Groundwork
Intermediate
20 min
Free Lunging in a Round Pen
Focus: Communication, Respect, Liberty
Equipment: Round pen (50-60 ft diameter)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Enter the round pen with your horse at liberty (no lunge line). Stand in the center.
- Use your body position to drive the horse forward: step toward the haunches and raise your energy.
- To change direction, step in front of the horse's driveline (shoulder area) and redirect it.
- Practice walk, trot, and halt transitions using only body language and voice.
- The horse should maintain the gait you request and change when you ask.
- After 10-15 minutes, ask the horse to face you and allow you to approach. This is the 'join up.'
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Chasing the horse with high energy instead of using controlled, directional body language.
- Standing in one spot and not using the angles of the round pen to direct the horse.
- Getting frustrated when the horse doesn't respond and escalating to aggressive behavior.
- Not recognizing the signs of the horse wanting to 'join up' (licking, chewing, inside ear on you, lowering head).
Variations & Progressions
- Practice specific patterns: circle, change direction, circle, halt, back up.
- Introduce liberty obstacles in the round pen for variety.
- Work toward calling the horse to you from across the round pen.
Tip: Free lunging reveals the truth of your relationship. A horse that turns in to face you wants to be with you. That's the ultimate training goal.
