When lunging a horse, it is easy to fall into a routine of always working on the same circle. However, a few simple exercises can make lunging sessions more varied and beneficial. One of the most effective is the spiral exercise, which helps to develop suppleness, balance and hindquarter engagement.
Discover why this exercise deserves a place in your horse's training programme and how to perform it correctly.
What is the spiral exercise?
The spiral exercise consists of gradually bringing the horse onto a smaller and smaller circle, before gradually increasing the size of the circle again. Viewed from above, the pattern resembles a spiral, hence its name.
The aim is not to make the circle as small as possible, but to keep the horse relaxed, balanced and correctly bent throughout the exercise.
The benefits of the spiral exercise
Improves lateral suppleness
By gradually changing the diameter of the circle, the horse learns to bend through its body while maintaining its balance. The muscles of the back, shoulders and hindquarters work together harmoniously.
Develops balance
As the circle becomes smaller, the horse has to manage its balance more carefully. This exercise helps the horse to distribute its weight more effectively and avoid falling onto the inside shoulder.
Encourages hindquarter engagement
When the exercise is performed correctly, the hind legs step further underneath the horse's body. This engagement is essential for developing impulsion and preparing the horse for ridden work.
Improves responsiveness
The horse must remain attentive to the aids given by the handler. Variations in the size of the circle help improve the quality of communication between horse and handler.
How to perform the exercise
Always begin with a few minutes of warm-up in walk, followed by trot, on a large circle of approximately 18 to 20 metres.
Once your horse is calm and moving in a steady rhythm:
- gradually reduce the diameter of the circle by a few metres at a time;
- accompany the horse's movement with your position and lunge line;
- make sure you maintain a consistent pace and rhythm;
- once you reach a circle of approximately 8 to 10 metres (or larger depending on the horse's level and physical condition), gradually increase the size of the circle until you return to the original diameter.
The aim is to achieve a smooth transition, without sudden changes or loss of rhythm.
Common mistakes to avoid
Making the circle smaller too quickly
Reducing the size of the circle too abruptly can unbalance the horse and increase strain on the joints.
Making the circle too small
Not every horse is capable of working on a small circle. Young horses, horses returning to work or those with joint sensitivities should work on larger circles.
Neglecting bend
The exercise is not simply about making the horse turn more tightly. The horse should maintain a natural bend throughout its body, from poll to tail.
Forgetting to work on both reins
Always work equally on the left and right reins to encourage balanced muscular development.
How often should you practise?
Once or twice a week is more than enough. A few well-executed repetitions are more beneficial than a long, tiring session.
Combine this exercise with transitions, ground poles or changes of pace to vary your training sessions and keep your horse engaged.
Which horses can benefit from this exercise?
The spiral exercise is suitable for many horses, including:
- young horses in training;
- leisure horses;
- dressage horses;
- show jumping horses;
- horses gradually returning to fitness, following advice from their veterinarian or another professional involved in their care.
The exercise should always be adapted to the horse's level, physical condition and any individual limitations.
What equipment should you use?
2) Evasion winter riding gloves
3) Pro rope halter
In summary
Simple to incorporate into a training session, the spiral exercise is an excellent way to improve suppleness, balance and engagement while adding variety to lunging sessions. When introduced progressively and adapted to the horse's abilities, it helps develop a horse that is more responsive, better balanced and more attentive to the aids.
As with all groundwork, quality should always take priority over quantity: a relaxed, rhythmic and responsive horse will progress more effectively than one that is restricted or tired.
