[Encore] Strides Revisited: Developing Contact Using the Lunge Line While on the Lunge (Originally Ep #1168)

Most riders think the lunge line's main job is to keep their horse on a circle…
But what if that's the exact reason lunging feels like a tug-of-war?

In this Strides Revisited episode, we go back to the foundations and look at how to use the lunge line correctly, not as a restraint, but as a powerful aid to develop true contact and connection with your horse.

You'll learn how to:

• Rethink the purpose of your lunge line so it works with your horse, not against them

• Use arena boundaries as supportive artificial aids that clarify communication

• Combine your position, body language, voice, and the boundary to create forward energy

• Transform that energy into meaningful contact, just like you do with your reins under saddle

This approach turns lunging into a dynamic training tool that helps both you and your horse find softness, rhythm, and responsiveness; on the ground and when you ride.

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🔑 Key Takeaway

Your lunge line isn't there to hold your horse in place.
It's there to shape energy into connection. Once you shift how you use it, lunging becomes a powerful way to develop softness, straightness, and feel, from the ground up.

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💡 Next Steps for Riders

Inside Connection, we're spending the next few months mastering Half Halts, from the lunge to the saddle. This episode fits perfectly into that theme, helping you refine timing, feel, and contact in every stride.

👉 Join Connection at https://stridesforsuccess.com/join to follow along and begin improving your balance, communication, and results with your horse.

If you're ready for more direct coaching and personalized feedback, explore Restart & Reschool Private Coaching. In there I will help you go from stuck to certain in your riding and training. https://stridesforsuccess.com/rr

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🫶 Stay Connected

Join the conversation with other riders who are training alone inside the Daily Strides Podcast Online Community on Facebook, a free space to share wins, ask questions, and get inspired https://facebook.com/groups/dailystridespodcast

And don't forget to follow, subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast so other riders can find it too!