Long reining in the school - ideas needed

[mrdarcy]

I've just introduced myself to the joys of long reining in the school. I'm bringing my horse slowly back into work after a couple of niggles meant he's had a few weeks off - so I thought long reining would be a great way of getting him fit until I can get back on board. He's a star (probably done it before) and is dead easy so no worries there but what I'm after is some exercises I can do to make it more interesting for us both.

We're confined to walk at the moment so I'm looking for tips for different things to do - pole work, lateral work (how do you do that without the help of your legs?) etc.

Thanks in advance

 

[Fattie_Hattie]

When i used to long rein hattie i put jump wings around the school and in straight lines and did some steering practise and also did some poles and lots of stopping and starting transitions too.

 

[Tiffany]

Poles, turn of direction, halt to walk, walk to halt transitions and serpentines.

 

[bellaM]

Practise walking along the 3/4 lines so that you don't use the wall for support improves your steering !!

 

[DuckToller]

I gave up in school due to boredom (both of us) and set off round the roads. Luckily we live in countryish side. Pony was a star and I met loads of people and brought so much laughter to people's lives!!

Wish I had a pound for every person who stopped and asked what I was doing, and for every friend who said, why didn't I just get on him?!

Would take an hour to walk round the block, about 3 miles, by the time we stopped to chat, eat grass, call in at pub, eat more verges...

Even got chatting to the chinese owners of local fish and chip shop who recognised me and wanted an introduction to the pony. Mind you he is a cremello, so I gues we looked a pair of oddballs...

So if it's an option, give it a try - but expect to be gawped at!