round pen

Question
I need to know wat are the first  or 3 things to do in the round pen.I  free lunge her now but since I am off a horse due to a knee injury.I wanted  to do some ground work.Right now I use a lunge whip and get her to go and she changes directions when asked with the hand motions most of the time,what should I do next?I have rode her in the past but she has a new idea of wanting to buck.

Answer
Each horse is different and thus each horse requires a different routine.  However, typically a goo rule of thumb is to begin to the left walking.  Then increase to the trot.  Then walk.  Then step it up into the canter.  Never gallop!  After you have done this, start back over now tracking to the right.  Try to keep the workout even on both sides to prevent injury or uneven muscle tone.  A lunge session can be as brief as 10min while other as much as 40min.  I recommend sessions lasting about 20-25min.  If the horse on his own steps into a canter to let out a few bucks and kicks, then I usually allow him.  Pay attention to his respiratory rate and his sweat.  Heaving sides, flaring nostrils, veins bulging, and white lathered sweat can often be a good indication that the horse is overworked.  You will have to take into consideration his physical fitness, climate, and altitude to determine just how much energy is proper to exert.