Long reining

[racaille]

Right, you kindly experts. We need chapter and verse on long reining please: why, how and what kit?

[fimacg]

cant help I'm afraid although Brig I think does.

[brigadier]

Okay here goes:

I use this kit but only because I like nice stuff, helps you keep your hands balanced and helps stop the horse spinning, you can do it adequately with two lunge reins!

stopthathorse.com/startright/startright.php

Also this gives some good advice but doesnt go into how to actually do it

stopthathorse.com/startright/window.htm


Start with someone to help you hold him while you get the reins fitted. Attach from the snaffle through the roller or stirrup irons (let down and tied to girth with a bit of string) and through equally on each side to your hand. Stand behind where you are comfortable but slightly to one side initially so the horse can see you. You may like to put a standing martingale on the horse as if he is the sort that spins this can help.

To walk forwards say your chosen command ie "forward "or "walk on" in an upward positive tone and follow with a light slap against the sides with both reins. He may shoot off- if so go with him but only at your chosen pace, to bring him back use a pulsing like pull on the reins- pull, release, pull, release, pull, release. You must remember to do this also when you stop. At all times when stopped the rein must be soft. words like "steady" and "whoa" are useful
To turn corners ie left, take the left rein and take it across your body towards your right hip- opening and leading does not work with long reins and will confuse the horse. Practice a few stops and a few turns and keeping the contact light and then you are good to go. Have someone with you the first couple of times. At first they can walk slightly in front to give the horse confidence but then they walk behind so the horse is out there leading the way. Have them help at road junctions at first as the horse will fidget and it can be a bit daunting but usually they will settle quickly. Once you are comfortable you can walk slightly to one side to watch the road and even put the reins in one hand so you can relax but only do this once you feel competent enough to, as they can spook and spin quickly so you need to be ready.
Enjoy!

[racaille]

Thanks Brig, that's a lovely and clear explanation.

But why? What does it do for the horsey?

And how far behind should you walk?

[brigadier]

it does a few things- makes them brave- they always go first, it encourages them to walk and work from behind as they naturally go deep and round and work the back and hocks. It makes them respect the trainer more- if you say go they have to! Then there's all the rehabillitative reasons and the prep for saddle and rider. I walk quite close but only if I know the horse- on a road Ill walk to one side slightly so I can see. They say a horse can kick the same length as his body so that should give you a rough guide- but the both barrel type of kick is a real rare one for most horses as a deliberate weapon against the trainer- if the horse knows you well it would want to get back to you by spinning- not knocking out its only ally! But dont quote me!!!!

[joandlad]

If you watch someone who is really good at long lining there is nothing that they can't get the horse to do from the ground that they can do mounted. Lots of trainers teach new movements from the ground before getting on board. I taught Murph shoulder in from the ground on short lines as you can use your whole body to influence the movement until they get the idea of what you are after. The world's your lobster. ;D Don't just go round in circles.

One small point that hasn't been mentioned yet is to make sure you spend some time getting the horse used to the lines round its back end before attempting to long line.

[fallible]

I always long rein when backing.
It teaches them to be independant and brave as already said.
Wonderful for puddles, ditches, ponds etc as if you encounter a problem of them not wanting to go forwards, you can go onto double line lunging, which you can work closer and closer the scarey ditch or pond til they almost do it by accident.
Make sure you allow with your hands as if you are actually riding.
, especially with ditches banks etc (and quick on your feet) as they can fair launch.
I always think that a horse is more forward if it has been first long reined.
good way of keeping them in work if you are between saddles etc.
Enjoy!

[maximum]

a little tip if you think they may be wary of lines across their bot is to get some baler twine and make into a loop and drop over their butts in the stable so they get used to that feeling and if you do go to double line lunging they are fine about the rope behind them.