Lunging & Training Aids

Lunging Equipment and Training Aids

Lunging and groundwork are fundamental to good horsemanship. Whether you're warming up before a ride, building fitness in a young horse, rehabilitating after injury, or working on balance and straightness, the right equipment makes these sessions productive and safe. Solo Saddlers stocks over 30 lunging and training products for every level of groundwork.

Lunging Equipment

Lunge lines — Available in cotton web, nylon, and cushion web. A good lunge line should be 8-10 metres long, comfortable to hold, and have a secure swivel clip that doesn't twist. Padded and flat web lines are easier on the hands than thin rope lines, especially with a horse that pulls.

Lunge cavessons — A cavesson fits over the horse's nose and provides the attachment point for the lunge line on the noseband, rather than on the bit. This allows you to lunge without putting pressure on the horse's mouth — particularly important for young horses and those being retrained.

Lunge whips — Used as an extension of your arm to maintain impulsion and direction on the circle. A lunge whip should be long enough to reach the horse without you having to move out of position. Lightweight and well-balanced whips are less tiring to hold during longer sessions.

Lunge rollers and surcingles — Provide attachment points for side reins and training aids when you're lunging without a saddle. Essential for most training aid setups.

Training Aids

Side reins — Attach from the bit to the roller or saddle, providing a steady contact that encourages the horse to work in a consistent frame. Available with elastic or rubber inserts for some give, or plain for a fixed contact. Start with them fairly long and shorten gradually as the horse's strength and balance improve.

Training systems — Devices like the Pessoa, de Gogue, and Chambon work on different principles to encourage correct posture and muscle development. Each has specific uses — a Chambon encourages stretching long and low, while a Pessoa provides adjustable resistance. Learn how each works before using one, as incorrect use can cause more harm than good.

Draw reins and running reins — Ridden aids that provide additional leverage to encourage the horse to lower its head and flex. These are tools for experienced riders only — in uneducated hands, they teach a horse to come behind the vertical rather than working genuinely through from behind.

Using Training Aids Responsibly

Training aids are not shortcuts. They're tools to support correct training, and they all work best when combined with good riding and a sound understanding of biomechanics. Used incorrectly, they create tension, resistance, and false frames. If you're unsure which aid suits your horse's training stage, ask your instructor or get in touch with our team — our riders have experience across disciplines and can steer you in the right direction.

Complement your groundwork with the right bridle and bit setup, and browse our boots and bandages for leg protection during lunging sessions.