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glorynbrumbee
Jul 04, 2009
This is not a very good article on longing...... :( -
chrisj
Jan 13, 2008
I made the mistake of saddling up and mounting - ignorign signs of pent up energy after a cold spell and several days of rain and no activity. I was reminded, the hard way, to always longe and pay attention to the signs our beautiful horses put right before our eyes. I was thrown right on my tailbone and back on to my head. Good thing I was wearing my helmet otherwise there is no doubt I would not only be as sore as I am, but would also be displaying stitches in my head. I am now reminded of the importance of longing each and every time to assure a safe, fun ride as it should be. Fellow riders, be reminded of safety tips and learn from my achy bones. Wear a helmet and always warm up with a nice longe exercise before mounting. cj
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Dunaleigh
Mar 05, 2007
If longeing with a bridle, only do it if you know your stuff. If you are inexperienced you could hurt the horse and make him mouth sore.
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Dunaleigh
Mar 05, 2007
If longeing with a bridle, only do it if you know your stuff. If you are inexperienced you could hurt the horse and make him mouth sore.
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Jan 31, 2006
Yielding the hind quarters is the #1 groundwork exercise you need to practice before you longe. If your horse doesn't yield, then later you are going to have an extremely hard time longeing both to the right and left. Also, if you are a beginner in horse training, I recommend longeing at a walk for a few days before you pick it up to a canter. Walking is just as much exercise as running and it's better on the joints.
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Jan 31, 2006
Yielding the hind quarters is the #1 groundwork exercise you need to practice before you longe. If your horse doesn't yield, then later you are going to have an extremely hard time longeing both to the right and left. Also, if you are a beginner in horse training, I recommend longeing at a walk for a few days before you pick it up to a canter. Walking is just as much exercise as running and it's better on the joints.
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Nov 22, 2005
Watch the video, "Training the Problem Horse." It describes an excellent longeing technique that works with the horse, not against it. It uses techniques that horses use in their herd. Watch it - it worked for me!
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Nov 22, 2005
When longeing a horse, always make sure you put boots on the horse's legs to protect them from injury.
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Nov 22, 2005
Something to try is to put a bridle on your horse with a simple snaffle bit (no shanks, nothing mean). Remove the reins or tie them so the horse won't step through them and hurt himself. Thread the line through the side of the bit (the D ring for instance) then up over the bridle path, behind his ears, then back through the bridle on the other side. Snap the lead on to the opposite side from where you are standing so that if you are working the horse in a clockwise circle, the snap is on the left, and the line is threaded through and comes out the left snaffle. When you work with the horse, this equalizes tension on the line and better approximates the feel of the rider's hand on the reins. It also helps to balance the horse, and gives him less opportunity to lean on one side or the other.
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Nov 22, 2005
Always give your horse some time to walk before you trot him, and let him trot before you canter him. (This is called Warm-up Time.) If you push your horse to do something too strenuous, you are physically abusing him. He may resent you for this.
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Nov 22, 2005
Longing your horse before you ride is especially important. Doing this will loosen them up and usually takes some of the spunk out of them if they haven't been riding for a while. Remember to do your groundwork before and after you ride.
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Nov 22, 2005
You should always longe before you ride, because it warms your horse up, and it also calms him down, so he isn't really spunky when you ride! In the winter, you should spend more time longeing your horse before you ride, because in the winter, horses naturally have more energy, and are more excitable! In the summer you should work him lightly, mostly at the jog (trot) because that gate warms them up, and gets rid of extra energy, without making them tired!
