Woody&Rockie
Member
Im thinking of doing a bit of long reining, but do not know much about it - does any one know how to start off and what i would need to do it?
Long Reining
- Thread starter Woody&Rockie
- Start date
SSK
New User
I did some with my horse late last yr - really helped him in flatwork.
If I were you I would get someone to help/show you at first. Other wise you will be trying to teach you and him at the same time - not a good idea as it can get a bit fiddly!
With regards to what you need, I would say a bridle, 2 lunge lines, a saddle or roller(I know what I mean don't think that is the right word though) and a lunge whip. The idea is you clip one line on to each side of the bit, run it through the stirrup irons - It is a good idea to tie the stirrup irons together under the belly using a spare stirrup leather or similar - then the lines to you. You may find it good to practise on a circle 1st so you get used to holding all the lines etc. To do this the inside line will go from bit to stirrup to you, the outside from bit to stirrup round the back of horse to hand (This line will obviously be shorter)
Another tip for when you are starting out is to use different colour lines so you get less confused.
On a circle is very similar to lunging, but use for hands to 'soften' and bend him, rather than side reins. In straight lines etc just steer with the lines as you would when riding.
Hope this helps, but def suggest asking somone to demonstrate.
There's also a book on it, don;t knwo who by though, sorry!
If I were you I would get someone to help/show you at first. Other wise you will be trying to teach you and him at the same time - not a good idea as it can get a bit fiddly!
With regards to what you need, I would say a bridle, 2 lunge lines, a saddle or roller(I know what I mean don't think that is the right word though) and a lunge whip. The idea is you clip one line on to each side of the bit, run it through the stirrup irons - It is a good idea to tie the stirrup irons together under the belly using a spare stirrup leather or similar - then the lines to you. You may find it good to practise on a circle 1st so you get used to holding all the lines etc. To do this the inside line will go from bit to stirrup to you, the outside from bit to stirrup round the back of horse to hand (This line will obviously be shorter)
Another tip for when you are starting out is to use different colour lines so you get less confused.
On a circle is very similar to lunging, but use for hands to 'soften' and bend him, rather than side reins. In straight lines etc just steer with the lines as you would when riding.
Hope this helps, but def suggest asking somone to demonstrate.
There's also a book on it, don;t knwo who by though, sorry!
irish horse
New User
That's the way we do it too, but I'd get someone to lead your horse first, whilst you drive him from behind, in case he gets a fright, but he'll soon get the idea of what you're asking.
H's mum
Well-Known Member
Hi there - definitely get someone to teach you how to do it - it is very complicated at first but once you get the hang of it you can literally do all sorts of things - shoulder in/leg yield etc! It really helps with napping horses too!
Before you start get the horse used to having the lines around his back end - have a friend hold him and stand in position behind him (not too close though!) flap the reins to let him know that they are there so that when you start he doesn't take flight and think "what the hell are they?!!" - start slowly - first halt (position yourself directly behind him, about a horse length away so that you don't get hurt if he kicks out) - Make sure that you have an even contact with your reins, as though you are riding him, ask him to flex a little one way and then the other to help soften him and then ask him to walk on - you want his reaction to be instant so if he doesn't step off, flick the rein and click him forward - ask your friend to lead him too, to give him confidence - It's like riding - you can't explain to someone how to do it by emailing - so I really would advise you to get some lessons! But this will get you started in the basics!
Good luck!
Kate x
Before you start get the horse used to having the lines around his back end - have a friend hold him and stand in position behind him (not too close though!) flap the reins to let him know that they are there so that when you start he doesn't take flight and think "what the hell are they?!!" - start slowly - first halt (position yourself directly behind him, about a horse length away so that you don't get hurt if he kicks out) - Make sure that you have an even contact with your reins, as though you are riding him, ask him to flex a little one way and then the other to help soften him and then ask him to walk on - you want his reaction to be instant so if he doesn't step off, flick the rein and click him forward - ask your friend to lead him too, to give him confidence - It's like riding - you can't explain to someone how to do it by emailing - so I really would advise you to get some lessons! But this will get you started in the basics!
Good luck!
Kate x
Woody&Rockie
Member
Thanks for your all your advice.
angelbaby
New User
can you use other aids whilst long reining like side reins or a passoa to keep them in an outline? or would that be too much