long reining

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samsara

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Ive just got a 3 year old cob and want to start long reining, can any one give me any tips of how to start as we both have never done this! Thanks
 
I start by having a helper at the horses head and a lead rope threaded through the noseband. To begin with the helper responds to my voice commands and encourages horse to do what I ask then as they get the hang of it gradually reduce input from helper, by this time they are really only stepping in to correct if horse doesn't listen. Then I slide the lead rope off and continue with helper walking beside. Then gradually get helper to walk further away from horse until he's happy to go it alone.
 
Yes i would use side reins, practice in a very small area first, maybe even the stable to make sure he is happy with something behind him, i just taught myself to longrein you soon pick it up and its great for teaching the bridle aids and going forward etc. Ditto above too.
 
i was only asking as i have got to start long reining my 3 year old and wasn't sure if i should use side reins
 
have two lunge lines one on each side put each line through roller or saddle stand in the middle and get he/she walking forward in a circle if not keen get someone to walk by to encorage
once you have devoloped this slowly move round the back of the horse keeping your self well back get him walking forwards (have a schooling whip with you to make him go forwards when he is good reward him for his good behaviour so he gets the idear that if hes good he gets food for it
good luck
 
I always start by getting them used to just having the reins touching their sides and behind their bum. Then all around their back legs. I then do one rein at a time and get them used to turning. I do this by say attaching the right rein, walking behind them to their left (round their bum) and applying gentle pressure. This takes them a wee while to figure out as you are asking them to turn away from you (as they will see you behind them).

I then progress to 2 lines, walk on the left side with the right rein over their back. Gradually drop behind. I don't like using a helper because a) don't always have one and b) I want the attention on me. I've done a lot of long reining for backing driving and ridden Horses and this method really works. My theory is that if you do get a tangle (it happens) if you have spent time getting the Horse used to the feel of the reins all around their legs they won't panic. I long rein in the arena, doing things like bending cones, poles (in walk and trot), basic lateral work and so on. I then progress to long reining out on hacks.

I always have the stirrups run down with an old stirrup leather connecting the two under the belly to avoid excessive movement. I never use side reins, no need for them. Also, long reining on a circle (like lungeing) is very good but not too much with a baby.
 
I know I'm not supposed to put pics on here, but this is my 18 year old Highland teaching a friend to long rein, just this week, I agree with all the above, have someone at the head to start with, and I've always used voice commands.

IMG_1612-1.jpg
 
I usually teach the basics with headcollar and leadrope first, get them doing halt walk and trot from the voice, then progress to long-reining as I have no help (but also prefer to work with a youngster on my own, im very set in my ways
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). I then introduce lines gradually, touch all other etc, then how i progress depends on the horse, but usually I will walk by the side, then slowly step back (at this point the outside rope stays over the saddle) once i have the horse going round on a circle I will slowly move the rope back and will then begin to move behind the horse.
 
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