An idiots guide to long reining

muckypony

muckypony

Well-Known Member
Joined
24 August 2012
Messages
1,563
Visit site
Anyone got one?

I've never done it before and would like to teach both of mine, so don't want to get anything wrong!

Thanks :D
 
I had someone come and teach the horse to long rein and to show me the basics, then got on with it. :cool: The pro came back when I had a problem that looked like it might develop - but we caught it quick so it didn't.;)
 
Read Richard Maxwell's books. Important things are, if using a saddle, use a leather to tie stirrups together underneath. If using a roller, make sure the rings are large enough for the lines to run through easily. Get them used to a line round their back legs before you start.

Then when you are really good you can do this (not me, but its my pony :))

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr2dzN_E25Y
 
You really need to practice on a horse that knows how to do it first.

I don't like to put the reins through anything until I'm sure the horse will behave. It's a lot easier then to just put them on a lunge circle until they settle back down. If reins are through something it is possible to get in the situation where the horse has spun round to face you and runs back, the rein acting like a draw rein through the roller/stirrup and pulling tight, which can be a tricky situation to get out of.
 
Practise first in an enclosed space, we started with a youngster with someone leading him and with a lungeline just up one side so he could get used to the feel of it around it. It depends on how sensitive your horse is though, mine has never been bothered about lines all around his feet/legs (which is good for one of my malco moments!). Then practise the aid to stop, by far the most important imho! I use the same voice commands I use for lunging as he responds well to these. If you're on the roads its REALLY important to have these, as if your horse gets spooked it really helps - mine is on box rest with walking in hand atm, and has tried his hand a few times at rearing/plunging and cantering, but I think actually the long reins through a roller have been able to control him better than if I was leading him.

I had a long reining lesson the other week where we did some leg yield and shoulder in which was quite good, although we did get a bit muddled at times!

I can start to ride mine next week, and I can't WAIT, no more walking behind his dirty bum for an hour at a time :rolleyes:
 
Use different colored reins. It's a good idea to practice on one that knows the ropes if possible. I start on the head collar with a greeny, saves the mouth if (when) things get in a muddle. Also, if your horse can be trusted not to kick it can be useful to walk quite close behind him, then you can get to his head to reassure him frequently. Feel free to PM me with any questions, I can long rein quite well - terrible rider though.... :D
 
FfionWinnie said:
Read Richard Maxwell's books. Important things are, if using a saddle, use a leather to tie stirrups together underneath. If using a roller, make sure the rings are large enough for the lines to run through easily. Get them used to a line round their back legs before you start.

Then when you are really good you can do this (not me, but its my pony :))

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr2dzN_E25Y
Click to expand...

Love your pony, he's so cool!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top