So... long reining wasn’t a success 😳

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poiuytrewq

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I’m trying to start doing bits with new boy. Idea being when the clocks change I can get on and get my daughter to nanny us out on the roads after she finishes work. Figured this would be a plan and help him get used to the feel of a gp saddle.
Yesterday I just put one rain and led him round a bit which was fine. Two reins however sent him absolutely bat shit crazy, insane. I’ve never seen him react like that to anything before and I lost him. Stupidly I’d left the yard gate open (onto a farm yard, then main gate onto the road) I’d genuinely not anticipated this reaction and had planned to go round the pen a few times, and out onto the farm yard when he was settled! (Hence the open gate 😬)
So off he went at 6 million miles an hour, luckily to the field where he did a mad few circuits and I expected to spend hours trying to catch him 😩

So that was all pretty crap, however I’ve come in happy, even as freaked out as he was I was able to calm him down and get his attention with my voice and actually caught him in no time. He started coming towards me but got scared by the reins again so I told him to stand and he did 🥰
Managed to get the reins off and just took him for a wander and pick of grass. He calmed down really quickly when to be fair he could have been a complete arse about the whole thing.
He was also called a bolter at work several times but this would have been the perfect opportunity for a true bolter to bolt and he didn’t, yes he p’d off but it was controlled he went through gates (in my mind a bolter would have gone in a direct line through the fence not consciously chosen the gate) and round the field again rather than straight through.
So all in all it was not a total disaster, I’m annoyed at myself for getting in that situation but pleased at how he coped.
 
Firstly shut the gates ☺
I always start off just walking with them, at the shoulder to start, then bring both reins over and walk by the saddle until they get used to it. You can use your normal reins til he gets used to it. If you can only walk a foot further back each time, it's ok.
Good luck for next time
 
tda said:
Firstly shut the gates ☺
I always start off just walking with them, at the shoulder to start, then bring both reins over and walk by the saddle until they get used to it. You can use your normal reins til he gets used to it. If you can only walk a foot further back each time, it's ok.
Good luck for next time
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That’s what I did! It was ok until he felt the outside rein on his back, calm until that point and I was about to slip back but he just lost it at that point.
The gate thing was incredibly stupid 😳
 
When you start off, lunge with one rein and hold the other just draped over his back. Dont put it round his hocks till hes settled with it over his back. Do that both ways then drop it down round his hocks. When he lunges like this calmly gradually work it so youre behind him and can drive him, one rein in LH, whip and other rein in RH.
 
I didn’t get as far as round his hocks, it was just behind the saddle as I was about to drop it down. I started on the saddle and it was fine, as it touched his back he freaked
 
poiuytrewq said:
I didn’t get as far as round his hocks, it was just behind the saddle as I was about to drop it down. I started on the saddle and it was fine, as it touched his back he freaked
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Just hang onto the inside rein so he cant get away- he will eventually calm down and you can get on with the job. Or you could lunge off a cavesson and put a rope over his back behind the saddle so he gets used to it. I use a crupper and tie ropes on to it.
 
Gosh well done for seeing all the good bits. He’s going to need more desensitisation to reins touching all parts of him. Could even use a lead rope to start with. Bless him! Horses eh? I lost my Highkand in the school first time i lunged and first long rein! Mines better out on the bridleway than I. The school.
 
I’m actually genuinely pleased with the good bits out of it. I’ve learnt that I can calm him down relatively quickly.
I’m not certain I’ll do it again for now at least. I know he’s had a bit of a rocky past, when he first arrived at my work he’d clearly been handled very roughly, very flinchy and head shy and would spin and kick the second he did something wrong in a defensive way. I half wonder if he related today to something else as I’ve known him 5 years and never seen him do that to anything before.
 
stormox said:
Just hang onto the inside rein so he cant get away- he will eventually calm down and you can get on with the job. Or you could lunge off a cavesson and put a rope over his back behind the saddle so he gets used to it. I use a crupper and tie ropes on to it.
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Not sure what happened tbh but I just couldn’t! :(
 
I would probably just lunge him for now with 1 line then do some training with him to get him used to the line being near his body, to be fair his probably never had a lunge line sit on his body, I would just drape it over him and just generally get him used to them being there, my horse is 15 and is still not keen on them touching him, if he dithers loading I just have to pick one up and he runs on.
 
Oh dear, well never mind, like you say there was lots of positives in how he reacted afterwards to take away. If it's any comfort, my big horse hates long reins. I did exactly the same thing when he was young - desensitized him in the yard (so I thought), and then walked him out into a small paddock, he was alright for half a lap and then it became all too much for him and he went spare. I managed to keep hold of him on that occasion, but I lost hold a few times in the school during subsequent attempts. I could happily take him up the lane nowadays without any drama, and walk/trot/canter in the school, but it will never be a particularly useful medium for training him, as anything more than the basics of forwards, stop and turn stresses him out.
The mares on the other hand - just chuck the lines on and away you go.
Not all horses are comfortable with whole long reins situation, such is life I guess :)
 
Mine was woosey about 2 reins at first so I had a lot of practice throwing them on her, at her, over her etc without them being attached. If she had to move then so be it, she had to move, it is OK to move, but it did not stop me quietly going about what I was doing.

Once she was pretty proof I had 1 rein and drooped it round her bum, knowing by now that she would be OK with that. I tensioned it so she could feel it tighten round her legs, and it tipped her head to the outside, she followed the feel and turned a circle (calmly) so it was no longer round her hocks. We did this many times, so she could feel the tension, feel the tip of her nose, follow the feel and extracate herself. She was very pleased with herself.

Only once I could throw them all over and she had done the unwinding exercise did I try to actually ground drive her, but even then I did it with me to the centre of the circle to start with, so more lungeing on 2 reins, also with no stirrups so the rein went straight from her head to my hand, so I could better direct her with a familiar feel.

Once we could do that with no dramas, we started on a circle but I would go back until I could drive for a few yards and change rein onto the other circle. Only then did we start to drive round proper.

It actually took weeks with her as she was very windy initially, but it has been quite quick the same method with other horses.

I always work alone, which I see as an advantage actually as it makes me wait until I can chuck the rein all over before I try to do stuff with the rein attached.
 
Red-1 said:
Mine was woosey about 2 reins at first so I had a lot of practice throwing them on her, at her, over her etc without them being attached. If she had to move then so be it, she had to move, it is OK to move, but it did not stop me quietly going about what I was doing.

Once she was pretty proof I had 1 rein and drooped it round her bum, knowing by now that she would be OK with that. I tensioned it so she could feel it tighten round her legs, and it tipped her head to the outside, she followed the feel and turned a circle (calmly) so it was no longer round her hocks. We did this many times, so she could feel the tension, feel the tip of her nose, follow the feel and extracate herself. She was very pleased with herself.

Only once I could throw them all over and she had done the unwinding exercise did I try to actually ground drive her, but even then I did it with me to the centre of the circle to start with, so more lungeing on 2 reins, also with no stirrups so the rein went straight from her head to my hand, so I could better direct her with a familiar feel.

Once we could do that with no dramas, we started on a circle but I would go back until I could drive for a few yards and change rein onto the other circle. Only then did we start to drive round proper.

It actually took weeks with her as she was very windy initially, but it has been quite quick the same method with other horses.

I always work alone, which I see as an advantage actually as it makes me wait until I can chuck the rein all over before I try to do stuff with the rein attached.
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I will try that actually, just draping a lunge line round him in the box. I’m pretty sure he’ll be fine with that...but then I thought he’d be ok with them attached! That’s a good risk free idea though.
 
It was probably the feeling of it behind the saddle. I know racehorses are used to 1/4 sheets etc but it's amazing how many are sensitive to being touched over their backs there. The majority will bunny hop if you poke them there!

I very rarely long line any of mine though I did discover Jeff is very, very good at it! He was 17yo the first time I had the notion to do it and he tucked his wee head in and marched off like he had been doing it every day of his life! He hadn't done it for 12 years at the very least as we don't long rein at work.
 
poiuytrewq said:
I will try that actually, just draping a lunge line round him in the box. I’m pretty sure he’ll be fine with that...but then I thought he’d be ok with them attached! That’s a good risk free idea though.
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I didn't do it in her box, TBH I leave their box to be the place they relax, plus in a very confined space it is more dangerous if they do panic as you have taken the flight option away so they are more likely to kick.

I just had an 8ft lead rope and started small, tossing it against her side etc and worked it until I could throw it all over, but she was free to circle, albeit with her head tipped towards me. I tried not to over cook it, but if she had to move she was free to.
 
I will do. God, my work would think I’m absolutely mental but I do want to take this slowly and limit any real problems.
As an after thought yesterday also showed me that if his handler remains calm the horses panic doesn’t escalate (kind of obvious I know but you don’t get to try things like that out until they are actually yours) he’s also known for once something has set him off to be a di** but that’s not the case.
 
Just don’t long rein this one it’s too dangerous and the chance of mishaps is to high
Long reining should always be started in an enclosed place with a second person to help .
I always build up to it over several days starting with getting the horse used to line in the stable draping it over the horse and generally playing around and then do that outside then in the school . I take several days to get to the long lining point and I never start without a second pair of hands.

I would lunge him in long lowish side reins and get moving yourself and walk close to him and behind I think of this as the narrow wedge of cheese position you get almost the same effect of long lining .
You got away with that without you the horse or a stranger getting hurt and you have learnt something valuable this horse panics and runs away when stuff goes wrong .
That’s important information to build into your programme.
No let’s see what happens everything broken down into little steps and no handling without gloves .
 
did you do any work with the long reins over him before actually trying to work him on them?

i spend ages at the end of a few in hand sessions draping the line over them, neck, saddle, croup and round hocks and flapping it about, dropping it on them and behind them then progress to throwing it over them and then pulling it back across them.

even after all that i start of walking with the second rein draped over them before putting it round hocks.

i think you need to move a lot slower and do much smaller steps tbh.
 
Hallo2012 said:
did you do any work with the long reins over him before actually trying to work him on them?

i spend ages at the end of a few in hand sessions draping the line over them, neck, saddle, croup and round hocks and flapping it about, dropping it on them and behind them then progress to throwing it over them and then pulling it back across them.

even after all that i start of walking with the second rein draped over them before putting it round hocks.

i think you need to move a lot slower and do much smaller steps tbh.
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I do this almost using the lines like a lasso. I also tie a plastic 5 gallon oil can onto a rope and throw it over the horses back and his quarters so it lands with a bang on the ground on the other side and I then draw it back under his belly, over his back and between his hind legs.

If you cannot long rein safely I would start wondering why. I had one who panicked when ropes went over his bum. I was never able to LR or to even get the lines round his bum. I knew he had not had a good past. When I investigated I realised he had had a dreadful past involving ropes and he was never going to forget it.
It may be that long reining won't add anything to this horse and other things will produce just as good results.
 
Hallo2012 said:
did you do any work with the long reins over him before actually trying to work him on them?

i spend ages at the end of a few in hand sessions draping the line over them, neck, saddle, croup and round hocks and flapping it about, dropping it on them and behind them then progress to throwing it over them and then pulling it back across them.

even after all that i start of walking with the second rein draped over them before putting it round hocks.

i think you need to move a lot slower and do much smaller steps tbh.
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agree with this and with GS, I even get them used to seeing lines on the ground in various places before attaching them-when they are tied up/in the box etc. there are some good shaping plans available for long lining from Ben Hart-if you have an episode like this and you did want to start again, I strongly recommend them as they give you structure in desensitisation without flooding. cost you about £14, downloadable pdf.
 
I always start with someone leading, with me on the long reins, initially taking no contact, then gradually shift the focus onto the rein, with the leader dropping back to just behind the shoulder, where they can step in quickly if needed, but aren't supporting the horse in going forward much at all.

That way if ponio freaks out, you've got back-up.

These things happen. One of mine took off around the paddock with reins flapping behind him for a couple of circuits first time around.
Shut the gate, always use split reins, and whatever happens keep yourself calm and carry on as though it was perfectly normal. :)
 
paddy555 said:
I do this almost using the lines like a lasso. I also tie a plastic 5 gallon oil can onto a rope and throw it over the horses back and his quarters so it lands with a bang on the ground on the other side and I then draw it back under his belly, over his back and between his hind legs.

If you cannot long rein safely I would start wondering why. I had one who panicked when ropes went over his bum. I was never able to LR or to even get the lines round his bum. I knew he had not had a good past. When I investigated I realised he had had a dreadful past involving ropes and he was never going to forget it.
It may be that long reining won't add anything to this horse and other things will produce just as good results.
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thats a good idea with the oil can. worth doing even with older horses too!
 
paddy555 said:
I also take the oil can for a walk. Like a dog on a lead I drag it along the road beside the horse. I do get some funny looks, not sure why!
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its ok the neighbours know i am insane as i long rein whilst shaking a bottle of stones behind the ponies!!!! or flapping a bag on a stick!
 
Goldenstar said:
Just don’t long rein this one it’s too dangerous and the chance of mishaps is to high
Long reining should always be started in an enclosed place with a second person to help .
I always build up to it over several days starting with getting the horse used to line in the stable draping it over the horse and generally playing around and then do that outside then in the school . I take several days to get to the long lining point and I never start without a second pair of hands.

I would lunge him in long lowish side reins and get moving yourself and walk close to him and behind I think of this as the narrow wedge of cheese position you get almost the same effect of long lining .
You got away with that without you the horse or a stranger getting hurt and you have learnt something valuable this horse panics and runs away when stuff goes wrong .
That’s important information to build into your programme.
No let’s see what happens everything broken down into little steps and no handling without gloves .
Click to expand...

All the above. Little steps. Lots of praise, reassurance and removing pressure when they are good.

As for the gate - I was bucked off once and as I lay on the grass remembered that I hadn't shut the gate into the road, then the dog appeared and proceed to chase my horse which was a good thing (!) as he didn't automatically head for home, but away from the dog .....................… I rugby tackled the dog and by that time horse was getting tired so I was able to catch him. I have never, ever since left a gate open in a field I have been riding or working in. It is called experience!

Glad everything turned out well.
 
I know it was silly! I really truly didn’t expect that reaction. He’s perfectly ok to touch all over, he’s used to being lunged. I had no inkling he’d be bothered when I took him tacked up in a lunge line the pervious day.
It was a mistake, a big one. I won’t be doing it again
I don’t have any help so just won’t try it again.
I’m not keen on lunging as he has had bit of a leg, hence I thought if I could long rein round the farm a bit it would help in getting him out and about and used to the feel of the saddle.
 
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