long lining - 'how to' guide please!!!

[kcgibson]

I long line my horse ocassionally for a change and a bit of fun - nothing serious (or like yesterday when i was going out and didnt want to mess my hair up by wearing a hat! lol). I know the basics and dont have a poblem with it but i was wondering if anyone can fill me in on the finer points?! Also, can i long line over small jumps or is it better to lunge for that (although I am told lunging is a waste of time for a horse as you only have control over one side of the horse and horses dont generally run in circles)??? Just a bit of expert advice needed really!

 

[custard]

I bought the Richard Maxwell long lines a few years back, you do need extra long lunge lines, and the short video with it is helpful. Horsey went quite well, think he'd watched the video first!

You need to tack up your horse complete with saddle, tie the stirrups underneath so they dont bang about and thread the lines from the bit thru the stirrups so they dont drag on the floor. You then position yourself so that you the horse and the two lines form a triangle, the line on the outside of the circle should fall gently just above his hocks.

It really is best if you watch the video as you can get in an awful muddle with all the 'knitting' and it's a bit fiddly. Once my ned threw a tantrum and spun round and round winding the lines round his legs until effectively he'd trussed himself up like an oven ready chicken!! Good job he's sensible as I fell about laughing at him poor sod, I did eventually unravel him!

 

[kcgibson]

thank you very much for advice!! ill have a look for the dvd. ive actually used a roller to long line but i guess its better with a saddle.

 

[custard]

With the reins thru the stirrups they slide more freely, depends on how low your roller rings are but u need them quite big and low on the horses tummy

 

[Law]

If you can, get yourself 'the art of long reining' by sylvia stanier
very good book