Some questions about long reining....

[Supertrooper]

I would love to do this with our shire x, mainly for something different to do but I have a couple of questions.....

When doing it is it best to have someone walking by his head initially?

I'd probably do it with his saddle on and thread the lines through stirrups, should I tie stirrups to girth?

I don't think I'd trust him on road even after introducing it properley as if he did go he is VERY strong but I can do lots in field with poles/cones etc couldn't I?

 

[4x4]

The best thing to do with stirrups is to get an old leather and do it in a figure of eight through each stirrup with the buckle facing towards the floor away from the girth area.
Possible have a head collar on first and let the other person walk next to him for a bit but if he's already been ridden he probably would have done this when he was broken in. If he gets strong you are best to be proficient enough to take it into a circle. Depending on the size of the horse I find that often lunge lines aren't long enough for a big horse to lunge with a rein behind the back legs so I often join two together. Poles/cones etc. is good plus you have the added bonus of getting more exercise yourself!!!

 

[depurple1]

It works best if you tie the stirrups underneath, or use a roller.

I would only long rein in an enclosed area, especially if your horse is strong. I no longer long rein at all, following my horse having a nasty incident while being long reined by someone very experienced. I think lunging is much safer and I feel I have a lot more control.