Horse Driving Trials Club Inc.

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!

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By Gary Rollans

 

When buying or choosing your driving horse you must consider what exactly you will be using him for, whether it be for pleasure, show, endurance or combined driving.  The size depends on you and your vehicle.  It's possible to put any size in harness.

 

Certain breeds are better suited to different fields eg: a combine/pleasure driver could use a standardbred, one that was not fast enough to race on the track.  This breed is wonderful usually in temperament, feet etc. and they are mostly already broken to harness, used to traffic and are well handled.  You can also pick them up quite cheaply from the track.  This breed infact is most underrated in Australia outside of the trotting racetrack. They may need to be taught to stand still after their racing time but this comes with time, patience and repetition like all horse training. They may also need to be re-schooled and will need much suppling work after their racing time.  The Russian trotters have won a world pair driving championship in the past.  photo below to right is a young standardbred in training after purchase off the track he is being double lunged to make his body supple for competition driving. 

 

Arabs and standardbreds are popular for endurance driving and in the show ring hackneys tend to dominate, however combined driving is open to many different breeds.  In Europe they are predominantly warmbloods.  In Australian combined driving we see all types competing, most are cross bred with the dominating breeds being welsh cob, Australian riding pony, hackney, andalusian, standardbred and Australian stock horses. Many people are having a great time also with the minis.  Warmbloods are becoming more popular here for driving as time goes on. 

 

Some breeds do not suit driving thoroughbreds are generally too hot blooded for situations where pressure is placed on them.  On the other end of the scale the full draft horses are too heavy and slow for combined driving but they do a wonderful job in the show ring or of course doing their traditional work.

 

When you have decided on a size, colour, and breed make sure that the temperament is suitable for harness this is vital for enjoyable safe driving.  A horse that shies persistently can cause a serious accident on a busy road, a very nervous horse is also undesirable.  Test your horse by riding and if possible long rein it.  Of course if broken to harness already test it in traffic, test for kicking by running a stick or whip down the back legs if he kicks out, reconsider your choice.

 

It may take some time to find the perfect driving horse if you rush into it you may regret it.  If you are serious about competition you may need to understand that it may take several horses before you find the right one or the right pair. Some pairs may look great together but it doesn’t mean they will work well together.

 

If you decide you would like to start with the likeable, reliable breed the Standardbred you could contact Pieta from Kalimba Standardbreds.  They have many horses coming through and can help you find a good driving horse etc.

http://kalimbahstandardbreds.page.tl/Home.htm