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FAQ #27981

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I have a three-year-old Clydesdale/Percheron mare and am starting to train her. Is it O.K. to lunge her, or should I work her ground driving? I was told that you should not lunge a draft horse. I want to use her to ride. I have already saddled her and ridden her at a walk and trot around the farm, and she does well. I just want to do it correctly.

Related resource areas: Horses

Like anything we do, moderation is key. A bit of light lunging is not going to hurt this horse most likely, and it will allow you to continue to work on gaining her trust, respect, etc. If you can just keep her at a walk and trot and maybe a small amount of controlled canter, that should be fine. A few minutes of lunging in each direction will also allow her to get the "play" out so she can focus on you. It will also be good to ground drive this horse to continue to teach her cues, etc. and how to respond to them. You probably don't need to do it every day, especially if you're riding her. Maybe lunge for a few minutes a couple of days a week and then ground drive before your ride the other days. It sounds as if everything you're doing will help you develop an enjoyable horse in the long term.

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