Wow; sounds like Emma a bit Tek She was never worked when we got her; last year, she had her colt at her side so working her was futile and would have been too hard on her; but this year is her year to put her nose to the grindstone.
I definately want to avoid the mindless trancelike lunging; thanks for the tips Wolfy. I was using the loose, coiled end of the line as a whip because honestly, Emma is deeply terrified of whips for some reason (hoses too; she was probably clobbered by one..) So until I can work on that; I wrapped it neatly so it was not something we could trip on.. she responded well to my body language and I only needed an occasional flick of the LL end and things went better than I thought; I plan on getting another line so Mark can work one of the mares while I work the other; Cuesta is a deadbeat at times so it will be fun to get her going!
I am using a white "Weaver" brand line.. I had actually just clipped it to her big halter ring but I think I will try the chain-nosing thing.. I seem to have remember someone having a foam-like one before; like an inner rope covered in a tubular foam; I wonder if those exist anymore (this was the 1980s lol.)