Lunging with bit
Lunging is a wonderful way to strengthen the relationship between man and horse, improve fitness and gymnasticize the horse. Choosing the right equipment plays a decisive role in this. The bit in particular is a central component that is often discussed. In this article, we take a closer look at the various options for lunging.
Lunging on a cavesson with bit
A cavesson, where the lunge line is usually hooked onto the noseband, can also be supplemented with a bit in many cases, either to get the horse used to the bit without influencing it, or to attach auxiliary reins in it to give the horse a chance to seek a lean and stretch on the reins. Important for this type of lunging is a well-fitting cavesson that does not slip and a suitable bit that is correctly buckled. Even if the bit is not used to exert direct influence, it should of course be comfortable in the horse's mouth.
Lunging with snaffle
According toGuidelines of the FN the Lunging with a snaffle bit is still recommended, whereby the horse is lunged in a supportive manner and the lunge line is attached to the inner bit ring. The basis for this is, of course, a suitable snaffle bridle that is correctly adjusted and does not put pressure on sensitive areas and nerves on the horse's head. Also make sure that the snaffle you are using is suitable for lunging, as some anatomical models are not intended to be used for this due to the forces involved.
A suitable bit should also be selected here, you can read more about this topic in the blog post:'How to find the right bit'read up.
Which bit for lunging?
If you want to use a bit for lunging, regardless of whether you are lunging with a snaffle or a cavesson, the question often arises as to which bit is best suited. The lunge does not necessarily have to be hooked onto the inner bit ring, but can also be attached to the cavesson while the bit is simply buckled in. However, some people also use the bit in the cavesson to simulate a rein connection to get the horse used to it.
The best bit to use is the same mouthpiece that you use for riding. If your horse is happy with a single jointed bit, for example, there is no reason to change to a different mouthpiece. Water snaffles cushion the movement of the auxiliary reins somewhat, as the loose rings can move through the ring holes in the mouthpiece. Fixed side pieces, on the other hand, transmit the aids more directly, but have a quieter position in the horse's mouth. In addition, they offer a lateral boundary that supports the horse, which makes olive head bits and D-ring snaffles particularly popular for lunging. Side pieces with a larger lateral border can also prevent the bit from 'slipping through' when the lunge line is buckled into the inner bit ring. Bit washers can also prevent this 'slipping' and also protect the corners of the mouth. Remember that the optimum effect of bits with fixed side pieces can only be achieved if the side pieces are in contact with the corner of the mouth. As a rule, you should therefore choose a bit one size smaller than the classic water snaffle.
NATHE bits for lunging
NATHE bits are also suitable for sensitive horses and, thanks to the high-quality thermoplastic, do not cause the so-called 'eraser effect'. Our single and double broken water snaffles and olive head bits are suitable for lunging, but the NATHE D-ring bit can also be used. Especially for horses that break out over the shoulder and need a clearer lateral boundary.
SENSOGAN Gebisse zum Longieren
To make lunging with a bit particularly comfortable for your horse, we recommend our SENSOGAN bits. The chewing-promoting alloy has a positive effect on the acceptance of the bit and promotes a happy and relaxed horse. SENSOGAN bits also prove their worth with young horses that are only at the beginning of their training in order to gently accustom the horse to the unfamiliar 'metal in the mouth' and to promote confidence in the bit.
You can read more about the different bit materials in the article'Sprenger explains bit materials'.
Lunging with auxiliary reins
The aim of using various auxiliary reins is to gymnasticize the horse. These provide the horse with a stable lean that it can lean into.
Bridle
The bridle is a rigid auxiliary rein that is attached to the left and right of the saddle girth or lunging girth and is hooked into the bit rings with the help of carabiners. The reins are intended to simulate a constant rein connection and allow the horse to seek contact.
Triangular reins or running reins
The triangular reins run between the forelegs, through the bit rings, to the side of the girth. This auxiliary rein enables deep stretching and promotes the horse's suppleness and is therefore particularly popular for lunging. The running reins work in a similar way, but consist of two individual straps (while the triangular reins are partially connected). These can also both be buckled at the side and thus enable the working position with the poll as the highest point and the nose on the vertical. In this way, the preliminary stage of collection can also be developed in the course of training by setting the triangle in which the running reins run at the side a little higher rather than at the level of the elbow joint.
Chambon & Gogue
The two auxiliary reins are also very similar and are mainly used in lunging to challenge the horse'sForward-downward-posture of the horse.
TheChambon has a headpiece with side rings, which is used in addition to the headpiece of the snaffle or cavesson. A kind of shock rein runs between the front legs, from which a rope is passed through the rings in the headpiece to the bit rings. There are variants where a rope leads from one side to the other (rope leads from bit ring to ring in the poll, through ring in the shock reins, to ring in the poll on the other side and ends in the bit ring again), or two ropes, so that the sides are separated and the rope runs from the bit ring, through the ring on the poll to the shock reins.
Bei der Gogue the rope is not hooked into the bit rings, but runs through them and back to the shock reins so thata triangle is created under the ganache.
Tipp: Do you want to gymnasticize your horse and train its back? Then pole work on the lunge line is ideal. Poles lying on the ground or small cavaletti not only create variety, but also encourage your horse to move off more actively with its hindquarters and thus work more with its abdominal and back muscles. This promotes coordination, mobility and suppleness. It is best to place the poles on a circle line so that the horse can walk over them on the curved line. Make sure that it maintains its rhythm and momentum. If your horse is already a real pole pro, you can increase the distances at trot to achieve an increased suspension phase.
So longierst Du richtig
Die Wahl des richtigen Gebisses beim Longieren, genau wie beim Reiten, ist entscheidend für ein erfolgreiches Training und eine harmonische Zusammenarbeit zwischen Mensch und Pferd. Dabei sollte immer das individuelle Bedürfnis des Pferdes im Vordergrund stehen, um eine möglichst angenehme und effektive Einwirkung zu gewährleisten. Ergänzende Hilfsmittel wie z.B. Ausbinder oder Dreieckszügel können dabei unterstützend wirken, sollten aber stets mit Bedacht eingesetzt werden. Letztendlich sind ein respektvoller Umgang und eine einfühlsame Kommunikation die Basis für eine erfolgreiche Arbeit am Boden, sowie bei dem Reiten. Solltest Du Dir unsicher sein, was der richtige Weg für Dich und Deinen vierbeinigen Begleiter ist, gibt es auch Trainer, die Dich speziell beim Longieren und der Bodenarbeit unterstützen.
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