TIPS ON APPROACH DOWN LUNGE LINE

 

 

The exercise of running to the horse as a group at the beginning of each lesson can be used as part of the warm-up. It helps relax the horse and vaulters, and improve rhythm.  As an exercise it is normally carried out in trot.

 

The vaulters should be taught to stand in a line outside the circle. They must not play when the horse is on the circle.

 

Some general tips to help teach vaulters how to approach the horse correctly down the lunge‑line.

 

 

  1. First two vaulters run to lunger after horse has passed line of vaulters. They should then move round behind the lunger following the whip hand.

 

  1. As first vaulter approaches horse, 3rd vaulter enters circle and so on.

 

  1. It is unwise to have more than two vaulters in centre of circle at one time unless required for team routine.

 

  1. Vaulter approaches along the lunge line but DOES NOT TOUCH IT as this may disturb the contact to the horse’s mouth.

 

  1. He should approach sideways and forward, looking in same direction as horse, not at the horse.

 

  1. If working in canter, pick up correct lead at least halfway down lunge‑line i.e. on left rein vaulter's left leg should lead and vice‑versa on right rein.

 

  1. Keep arms quiet, elbows bent and arms held close to rib‑cage.

 

  1. Head held high.

 

  1. Vaulter should arrive well forward of roller.

 

  1. Should always canter in step with the horse.

 

  1. Don't allow them to pull down on the roller as this makes the horse drop back to trot.

 

BEGINNERS CORNER

 

Start exercise in walk progress to trot and only when vaulter is confident move to canter.

Trot is the best pace to establish the rhythm of the horse.

 

If a newcomer cannot canter or does not understand 'leading leg, send them away to work with another experienced vaulter until they do.

 

Tell them to change leading leg by doing one hop.

 

Make sure they come under your arm and get close to the lunge‑line immediately or they will get left behind. Approaching the hind end is not advisable!

 

IMPORTANT NOTE

 

After dropping back from horse make sure they move quickly outside the vaulting circle and continue to run in the SAME DIRECTION AS THE HORSE. until they reach the line of vaulters.

 

 

BEV Ltd. Resource pack 2005                                            Coaching doc. Approach down the lunge line