Long reining an older horse

[Old school]

Hello. Just a quick question, is there value in long reining an older horse? The mare is skittish and can move in that sideways walk when homeward bound. She is 9, late start in life and a blood type Connie. Very alert, but never naughty. We are working on 'tempo'. Her rhythm is good, but can get runny in trot if you give too much. Her walk can also get choppy very quickly when in that hyper alert mode. I am having to work on my subtlety skills, in asking for relaxation but not getting to detached. (If that makes sense)..

So today, when she was thinking about jig jogging, I wondered if long reining would be of any use. Does anyone have experience of going back a few steps in training please? Is it worth it? TIA.

 

[ester]

Came to say about longreining my 28yo, realises that's a bit more old than you meant. *leaves*?

 

[Gloi]

If you are good at long reining there's no harm in doing it.

 

[AdorableAlice]

I have an older horse that would benefit from long reining after having a very lengthy spell off. However, I am too unfit, too old and fat and too lazy to do it, plus she would without doubt, take me ab sailing straight onto the verge or into the first hedge she spots. So it will be ridden straight lines instead !

 

[Cortez]

If you are good at long reining there's no harm in doing it.

Ha ha! I only long rein older horses, it's an advanced tool that is much misunderstood and wrongly used the majority of the time in this part of the world.

 

[Old school]

Thanks folks. Your replies are really encouraging, thank you. Am off to find my runners. I am also too old, fat and unfit. But lately I have gotten so much pleasure from working with her and her small improvements, that I am motivated to do the long reining. I will come back in a week with the update!!

 

[Old school]

Ha ha! I only long rein older horses, it's an advanced tool that is much misunderstood and wrongly used the majority of the time in this part of the world.

Any tips/advice will be very gratefully received, please.

 

[humblepie]

Yes though I am rubbish at it! Would love to be able to do it properly.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Came to say about longreining my 28yo, realises that's a bit more old than you meant. *leaves*?

I decided to long rein my then 19yo horse for the first time since he was broken in as a 2yo! I did think I may be opening up a can of worms but nope! He popped his head down into nice self carraige, picked up a swagger to his step and strode out as though he had been doing it all his life! I was utterly shocked and amazed!

Sorry OP no help from me really!

 

[ester]

I decided to long rein my then 19yo horse for the first time since he was broken in as a 2yo! I did think I may be opening up a can of worms but nope! He popped his head down into nice self carraige, picked up a swagger to his step and strode out as though he had been doing it all his life! I was utterly shocked and amazed!

Sorry OP no help from me really!

Mum leads him out but he loves long reining and walks better as a result so I do that when I visit- he's never been one to walk out very well. He's fo funny when I ask him to trot, he gets all proud and chuffed with himself ?

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I recently taught a fellow livery and her 23 y/o horse to long line. It was super easy to teach the horse, to teach the person, not so much
But she gets the basics well enough that some simple long lining is still productive. Its nice non-ridden work that still gets that horse working over her back well. It's mostly to help her maintain fitness, a good topline and muscle in her older age and to do something a little different.

I also like being able to feel and see the horse work. Mine also gets some confidence when long lining/ground driving in the forest. He's up front (as opposed to being led), and it seemed to boost his confidence a bit since he's not a natural leader.

I find that if a horse is broke to ride, and can lunge well enough, long lining is quite simple. I've never had an issue with any horse I've taught. You do need to have good body language, coordination with the lines, and overall good perception. If you are inexperienced I would see if there is someone locally you can learn from. I took a few lessons initially and I picked it up quickly.

 

[Old school]

Well, true to form of how horses make a fool of you. Have not yet long reined her. However, today she walked home from her hack in an even rhythm, no jig jog or sideways stuff. This was after a couple of canters (where she pulled like a train). I would still like to do the long reining, but the pressure is off.