Wyndyarra Estate
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some tips to help in training horses
Double Lungeing
By Gary Rollans. EFA Level2 Driving Coach. EFA Coach Educator. German Bronze & Silver Standard Certificate. International competitor/coach/trainer.
Double lunging is a wonderful method that can be utilised in the training of the driving horse or riding horse at all stages. "In preparing horses for four world championships this was one of the most important tools I used in creating absolutely flexible horses i knew could navigate complex obstacles." Utilising this method i managed to reach 4th in the world with horses that i had only worked with for 3 months on the lead up to the championships. I used this training method because in the time given i needed results fast. Double lungeing is also useful for preparing the young or green horse for riding. It teaches the horse to respond to the voice commands and also accept the bit the horse learns to balance himself before having to balance with the rider on board. Working on the the double lunge is great in suppling the horse right through his entire body. Only supple horses can navigate obstacles or achieve the higher level movements in whatever discipline they are used for. 
The equipment consists of a roller with large rings, 2 lunge reins and bridle. The reins need to run freely without getting caught up. The reins run from the bit to the top ring on the roller then down to the low rings on the roller. Don't go direct from the bit to the low rings as this will only create a new direction for the horse and not help with your riding and horses balance. The reason for the low rings is to prevent the rein from going over the back or under the tail.
It is important for the horse to be relaxed and calm so the muscles can develop correctly. Make sure until you and your horse are experienced on the double lunge that you either do this exercise in a round yard or arena. Make sure you are clear of all the reins eg collect up any loops or slack in the reins make sure you do not wrap them around your hands or get them tangled around your legs. If the horse takes fright and spins around or takes off you don't want to be caught up in any leads. There is quite an art to double lunging it takes practice for you and your horse. Once accomplished you will find it one of your most valuable training methods for creating a wonderfully obedient and supple horse. Much like riding your outside rein controls the speed also keeping the horse out on the circle, you can give half halts with the outside rein, the inside rein gives direction. Make sure the horse stays on a nice curve eg not throwing his hips or shoulder in.
On the double lunge start the horse off on a straight track then bring him onto a 10-20m circle. You'll notice how even the slightest tension on the reins will give him a bend. You need to give and take just like riding when he gives you give etc. On the circle create a smaller circle for yourself which you will step around. Make sure you keep the horse on the 10-20m track this is done by use of the outside rein, don't follow the horse and never step backwards. If you step out of your circle and follow the horse you start to break his circle likewise if you step backwards you are also breaking the horses circle. You set the track and keep the horse on it. Once the horse is used to being worked with in this way you can vary the diametre of the circles for greater bend, you can wind him in for a few rounds and then let him out again. you can create a lovely balanced and slow canter and generally better balance and rhythm in all paces. As with general lunging you are seeking all of the above for your horse however this can only be achieved if you are doing things correctly. Lunging is often not taken seriously and has little use if not done properly.
Double lungeing can be a wonderful training tool to achieve a higher level in all horse disciplines. If you are willing to put in the above ground work it is a quick and sure method for creating a horse with good rhythm, balance and suppleness. Allowing you to improve your performance enormously. The horse is able to handle more complex turns and use his body more effectively it gives you and him confidence that once direction is given the movement is effectively achieved.
Like any training being consistent is the key to see the best results!
PRINT: PDF of this Page double lungeing gary rollans2.pdf
There are two main ways to set up the reins eg on the bay above they are used as more of a draw rein. This is used for horses that aren't responding effectively to the bit. It speeds up the flexion and balance but you need to be very careful that they do not overbend. Sometimes this is only used for 10 minutes at a time and with very giving hands. If the horse is let overbend you will ecourage them to be heavey on the forehand. The other method as on the greys is used more often once the horse is going well. See below pics for setup detail.
An interesting DVD showing the ultimate heights you can reach in the art of schooling horses in hand is
Schooling Horses In-Hand DVD for suppling & collection - RIchard Hinrichs 
$57.95 includes freight
Retraining of Standardbred Pacers for riding and driving
We have found a useful tool in the retraining of the standardbred from pacing to trotting via 
use of a piece of equipment called a gogue. The purpose of the Gogue is to encourage the horse to raise the neck, free the shoulders and engage the hocks, so that he may develop the correct muscles for a rounded outline. It must be used properly eg not done up too firmly that the horse becomes heavy on the forehand. We have had standardbreds that will pace no matter what you try. The one thing we have found very helpful was the correct use of the gogue. This has enabled the horse to build a different muscle set and they have been trotting instead of pacing right from the start.
The Gogue is a useful tool in the training of other horses also. but once again as with any training aid it must be used properly.
Muscle Therapy for Horses
Beating Muscle Injuries for Horses is a great book written by Jack Meagher - sports therapist. It is both practical and informational written in a way that is easy to quick reference when you need it. We leave it up at our stable where we can revise the diagrams and areas to treat for different problems. Stress point therapy makes sense.
