Simple lunging for strength and straightness

Since I'm still "grounded" until my rib strains heal, I did some lunging yesterday. I recently got new footing in my arena, so it's a bit deeper than they are used to. Key points to safe and useful lunging - ⏳ Keep it short. The purpose isn't to exhaust the horse (though I know many of us have experienced times when we need to get some bucks out before riding!). I like 20 minute sessions to reduce wear and tear on the joints. 🌀 Spiral in and out. This helps with lateral balance 🚦 Transitions transitions transitions! Keeps them off the forehand and also makes it more interesting. You can't do too many transitions (both between gaits and between speeds within gaits) 📏 Side reins are helpful but don't crank them in. I use them fairly long (my horses are young and still very much early in the training) and I only use them to help them get used to steady contact and a consistent outside rein. My Friesian tends to dive behind the contact so I am careful to not encourage this, by keeping reins long and movement forward.