Comments on: How to Longe a Horse

on 1/13/2008 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

on 3/5/2007 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.

on 1/31/2006 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.

on 11/22/2005 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!

on 11/22/2005 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.

on 11/22/2005 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!

on 11/22/2005 When you are turning your horse around don't let the long line slack so much that it drags on the ground, because it could get caught in between your horse's legs and hurt you or your horse.

on 11/22/2005 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.

on 11/22/2005 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.

on 11/22/2005 When longeing a horse that has not been working for a period of time, the horse may run out of control. If this happens, LET GO!!! Always wear protective gloves to prevent rope burn. NEVER hold onto a running horse, because it is stronger than you are!

on 11/22/2005 If your horse hasn't been out for exercise in a few days, don't get furious at him. He's just excited. Instead of getting mad, try to use calming words to calm him down. If he tries to rear or buck, say QUIT, Whoa or Stop to let him know that it is wrong.

on 11/22/2005 When longeing a horse, always make sure you put boots on the horse's legs to protect them from injury.