Why does Monty Roberts think single line lunging is bad horsmanship?

[ukica]

In MRs most recent newsletter, he states as follows:

*Let me first say that I have repeated at virtually every public gathering that single line lunging is the second worst piece of horsemanship on earth, in my opinion.  In addition I have a full chapter on the negatives of single line lunging in my book From My Hands to Yours*

Has anyone read this and if so, why does he consider lunging so bad?

[happy-horses]

I think I will still lunge 

[Bradders]

Working on a circle can put more of a strain on some of the joints I suppose, but he works in a round pen?

Pass

Personally, I am not a huge fan of "join up" - but I am am a complete amateur so am probably missing something vital!

[Heather]

I think it is just something Monty has never done, and maybe doesnt understand just how we dressage riders develop the paces on the lunge- I cannot imagine not being able to lunge. When we get some video done of Jenny lunging, as she is exceptionally good at free lunging, I will forward Monty a copy!!I will be seeing him later today- dont know if there will be time to chat, but if so, will ask him- and put forward my case for lunging!!

I have used join up myself and again as with all 'tools', feel it is down to the timing of the handler too. I think it can be very useful, in the right hands!!

Heather

[TashaKat]

I got that too ... but can think of far worse things than lunging ... like Join Up and the buck stopper which I cannot abide whether done by Monty, Kelly or whoever (but then I'm not exactly a fan of their work anyway) 

I can only assume that correct lunging technique just hasn't been part of his repertoire.  Done badly it varies from being pretty useless to downright damaging.  It will be interesting to see what his reply to the question is. 

[catkin]

There's lunging and 'lunging' remember; the way some people 'lunge' I'd certainly agree with him!

I've had a horse who was taught by a master - all his life it was a fabulous way to work him. I've got another who has issues to this day on a single line - we think she had a bad time before we got her.

PS I know my limits - I can't do it as well as double-lunging so mine do that.

[annep]

Just wondering if the emphasis here is on the word "single"  as there is greater similarity to ridden and longreining work when the outside line is also used..........not that I am much good at it

[lisaNW]

Is it not also that it can be quite contradictory to join up? In join up you send the horse away and when they are submissive (for want of a better word) you allow them to come to you. With lunging most people emphasise the horse staying out on the circle  - we ask them to halt on the circle and stay out on their own, which is a bit contrary to inviting them in. I imagine the rest is to do with endless circles with unbalanced horses, straining joints and having no training benefit. That is of course not what most of us would consider proper lunging but probably more than half of the horse world would...
Lisa

[jenb]

I think he has not seen lunging done well.  I do agree that BAD single line lunging is very bad, but it does wind me up that the Monty followers dismiss ALL single line lunging as terrible.  Done well, it is fine.  Damned hard work for the handler, but fine for the horse!

[issywizz]

Because he doesnt know what he is talking about, he is a cowboy after all. 
Maybe he should tell the SRS they have it all wrong. 

[Wendy]

I seem to remember the problem he sees is that the horse is spinning round by its head. Therefore inevitably there is pressure on the head and neck of the horse. (Centrifugal force?  )

If lunging is done badly he is quite right.

[ukica]

Interesting.  I actually really respect MR's work and was really interested to know more about the psychological effect he feels it has on the horse.  I am especially impressed with his *willing partners* stuff and think those horses on the the WP programme are amazing and worth their weight in gold  

[issywizz]

Yes but *anything* done badly is generally not a good thing for the horses.

[ukica]

absolutely....still want to know about the psychological reasons though if anyone knows what they are?

Maybe Heather can get some more details on this when she sees him today  

[issywizz]

Well there would be lots of possible psychological effects all depending on how it was done and the attitude of the handler.
One common scenario is the robotic switch off that Parelli style lungeing tends to create.
Another would be a confused horse who doesnt understand why he is being told to stay out when the handlers body language says come in......
Horses arent stupid but what does mess them up psychologically is poor body language or unclear intention.