Lunging is a common training technique used by many to exercise horses, improve balance, and establish control. However, this traditional method may be far less beneficial than previously thought and could even contribute to long-term damage if not done with precise care. In this blog, we explore the anatomical and behavioral drawbacks of lunging, present evidence-backed concerns, and offer alternatives better suited for equine well-being.
1. Anatomical Limitations: Hinge Joints Are Not Built for Rotation
The joints below the horse's shoulder, including the elbow, carpus (knee), fetlock, and pastern, are hinge joints. These joints are designed for flexion and extension, not rotational movements.
Lunging forces horses to engage in repetitive circular patterns, placing stress on these joints, which are not biomechanically built for such movement. Repeatedly turning in a circle creates torque in the limbs and spine, leading to potential repetitive strain injuries over time.
A study on equine joint mechanics by Clayton (2013) highlighted how the repetitive nature of circular movement places undue stress on the joints, potentially contributing to lameness and other musculoskeletal issues. Unlike human athletes who cross-train to strengthen muscles in different planes of movement, horses lunged in circles repeatedly are prone to joint fatigue and imbalance.
2. Unnatural Movement Patterns: Horses Don’t Travel in Circles in Nature
Horses are designed to move in a straight line or in broad arcs when in the wild. They engage in varied locomotion that includes walking, trotting, and galloping across different terrains.
Asking a horse to move repetitively in a small, confined circle contradicts their natural movement patterns and limits full-body engagement. Over time, this can lead to asymmetries in muscle development and postural issues.
Research shows that horses forced to maintain unnatural gaits and postures during lunging are more likely to develop stiffness and discomfort in the thoracolumbar region (Gómez Álvarez et al., 2006). Over time, these repetitive circular patterns can lead to imbalances in muscle tone and skeletal strain.
3. Mental Stress and Fear: Lunging Without Expertise Can Harm
Lunging, if done incorrectly, can easily become a repetitive and stressful exercise for horses. If the handler lacks a scientific understanding of equine behavior and body language, lunging can feel like chasing for the horse, leading to anxiety and fear around movement. Horses are sensitive animals, and inappropriate lunging techniques can lead to stress-related behaviors, making it counterproductive.
König von Borstel et al. (2017) found that improper lunging often leads to higher stress levels in horses, particularly when the exercise involves no variation and minimal reward. Training based on fear or avoidance damages the horse-handler relationship and can result in defensive or evasive behaviors.
It is important to note that professional trainers with advanced degrees in animal behavior or equine science (e.g., a Master's in animal behavior) understand how to properly conduct lunging sessions in a way that minimizes stress and builds trust between horse and handler. These professionals typically utilize behavioral science to create positive, low-stress training environments.
4. Ineffective for Building Strength and Balance
Lunging is often touted as a method for building a horse’s strength and balance, but its repetitive nature contradicts the principles of strength and conditioning. Effective strength training requires varying exercises that target multiple muscle groups in different planes of motion. Lunging, on the other hand, encourages a limited range of motion, engaging only certain muscles while neglecting others.
When compared to human athletic training, lunging is comparable to asking an athlete to run in a tight circle repeatedly. This would be considered ineffective and even harmful, as it doesn’t build strength, endurance, or balance across different planes of movement. According to human research on athletic conditioning, repetitive, single-plane movement increases the risk of overuse injuries and fails to build overall strength (Kjaer et al., 2010).
Similarly, lunging only strengthens certain muscle groups, creating imbalances and leaving horses more susceptible to injury due to a lack of full-body engagement.
5. Contraindications to Training: The Importance of Assessment
Before embarking on any training program, including lunging, it is essential to assess the horse's mobility, stability, and overall health.
Asking a horse to move in repetitive circles when they have restricted mobility in the spine, pelvis, or limbs can exacerbate existing issues and cause pain. Horses with underlying musculoskeletal problems, such as tightness in the thoracolumbar spine or pelvic asymmetries, are at high risk of further injury from lunging exercises.
Just as athletes undergo assessments to identify limitations or weaknesses before starting a training regimen, horses require a thorough physical evaluation. Veterinarians and equine therapists can identify any areas of pain, stiffness, or asymmetry that could be aggravated by certain forms of exercise. Clayton (2013) emphasized the importance of biomechanical assessments in horses before exercise to prevent injury and optimize training plans.
Alternatives to Lunging: Natural, Effective Training Methods
Instead of relying on lunging, consider these alternative methods (once the horse has been assessed and cleared for training) that align with the horse's natural biomechanics and movement patterns:
Straight-Line and Hill Work: Encouraging the horse to move in straight lines or over varied terrain (e.g., hills) helps engage different muscle groups, improving overall strength and coordination without the repetitive strain of circular movement.
Pole Work: Ground poles can stimulate core engagement and proprioception, helping the horse lift its legs and maintain balance.
Liberty Training: Allowing horses to move freely in an open space helps them develop balance and coordination while also fostering mental engagement.
Cross-Training: Just like human athletes, horses benefit from varied exercises targeting different muscle groups and movement patterns. Incorporating different activities into their routine ensures a balanced, full-body workout.
Conclusion
Lunging, especially when done improperly, is an ineffective and potentially harmful training method for horses. Its repetitive circular motion places unnecessary stress on hinge joints and encourages unnatural movement patterns that can lead to physical and psychological stress. Horses should always be assessed for mobility and musculoskeletal health before engaging in any repetitive exercise, and alternative training methods that reflect natural movement patterns should be prioritized.
References
Clayton, H. M. (2013). Biomechanics of joint loading in the equine forelimb during locomotion. Veterinary Clinics: Equine Practice, 29(1), 77-90.
Gómez Álvarez, C. B., Rhodin, M., Bobbert, M. F., Meyer, H., Weishaupt, M. A., & Van Weeren, P. R. (2006). The effect of induced forelimb lameness on thoracolumbar kinematics during treadmill locomotion. Equine Veterinary Journal, 38(3), 209-213.
Kjaer, M., Krogsgaard, M., Magnusson, P., Engebretsen, L., Roos, H., Takala, T. E. S., & Woo, S. L. (2010). Textbook of sports medicine: Basic science and clinical aspects of sports injury and physical activity. Wiley-Blackwell.
König von Borstel, U., Visser, E. K., & Hall, C. (2017). Indicators of stress in equine training: Behavioral and physiological correlates. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 18, 48-59.
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