Working long and low ?

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tubby1

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I've been advised to work my horse in a long low shape. She is just starting to come back into work & is quite stiff. She normally works in a natural outline but I've been told she isn't working properly from behind . I'm looking for some advice how to do this I only want to walk her at the moment. Are there any exercises that would help or advice ?
 
Long and low allows them to open up their back and work the muscles correctly, subsequently will make them more active and looser behind. Through asking them to gonlinf and low you will also Relax the neck poll and jaw. You can do all the transitions you like but if the horse is tight in the back/neck/poll/jaw you'll never get correct work.
 
Agree with what Jenni said, but if you don't know what it is you're looking for (I'm inferring from your OP that you don't), knowledgeable eyes on the ground could be invaluable. You don't want long and low to equal horse putting its head down and running on its forehand.
 
^^^ definitely! It's very much a 'feel' rather than a set of buttons so someone to show you how, or let you sit on a horse that is worked like that frequently to let you 'feel'

You want to bring them down But push them forwards- where you want a horse on the bit and you perhaps massage the corners of the mouth, to ask for long and low you want to massage more the bars of the mouth.

It's all about learning to ask them to come down, but be ready to allow the hand forward when you feel they are ready to take it.

It is a fantastic feeling when they take your hand forward and their back lifts and swings - especially is trot! Completely changes the way the horse works.

BUT, again as above it isn't to be confused with a horse dragging its face along the ground and dragging its hindlegs.
 
Jenni_ said:
Long and low allows them to open up their back and work the muscles correctly, subsequently will make them more active and looser behind. Through asking them to gonlinf and low you will also Relax the neck poll and jaw. You can do all the transitions you like but if the horse is tight in the back/neck/poll/jaw you'll never get correct work.
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agree with this. i find it best if on a circle. let the horses frame go long and you should get a free flowing movement. its best done in trot then walk as it also gets the horse supple and relaxed. give with you reins but dont throw them away let him lower his head while holding a contact. you should feel a difference i love letting my horse ride long and low have a much flowing rythem.
 
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