October November 2012
Single-line lunging
The method of lunging using a single line attached to the head of the horse, is a commonly
used practice that is inherently bad for the horse. Sometimes, the line is attached to a
lunging cavesson, a piece of equipment reinforced with metal around the nose area, and
three rings on which to attach the lunging line. The line is often attached to the top ring-
on the cavesson, and the horse is sent away from the handler to travel in circles at the
walk, trot or canter. The horse cannot possibly balance himself with the unilateral (one-
sided) action of the weight of the line, let alone with the weight of the person pulling on
it. If subjected to this treatment for an extended period, the result can be a modification
of the horse's gait to compensate for the one sided pressure.