Charging while lunging

Question
I recently purchased a 4 1/2 yr. gelding ex-race Thoroughbred, 15.3. He had less than 10 starts. I had him for a 3 wk. trial first(we're at 3 weeks and a day today). Since I assumed he knows nothing (as they come with zero history)I handled him daily, de-stressing, low protein, but thoroughly checking his tolerances and training. He's wonderful in ties, loading, saddling/bridling, feet, very sweet and silly...like a yearling in the brain. I find him to be extremely intelligent. I did Join Up and Follow Me, both he went with willingly. He's adjusted to the stable, I've introduced him through the stall bars to what will be his pasture mates (geldings). I started lunging him, he's picked up subtle word commands and tones. I've long lined him (for steering), he knows whoa well, stands for the mounting block and I've ridden him mostly walk, with a few moments of trot. He's adjusted well to others in the arena at different speeds, passing as well.
Prior to riding I try to turn him out for at least 15 minutes to romp, blow off steam. Then we start a basic lunge to build some concentration on me...maybe 10 minutes at a walk/trot, then ride for no more than 15 mostly walking, working on seat aids, adjusting to legs and steering.
Recently, during the lunge IF I take eye contact or face front/shoulder, he'll turn his head in to watch me..after one or two circles he'll cut in to charge across our circle but distinctly a "charge" in attitude.
About me...I've been out of horses for 20 years, prior to that I had started several and worked at a pretty significant place nearby. Having restarted several track horses, worked with Arabs, Thoroughbreds, Trakehners...that was 20 years ago, during that time I've had show dogs...dogs have a different body language, I remember some stuff well, other is vague.
Do I stand my ground, charge back with a correction of the lunge whip and to what degree? I have done all that voicing a large growl, hiss and stomp (not using the whip as a weapon)to which he bolts back away a tad wide eyed and seems quite respectful but is still attempting to enter the forbidden zone...and at times it "appears" playful??? I've only had one other horse charge me ever and he was serious.
Thank you!

Answer
Hi Beth,

This is a tricky one with many, many variables.  First up, it sounds like you've made a wonderful start on him.  I love Monty's join up process and whilst I don't use his follow up program (I found it was too harsh for senstive Standardbreds) the actual 'join up' is fantastic (but only if done correctly and well)

I'm hesitatnt to suggest reprimands as in these sort of situations I really need to see for myself what is going on.  But you do need to get on top of this situation right away.  He may only be playing now, but one day it might just turn serious.

First thing I would suggest is find a trainer who has similar training ideas to your own.  I would suss out these trainers by going to their barns and watching them work horses and riders.  Once you find one that you like then I'd get them to come and watch you work your boy.  I can't say for sure, but I think this is what I would call a join up challenge.  I've only had them a couple of times.  Is your boy an alpha gelding?  Or is he really submissive?  Both of these extremes of temperament can lead to these sorts of challenges.  A trainer or other knowledgeable person can be that third set of eyes that can watch both you and the horse and together you can try and work out a solution.

As I said before, there are various reprimands that can be used, but I'm hesitant to suggest any without seeing the full story play out.  You don't want to ruin him, or make him scared at this early stage.

What I usually do with a bolshy join up challenge is this....

I take the horse out into the round yard and without a lunge rein, work the horse just like I would if the rein was attached, I also suggest wearing a helmet - just in case.  I then wait.  When you face up to the horse you are challenging him. You're saying "I'm the boss". When he charges you, he's saying "no you're not, I'm going to be the boss now".  

When he charges you need to (step out of the way naturally!) turn your back and not look at him (but watch him out of the corner of your eye!).  Once he rushes past you (and is out of kicking distance) you need to immediately and aggressively react by pushing him into join up mode.  

Work him hard around that ring.  The second he wants to give in, push him more.  Basically you are going into full join up mode again.  This time you have to start a bit more aggressively.  Once he is showing signs of acceptance then you can start to back off, but finish the join up.  You have to go through the full thing again.

If all goes well, you'll have a horse that is once again aware of his place in the pecking order. Cool him off, treat him as normal and finish for the day.

When you lunge him again the next day he should be much more tractable.

Some horses just need regular join up sessions.  I had a  standardbred mare who I 'joined up' with about once every 3 - 6mths and she was a Grand Prix horse!  She was very much an alpha mare and she'd be sweet and loving but then she'd become too bolshy and pushy so it was back to join up and she'd again become the sweetie that she normally was.  It's the same with the overly submissive horses.  It builds up and builds up until they go - No More! Again, it's back to join up, back to establishing pecking order and normally they go back to being the quiet horses they normally are.

I can't suggest strongly enough to find someone to work with that can watch you both and pinpoint exact triggers etc.  You just can't beat that extra set of knowledgeble eyes!

Good Luck!