training weanling

Question
How old should my filly be before I try to train her to lunge?  She had her first experience with halter and leading about 2 months ago, I think she is about 9 months old now.

Answer
Suzan -

9 months is pretty young still.  It does not mean that you can not work with her, but lunging should be kept to a minnimum.  If you can keep her at a walk while she does it - just to teach her what it is about - then that is fine.  But if she acts like an idiot when she is doing it, I would wait at least a few more months.

The problem is th constant turning that comes with lunging.  It can put a great deal of stress on the legs.  Running in a straight line is one thing, but running in the round pen while lunging puts all the pressure on one side of the legs, and in a young horse that can cause damage quickly.  So if she tolerates it well, and stays at a walk - then short lunging sessions are okay.  But if she doesn't settle into it right away, I would wait on the lunging for at least 3-4 months and work on other ground work things.

Just remember, until she is 2, any work you are doing with her should be in the intrest of training - not excercise.  So when lunging or training, you will be better off doing short but frequent training sessions to limit the amount of physical and mental stress you put on her.

Best of Luck!
Michael Hockemeyer
Kicking Bear Mustangs