The act of controlling a horse in a circle at the end of a long rope (the lunge line) is a foundational training method. This involves guiding the equines movement and pace using voice commands and subtle cues from the line and lunge whip. For example, a horse may be asked to walk, trot, or canter in a controlled manner around the handler, who remains stationary in the center of the circle.
This method provides numerous benefits. It improves the horse’s fitness, balance, and responsiveness to commands without the weight of a rider. Historically, it has been used to evaluate a horse’s temperament and movement, as well as to prepare young horses for ridden work. It also offers a valuable tool for experienced equestrians to work with horses that need to build confidence or require focused training exercises.
