Demonstrating Dressage Lunge and Lunge Seat Lesson Competency

April 30, 2018

USDF developed a certification program to provide a training standard for dressage. The three sections for testing are riding, teaching and lunging. Dorie Vlatten Schmitz organized and hosted the third of three workshops March 24-25. USDF Certified Instructor and USEF “R” Dressage Judge Bill McMullin taught the workshop.

 

The lunging workshop was an eye-opening, educational experience for participants and auditors. Participants learned how to correctly use lunging equipment and practiced high safety standards, as well as lunged to improve a horse’s balance and connection. Then the participants taught a lunge seat lesson to a rider. The participants had to demonstrate the ability to develop, verbalize and execute a lunge seat lesson plan. The horses provided to the participants ranged from very young and inexperienced to older schoolmasters.

 

Participants were required to wear polished riding boots without spurs, a safety helmet and have a lunge whip in good repair long enough to touch a horse at 15 meters, clean leather side reins with a donut, a cotton lunge line in good repair, a clean leather lunge cavesson or leather buckle to secure the noseband with the bit, and a saddle sit/safety/grab strap. As we learned in all three workshops, a wristwatch was required so we didn’t surpass our allotted time. Only three methods of connecting a horse to the lunge line were permitted, and the methods can be viewed on eTrack in the in-depth studies under lungeing (I spell it lunging, without the e, for the purposes of this article). All participants were required to ask the lunge seat riders if they had any injuries or fears that might limit movement.

 

 

Top 5 takeaways from the weekend:

 

 

  • The goal of lunging a horse is to

 

1. Improve communication between trainer and horse

2. Improve condition and muscle tone

3. Improve development of the topline

4. Improve balance, resulting in better quality gaits

5. Improve lateral and longitudinal suppleness

 

 

  • The Assessment Cycle for Lunging the Horse

 

Observe

Observe the horse, paying close attention to the balance, rhythm, relaxation and connection.

 

Analyze

Compare what you observed to the ideal characteristics. Compare strengths and weaknesses.

 

Plan

What techniques and equipment will the trainer need to use? Focus on only a few faults so the plan can instill confidence.

 

Implement

Carry out the exercises on the lunge line and make adjustments as necessary. Never be afraid to make adjustments!

 

 

 

  • Techniques for lunging the horse:

 

1. Adjusting the stride length

2. Transitions

3. Spiraling in and out on a circle

 

USDF recommends that the horse change direction every 5-7 minutes using the two approved methods –a half-turn on the forehand or a change though circle. The horse must stand sideways in the halt and wait for the trainer to approach. The trainer must adjust side reins as necessary for better connection. It might need to begin a little longer and then be adjusted shorter later. It was emphasized that the circle size is important. 15 meters is standard for a lunge circle. The participants were warned not to keep the horse on a small circle in the spiral very long. It is physically exhausting and can cause strain.

 

The trainer must utilize the V aids with the lunge line and whip. Elbows in and pivot off one heel. Most participants needed some tweaking to keep the V with the lunge line and whip organized.

It is also important for the trainer not to keep the horse connected to the side reins when not actually lunging.

 

 

  • Participant’s learning objectives for the seat lesson:

 

1. Apply the correct use and fit of appropriate lunging equipment

2. Demonstrate correct and safe technique in lunging the horse and rider

3. Understand the correct rider position with emphasis on the rider’s alignment and balance

4. Assess the rider’s position (we must see the rider in posting and sitting trot for this)

5. Implement a seat lesson, teaching techniques and methodology for the rider

 

 

  • Assessment Cycle for the Seat Lesson

 

Observe

Observe the rider in the halt, walk, trot and canter (canter only if appropriate). Take note of the rider’s strengths and weaknesses in his or her alignment and balance.

 

Analyze

Discover where the rider’s weaknesses are originating and discuss the observations and analysis with the rider

 

Plan

What exercises will be used to address the areas of weaknesses? Focus on only a few faults so the plan can instill confidence. Adjust the plan as necessary.

 

Implement

Carry out the exercises determined in the plan phase. Explain the exercises in the walk or halt and provide the rider reasons behind why those exercises were chosen and how it helps the rider. Always remember to check in with the rider to give and receive feedback.

 

 

 

The workshop would not have been possible without the horses and riders who allowed the participants to instruct them. Dorie scheduled a pre-certification workshop in October 2018 so anyone interested in preparing for the USDF Instructor Certification testing should apply. There will be no auditors for the pre-certification workshop.