Long reining - how and why?

[redredruby]

Hoping some wise people here would be able to shed some light on long reining please - how do you do it and what are the benefits?

When would you use it and how often? Does it form part of your regular routine?

I am planning on trying it on Friday so would like to be prepared! (Have visions of going skiing across the school!)

Thanks!

 

[popeyesno1fan]

Probavly need alittle more info. i would long rein when breaking, and every so often afterwards, but would need to know what age your horse is, what you are doing etc...., and sometimes it ends up skiing across the school. xx

 

[DosyMare]

The main benefit IMO would be in keeping the horse straight and equal on each rein and building up strength in the back - different/unlike lunging on the circle.

Mainly used in youngster when breaking or reschooling horses, I like to long rein once a month with a mature horse for something different. Sometimes I wonder round the fields and other times I long rein and then merge into lunging with two reins.

 

[Orangehorse]

"Planning to try it" on a horse that is used to it I hope.

It needs a bit of practice to keep the reins so you don't trip over them or get them in a tangle, drop them, etc. etc. The worst thing that can happen is that the horse panics at the feel of the reins on his back legs and bolts/gets the rein tangled around his legs/kicks you in the face. It is quite easy for a horse to get completely wrapped up like a parcel as well, and the horse looks at you and you look at the horse and you wonder how you are going to unwrap them without a kicking fit/panic. Carefully.

However, long reining is very useful as you can use the bit as if you are riding and use the whip for implusion, so you can see if your horse is working correctly. It is fascinating.

I know it is good and at the highest level you can teach all the advanced dressage movements from the ground, but I prefer to ride my horse and take him out for a hack.

 

[Orson Cart]

I use it for 'driving' our miniature from the ground and for lunging, as she is only 6 and still hasn't got the hang of lunging from a single line. lunging with 2 reins stops her turning into the middle.

 

[fuzzle]

Hi hun, i swear by long reining!!!! i never long reined in all the years i had horses, but last year i was shown how to long rein my youngster, it was the best thing i ever did!!! i wish i had learned years ago and i cant tell you how much easier it has made my youngter, she is brave better schooled, listens, balanced, etc... Please have help with a experienced person if not its just worth paying someone to show you how to do it the correct way, its so easy when you know how and it will help you and your horse so much!!!!!! give it a go!!! and let us know how you get on

 

[redredruby]

He is 5 years old and not had much done with him at all, it is only in the last few months that he has been handled at all really. The plan is to long rein before backing him properly.

(I won't be by myself when long reining, will have someone very experienced there but wanted to gather as much information as possible beforehand)

Thank you!

 

[redredruby]

"Planning to try it" on a horse that is used to it I hope.

Sorry should have been clearer! I will be joined by a very experience horsewoman and she will be long reining but I didn't want to look / appear completely clueless!

 

[Miss L Toe]

You can use a saddle with the stirrups tied under the tum, but I prefer a proper roller. I also get them very used to the reins all over, and particularly round the legs as they can panic.
Have someone on the head to prevent them taking off, also ensure they won't kick you, wear a hat and gloves, I would only ever use wide soft webbing reins with proper brass clips, not thin sharp reins with fastenings that might snap.