getting a youngster to long line?

kerrieberry2

kerrieberry2

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I've been trying to get someone out to help me get my 3 yr old long lining, as i'm on a yard on my own! but people just seem so unreliable, saying they will check their diaries and not coming back to me! and annoyingly I have 2 weeks off work, so was hoping to get him going ready for when I back him next year!

so I had another go on my own today, just with one line, started walking around and getting further away from him but each time I stopped, he stopped! which is how I have been training him to walk in hand! based on training from a natural horsemanship person!

the annoying thing is, he's unfazed by the lunge whip, or any whip for that matter! so if I shake it behind him that wouldn't send him away!! so does anyone have any suggestions on getting him moving whilst im standing still? or can anyone recommend any reliable instructors in the Basingstoke area?

But on a positive note, he has come such a blimmin long way, considering 3/4 months ago, I couldn't even get him out of the field without him rearing up about 10 times! he's become such a confident young man since we moved to the new yard, and hes made lots of new friends with the horses that hack past the field!
 
What about booking a couple of sessions with an IH practitioner? They take a straight forward approach to long lining and you know they're not going to suggest anything that isn't in the horses best interest. They aren't expensive either :-)
 
If you are only long reining with one line does that mean you are actually trying to lunge?

What equipment is your horse wearing? Are you trying to work on a circle? Straight lines may be better for now.

Your horse stops when you stop but why do you need to stop?
 
My 6yo is just like that, she just doesn't understand that she has to move away from me very well as she has done some NH stuff in previous home and is therefore super good to lead and do anything in hand with. I can however get her to back up easily, sometimes with a gentle shake of the line (I just use a headcollar) and then use the lunge whip to 'poke' her away from me when she turns in trying to follow me and looks confused. I have actually considered getting some sort of 'training stick' as my lunge whip is really bendy and of absolutely no use as a driving aid! I have mainly been concentrating on lunging and now she will walk a few circles without turning in and a few steps of trot which is frankly more effort for me than it is for her as I jog on the spot and use my extra enthusiastic voice! She is getting it and long lining kind of follows!

I know you probably don't want to lunge your youngster but if only at walk and possibly a bit of trot it might be a good way to teach the 'walk on without me' command :-)
 
Wheels said:
If you are only long reining with one line does that mean you are actually trying to lunge?

What equipment is your horse wearing? Are you trying to work on a circle? Straight lines may be better for now.

Your horse stops when you stop but why do you need to stop?
Click to expand...

Yes I only had one line on at the beginning because he didn't understand when I tried with two lines before! He's in a bridle and a roller, for when I am able to get both lines on him!

I was trying to work on a circle, but maybe in straight lines might be easier to start with??

Re. the IH person, I have moved recently so the lady I used to use is a long way from me, so would cost a fortune for her in petrol, I have found someone closer but she is still 20+ miles away, so would really like someone local that could come out once a week for a while and as far as I know, there isn't anyone IH trained in my area! if there is they are well hidden!
 
I've never tried to teach a youngster to lunge with one rein - two is much easier with correct tack.
But if he understands your body language and verbal commands then just lead him out gradually into a wider circle with lots of energetic encouragement, till he gets it? Don't stand still if that confuses him. : )
 
Yes I would start on straight lines and as sweeping turns as possible, two lines on a headcollar or dually and the roller. Have you got anybody to help you at all by walking by his head for a while? I didn't when I started my youngster but managed to get him moving forwards by standing behind the driveline but still to the side of him and flicking a driving whip towards his quarters
 
Make sure he understands voice aids, that way you can tell him to walk on, and evenif he only does a few hesitant strides you can reward him and hopefully the penny will drop that its ok to go out in front :)
 
Wheels said:
Yes I would start on straight lines and as sweeping turns as possible, two lines on a headcollar or dually and the roller. Have you got anybody to help you at all by walking by his head for a while? I didn't when I started my youngster but managed to get him moving forwards by standing behind the driveline but still to the side of him and flicking a driving whip towards his quarters
Click to expand...

I literally don't have anyone, my old yard was quite far away and there was only 3 of us there, so I don't really see the girls anymore, one has moved nearer to me but she is scared of him because he was an evil 2 year old and would rear at ever available opportunity, so she wouldn't want to help! so I do need to find a good instructor to help me really! have been up to Robinsons this afternoon and got a number of a lady, so will give her a call tomorrow and she is she can help!

and tomorrow I will try 2 lines in straight lines! I don't think that will be an issue, he understands walk on and stand, not so much trot yet, but will trot when I run, so I will keep trotting him out next to me and get him used to trot on too :)
 
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