Lunging off the bit

[The Moo]

Who lunges off the bit and how do you all secure the line to the bit-

a. through the inside bit ring over the poll to the outside bit ring.

b. through the inside bit ring across the curb groove to the outside bit ring.

c. straight fom the inside bit ring.

d. any other way I haven't though of

And the reasons why........ I have seen it done various ways and just wondered about the merits of each method.

Thanks.

[JoM]

I use option A. as I believe this IMHO to be the 'correct method'. Although I may well (and probably am! LOL) be wrong! I find Dancer very strong when lungeing (and quite often end up 'grass ski-ing after him when he has had enough!) I feel this method gives me the required poll pressure to 'hold on' if you like. This actually works better than a lungeing cavesson for me as it gives me more control. I cant seem to find a cavesson that doesnt move around towards the outside eye either when he is on the middle nose ring

I wouldnt use B as I think that threading around the back could cause a pinching effect when you apply pressure.

I wouldnt use C either as I can imagine the pressure on one side could make the bit be 'dragged' through the mouth.

;D

Modified as the other way I have seen is the lunge threaded through the inside bit and the attached to the back of the noseband. Whether this is right or wrong I'm not sure - but I cant think of any ill effects off the top of my head! Aside from you must need a lunge line with a buckle to put around the noseband and fasten

[The Moo]

oo never seen it attached to the back of the noseband before.

[mabel]

I also use option A Jo. I agree with the other Jo (LOL) as it's useful to have a bit of poll pressure if you need it, and her other reasons for not using B and C.

[morris]

I either lunge using A or I put on the lightweight brass newmarket coupling and lunge from that - the benefit being you are not having to fiddle around when changing rein.

[Biggerside Benwell]

I have used all 3 methods.

99% of the time I use a) for lunging Danny as it gives me the most control.

With Duke I have been using b) not to put too much pressure on his poll when he is just learning about being lunged from the bit.

[akehurstannabel]

I used to go from outside to inside via curb groove but a very experienced friend told me to just go from the inside ring to avoid unintended levers. Semed fine just from the inside ring. Jo x

[Daftmare]

I tend to attach it just to the inside bit ring but then I usually lunge in side reins or the pessoa. I also pass the lunge rein through the bit and fasten it to the roller or saddle attach a side rein to the outside giving me a steady outside rein and then I have a useable inside rein that I can use to adjust bend and circle size.

[fran]

i use a and my inst told me not to use b because if the horse got away and stood on the line at speed it could break the horses jaw. but most of the time i use a rope halter over the bridle and clip the line to that. i have a bridle without reins just for lunging and wanted to use a coupling but inst said not to - what are the benefits or none using a coupling?

karen

[The Moo]

I think the benefits of using a coupling are that it means you don't have to change the lunge rein over when you change the rein (as in direction).

I have also heard of a version of Daftmares system of just using an outside side rein, as a hand, and whip on the inside as a leg to push into the outside 'hand'.

Basically I am asking 'cos at the moment I just do it from the headcollar and it is now time for me progress and do it from the bit so i can ask a few more questions but I am worried that it will all go pear shaped and I'll mess her mouth up.

[alisonduke]

I must admit that I tend to clip the lunge line to the back of the headcollar and then the bridle reins to the roller or saddle.

[sammy]

Well I'm about to start to lunge Delight and have rightly or wrongly just ordered a cavesson with a bit attachment. Plan to attach side reins etc. She has already been mouthed.
Any advice on this welcome as I don't want to mess up!
I had previously been shown to attatch it through the inside bit ring to the outside one.
Barbara

[JoM]

Personally, I would thread through the inside ring of the bit and then clip to the back of the noseband on the cavesson. That will give you a 'feel' on the mouth, but pressure on the nose, so you dont feel like you are swinging off it. Plus, that means you are not pulling the bit though the mouth or pinching by attaching through onto the other side.

It is a kinder method than the up and over version I think. ;D

Der - I have just re-read and realised you have probably ordered a lungeing cavesson! It that is the case, I wouldnt do anything with the bit at all - just attach onto the front middle ring - if you feel you want a bit of 'contact' on the bit, you can always attach your side reins loosely to it.

[sammy]

Yes that was the plan, the line attached to the front, middle ring of the cavesson and the side reins loosely atached to the bit.
Is that right??
I have opted for ones with rubber rings and not elastic inserts.

[DalesLady]

Option A, that is how we were taught and it works well, but like anything else, gently but consistently