Whats the difference between lunging a horse vs. long lining it?
long lining is similar except that there are 2 lunge lines used that are usually attached to a bit or sidepull headstall to get the horse accustomed to moving off the pressure. Ground driving, on the other hand, also uses 2 lunge lines, but instead of the horse moving in just a circle, you can move it wherever you want, which will get the horse used to the bit/sidepull guiding it, as well as stopping and backing. This is a good exercise for young horses before they are backed, so they have an idea of what to do when someone is actually riding it. Sometimes people will also use a bit/sidepull and other devices on a horse when it’s lunging to get it softer, but you don’t really have any control over it. You’re just letting the horse get out the extra energy while wearing the equipment. However, ground driving, long-lining and lunging help the horse to become familiar with verbal cues.
