Longreining dilemma!

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Cedars

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Evening all,

I am currently longreining with lunge lines, which is proving to be a total disaster for both me and pony, as we're getting tangled up and stressed and its not working! We're in the school at the moment but I want to take her on the roads/bridleways when we're really good at it, and being tangled up then isn't good!

SO: how long should longrein lines be? I have previously been far enough away that she couldn't reach me with her foot - but then the Spanish are stood right by their bottoms? So which is best?

She is 15.2hh and wearing a 6ft6 rug - if that helps at all!

Hx
 
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I use leather driving reins for long lining and I walk quite close behind the horse, but slightly to the side obviously. Usually only takes 3 or 4 times in the arena before the young horses understand what's asked of them and then we can move on to quiet tracks.
 
Thank you - bought the book!

I've been using two 25ft long lunge lines - thick material, total disaster - yesterday poor Puz panicked at something, I was in a tangle, she ended up with one rope wrapped around her legs. Clearly dangerous. I want something almost this sort of material:

http://www.robinsonsequestrian.com/saddles-tack/training/lunging/cotton-lunge-rein.html

but not as long as a lunge line - because thats how I get tangled! But I want it to have handles?! Libbys DEFINITELY used to sell a set, because I nearly bought them at Badders last year - but they're not on their website now. :(
 
I usually have at least a horses distance between me and the horse. TBH I start the session with the long reins on a circle like lunging and that sets the distance. If you do this be prepared for an initial tantrum as they do not always like the line behind them for the first 5-10min, but they soon settle. Also is fab to get them used to this if you'll want to use a pessoa later in their career.

Have you got the lines through a roller or are you doing with tack on?
 
cyberhorse said:
I usually have at least a horses distance between me and the horse. TBH I start the session with the long reins on a circle like lunging and that sets the distance. If you do this be prepared for an initial tantrum as they do not always like the line behind them for the first 5-10min, but they soon settle. Also is fab to get them used to this if you'll want to use a pessoa later in their career.

Have you got the lines through a roller or are you doing with tack on?
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Me too
 
Was doing with tack, but can go back to a roller - was running through stirrups as then could 'kick' with the lines.

Can't cut lunge lines as they're not mine! But could if I bought a cheap pair - and how hard can it be to make handles? Just not sure what length to cut to!
 
I get in more trouble with tangles when they are run through stirrups, usually on your roller they are coming from a higher point on the horse than you end up with if the stirrups are set at standard length. This means you have them dipping between the horse and your hands and they can more easily get round the legs. Try shortening the stirrups up to nearer the level of your roller loops if you want to carry on with tack.
 
Cedars said:
Was doing with tack, but can go back to a roller - was running through stirrups as then could 'kick' with the lines.

Can't cut lunge lines as they're not mine! But could if I bought a cheap pair - and how hard can it be to make handles? Just not sure what length to cut to!
Click to expand...

Please do not buy cheap lines as they will tear your hands apart. I use heavy cotton webbed reins. I have posted about them on here before. I stand out of the kick zone and always have my lines very neatly organised. I have the lines neatly coiled in each hand. I do not have my lines going through any roller rings or stirrups as I find this hinders me. There are some good long reining threads on here. I've posted on a few of them
 
Tie stirrups to girth when you get the correct length. This stops the flipping up and tangles. I agree with practicing with them lunging and not behind them at first. Also if there is an older, quiet, been there done that type of horse around you can psychics with it's very helpful for learning the tricks. I find when I haven't driven one I'm a bit dopey in getting it all together again.

Terri
 
good long reining is an art! as you are getting tangled??? then maybe get someone to show you ?help you to get you going! lunge lines are perfect for the job if you have sorted your hands and knitting! your aim should be control, going forward with brakes and steering??????? if you are not getting all 4 Q,s then get some help. do wear gloves and a hard hat! good luck, but please dont continue getting in a tangle as you are sending your innocent horse very very mixed messages.
 
Flextrol do a continuous long line rope with a clip on either end at whatever length you require. It is not on their website but if you ring them they will give you the information. Very well priced and a good quality product.
 
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