I like to do all three gaits, and also good woahs, on the lunge. I also like to introduce them to trotting poles and cavaletti on the lunge. I have them do everything on the lunge that I expect under saddle.
I change direction and gaits frequently, but I don't lunge a long ~time~ either, if they are doing well. It's really not good for their joints, or for Bay's feet, to do a lot of continuous circling.
Can I ask you a question, and you understand that I'm not trying to be offensive:)
I just don't get spending all that time lunging for exercise, but not riding because it's boring not having alot of room??? I find lunging boring. Even if I had only an arena to ride in which I really don't like, I'd rather ride there then lunge, especially to do ground poles and cavalettis.
Becky
I start with the lunge rope and then take it off (when I'm in the round pen of course). I stop when she changes gait upon command and turn to my voice. Sometimes it's just a few minutes. Sometimes it's 20-30 and going back for seconds:')