Long-reining help needed!

[maya2008]

Can anyone recommend books/courses/YouTube channels? I know in theory it is brilliant for the horse, but I just am not very good at it! Small pony will need a fair amount before backing and the last time I long-reined anything, my now-six-year-old was three!

So…how do I know what length of reins for an 11.2hh pony? Even with our 15 hander the last time I did this, lunge lines were ridiculously long and always in the way.

How do you stop them twisting round in the reins? Is a saddle better for this than a roller?

And basically any other tips gratefully received!!!!

 

[windand rain]

I got pony long lines for a few quid they are brilliant will try and find a link, little pony was a star we started with 2 people and gradually fell back behind her took only a few minutes for her to twig what we wanted
first day

starting to be a big girl

 

[Boulty]

Is there anyone who could come out in person & give you a few lessons? I've always been a little bit rubbish at it although one of previous horses had been driven in his youth & we suspect the other had so both of them put up with me messing about but when it came to doing it with the youngster it became clear that help was required!

My instructor started us off with the outside line coming over just behind his shoulder (with similar contact to what I'll eventually use on the outside rein) & me stood just behind his bum. We then gradually worked towards the line coming around behind his bum with me still off to one side & then having me behind him some of the time.

I use a caveson & an approx 14ft rope line & a lungeline that I've cut down a bit to make it shorter. I also have a pair of actual long reins from Kramer that I think they still sell but I don't feel like they have a very nice "feel" down them & I feel a bit disconnected from the horse (but that could be me being weird)

I don't tend to use a roller as feel like my steering is better without it but do sometimes when out on bridleways etc to prevent him being able to tangle himself if reins go slack.

 

[maya2008]

I got pony long lines for a few quid they are brilliant will try and find a link, little pony was a star we started with 2 people and gradually fell back behind her took only a few minutes for her to twig what we wantedView attachment 84317
first day
View attachment 84318
starting to be a big girl

I found some pony long lines - thank you! One problem solved right there!

 

[Gloi]

Don't put the reins through a roller until you are both good at it . You can then put them on a circle easily if they are playing up . I like my reins quite short. Just out of kicking range. Shorter once I trust them, especially on the roads.