Long reining

Pippity

Pippity

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When long reining with a roller, where do you put the lines? I've always used the rings closest to the withers, on the grounds that it's the closest to the rein position when I'm riding, but most people I see seem to use much lower rings.

Thoughts? Reasons? Does it really not matter?
 
I do the same as @AShetlandBitMeOnce out hacking, but for a lesson my trainer has us work without a roller, so that we can't inadvertantly use too much leverage. Out hacking we're mainly in straight lines and I'd worry about getting a leg tangled, whereas in the school we're working very short with them, i.e. essentially it's in-hand work.
 
I use the lower ones as I switched between roller and saddle day to day and wanted to keep the placement consistent I suppose. Your logic also makes sense though.
 
JGC said:
I do the same as @AShetlandBitMeOnce out hacking, but for a lesson my trainer has us work without a roller, so that we can't inadvertantly use too much leverage. Out hacking we're mainly in straight lines and I'd worry about getting a leg tangled, whereas in the school we're working very short with them, i.e. essentially it's in-hand work.
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This is the same reason I used a roller when out as he would often turn around to look at me in an exasperated manner as I am fat and dumpy and he had exceptionally long legs, like in the following photo :p

1663840308858.png
 
AShetlandBitMeOnce said:
I use the rings on the side, as it then produces the most direct communication between my hands and the bit with minimal interference.
I don't think there is a right or wrong.

View attachment 99701
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Same as this for the best contact with the bit, I always keep my lines pretty straight like this pic
 
Middle rings for me, I have done miles and miles over multiple hours of long reining over the years and love it as does both my ponies. In fact my 32yo still does 20 minutes on them a couple of times a week to keep him active ?
 
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I think it depends on the horse's level of training. The upper rings give a higher headset for horses that are more advanced in their training. If you want to work long and low, the lower rings will work better.
 
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