and body.
This means there are no shortcuts. Your horse will be your guide, showing you and telling you when they are ready for the next level of training.
The more your horse strengthens its hind end and topline; the easier it will be for them to relax their shoulders and thoracic sling area. Relaxation through the shoulders is detrimental to a horse's ability to relax their topline.
If a horse is tight in their shoulders, they will be tight everywhere.
The best way to release tension in the shoulder area is to focus on the hind end. The more the horse lengthens its stride (Pilates), the easier it will be to transfer weight to the hind end, thus loosening the shoulder.
Considering horses carry most of their weight in their front end, it makes sense that they will be naturally heavy and tight in the shoulder. This is why it's so important to teach a horse to use its hind end to carry its weight.
When our horses become strong and balanced, they will be able to move in true self-carriage (no aids) and collection.
This is the best way to ride. It’s also best for the horse because it makes them self-regulated, balanced and sound.
A Holistic Approach: Breathing and Relaxation
An often overlooked aspect of lunging is the importance of breath. We hold our breath, and so do our horses.
When a horse is tense or nervous, it typically holds its breath or breathes in short, shallow bursts as if hyperventilating.
When a horse is relaxed and moving at a steady rhythm, it breathes more deeply and evenly, which helps to calm its nervous system and improve its overall comfort.
This is how you build a deep and strong connection in work, through relaxation, breath, and calm-focused partnership.
Conclusion: The New Approach to Lunging
By rethinking lunging as a tool for connection, relaxation, and healthy biomechanics, we shift the focus from simply "running out the energy" or “mindless circles” to fostering a stronger relationship with our horse and positive experience during movement. Meaning that our horses are relaxed and not stressed during movement. When relaxed they naturally release the "feel-good" hormone called Dopamine. When stressed during movement they release the self-preservation hormone, Adrenaline.
In conclusion, lunging isn't just about the mechanics—it's about our horse’s overall well-being, happiness, and experience.
When approached thoughtfully and correctly, lunging will lay the foundation for a calmer, more connected, and safer partnership in everything you do together.
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