safe to long rein on road?

[sarahgill]

I have an ex racer who is perfect in every way except when I hack her down this particular road she naps like hell and backs up into the middle of the road! it has big drains running under and you can hear the water - its not loud but i guess it doesn't need to be, for a while I have been sympathising as she is scared so I got off and led her past and she was fine but now I think she has learnt it is a way to get me off and get her own way. Is it safe to long rein her down the road which is quite quiet, as it just runs through a village but then its on a corner - which is why I got off to led her as she tended to back into the middle of the road and I didn't want us getting hit by a car! It a bit of a catch 22, not sure what the plan should be? any help will be great.

 

[crackersluvrat]

So long as you are both safe and experienced I don't see why it should be a problem but make sure you are well-practised and wear plenty of fluroescent!! However although it may get her walking down the road you might be back at square one when you ride, have you tried having someone walk with you so you can stay on board and they can lead her if needs be?

 

[Shannagolden]

What ever you do make sure she is very happy in the long reins first. Could also try standing her on the scary road with you holding her head till she's used to the noise, when the road is quiet obviously.

 

[Booboos]

If it's the noise that's the problem perhaps try blocking it out with cotton wool in the ears? You need a nice big piece so it doesn't get shoved down the ear canal though!

 

[shellonabeach]

Whenever I have long lined on the road I have had my OH with me with a lungeline attached to the nearside bit ring. He tends to walk at the back next to me but his job is to pull the horse round away from the traffic should it try to spin / run forward (a safety net we have not yet had to use).

He will also stand by their head should any "big traffic" come leaving me to stay at the back behind the horse.