What is Long-Lining ? What Are the Benefits 2024

When I first got into working with horses, the groundwork was what set me off on my journey of developing skills through understanding how to build trust and communication between horse and handler.

The most important one among the tools I tried was long-lining. Double-lunging or long-lining is where two reins are attached to a bridle, halter or harnass on the horse’s head and used to guide/control the horse from the ground.

As compared to regular lunging in an oval with a single line, this is way more versatile: straight lines as well as stable turns of varying radii and just about any other movement you can come up with.

So in this article, I am going to share everything which I have learned about long-lining including: What is Long-line, Long-lining, Techniques Tools of Trade Benefits No matter if you are new or want to improve your competency, this article will give useful tactics and understandings.

Overview of Long-lining

Long-lining is a specific type of training aid which I get to guide the horse from behind. I can request the horse to walk, trot down or do more advanced movements such as lateral work with two lines.

This way I am asking the horse to think, work its body and listen to my aids without a rider on him yet.

History and Evolution of Long-lining

Longlining is a centuries old art that has its roots in classical dressage training.

Longlining : classified as being from military cavalry units and classical dressage masters, this brief overview narrated that long-lining has been used to teach horses how to perform the precision movements needed for battle or performance.

The training has evolved over time, and now it is one of the important method in various equestrian disciplines from dressage to driving or even using horses for therapeutic riding.

The reason I love it so much now is because of the amount pressure long-lining takes off a riding session, and quick message or way to fix some holes in schooling with out rider weight. This is also really helpful with young horses or those that are recovering from an injury.

Comparison with Other Equestrian Training Techniques

Long lining is a bit different from other types of ground work like lunging and free lunges because it enables you to have little more control overthe horse.

Longlining un-likes lunging, where the horse goes in a set circle around me allows to direct to go straight lines and curves as well as backwards.

On the other hand, it allows me more precision over parts of a horse’s body which is very important for teaching things such as half-passes or transitions.

In lieu of traditional riding, longlining allows the horse a chance to work on learning movements and muscle development while not having the added weight of carrying out from its rider.

Longlining – I think this is the perfect middle sibling between lunging his little young body everywhere and riding as it helps a lot to start him developing balance, coordination + more debate in terms of responsiveness.

Equipment for Longlining

Summary You cannot longline effectively without the correct equipment. I always take advantage of good equipment when available to keep my horse and myself comfortable/safe.

Different Varieties of Lines as Material

Long-lining is performed with two long reins or lines, typically cotton covered nylon and sometimes leather. Cotton lines are kinder to my hands, but I know that nylon or leather results in far less tangles and fraying over time.

The length of lines also matters. Usually, I work with lines that are 30 and sometimes even up to 50 feet long as this allows me sufficient line length to guide the horse in different directions without feeling confined.

Selecting Your Bridle and Bit

The bridle and bit are important parts to help you manage the horse while longlining. I like a soft control bit and use a snaffled bridle with one. Nevertheless it is essential on surviving that the tad has to be successful for this horse as a personal.

If any horses is a bit more sensitive or just new to long-lining, I use these without the bridle so there isn’t discomfort on their poll.

Safety Gear for Horse and Handler

Safety is my number one concern when it comes to anything that has to do with horses and longlining ranks right up there. On the horse I use a well fitting saddle or padding ( surcingle) to which snap lines go from the shaft loops.

I also cover up his legs by using bots or wraps in order to provide the horse with ample protection against possible injury. Personally, I wear gloves to prevent rope burns on my hands and sturdy boots so that I’m steady footed.

Long Lining Your Horse

As I am about to longline, the horse has always have a mental and physical preparation already. Here’s what I focus on:

Temperament and Quality of your Horse

Longlining is not something that every horse can start right away doing. One of the things my makes sure is in check are the temperament of his horse; he wants to know that they are calm and focused on their job as well as willing and open to learning.

If a horse is very nervous or high-strung then I will work them extra on basic groundwork and desensitization exercises to help build their confidence.

Typically, a horse that is already fine with lunging or leading makes for an easy long-lining candidate.

Basic Groundwork Before Long-lining

When starting to longline I already know the horse well enough for ­everyday work and how it answers its cues. This includes, walking, stopping, and turning.. on the leadrope.

What I tend to look for is if the horse responds well (or at least listens) and does not run away from my pressure, then this gives me a decent idea that they are ready to move on in long lining.

I also introduce them to the lines by hanging them over their body as they stand, so they can be fully in contact with all equipment before proper working.

Long-lining Techniques

Long-lining is an art that takes skill on both my part as the handler and for her to perfect. This is how I handle..

Basic Handling Skills

For longlining I stand in back of the horse holding two lines, one line each hand. I keep light tension on the reins, a quick touch here to go forward; there to back up or just pressure one way lightly if we turn their head.

Where I am in relation to the horse is very important, just far enough behind so they can move freely but close enough that when there is behaviour change from them it does not take me long get with them.

Advanced Long-lining Maneuvers

After the horse is good with basic technique and feels comfortable I advance to more complex maneuvers.

These can include things such as walk-to-canter, or other gait transitions, lateral work (like leg yields & side passes), and even exercises to improve collection and extension in your horse.

One method is more advanced long-lining with a strong basis in dressage that can aid horses to improve on intricate movements away from riders.

Fixing Common Unwanted Behaviour

Horses can be less than perfect too, and longlining may actually bring that out! Whether its bucking, refusing to move or trying to pull away I use calm and consistent cues to correct their behaviour.

If a horse tries to get loose, for example I keep pulling on the lines gently and start giving auditory commands in order not to lose that focus.

Training Progressions

I have found that long-lining is most beneficial when it fits into a larger training plan. So this is how I set goals and monitor my progress:

Setting Up Training Goals

I always have established clear realistic goals and expectations for each longlining session. My goals for young horses will still include learning basic commands and developing balance.

Something more advanced (for a horse too) I might be focusing on getting a bit of finesse/precision in certain movements, or bigger muscling.

Logging each session helps me to monitor the progress and refine my programming as necessary.

Designing a Long-lining Training Schedule

I tailor my training program to the horse’s level of fitness and needs. In young horses or those that are not very conditioned, I may even start with shorter 15-minute sessions during some part of the week and build up as they get stronger.

Long-lining for Hacking horses I do a lot of this with my regular training horses, in combination with ridden work.

Benefits of Long-lining

One of the best things about long-lining is its good exercise benefits.

My personal experiences with course work and how it has improved my horses as well as our whole training program.

Create More Balance and Coordination for Your Horse

Longlining is a great idea as it will teach your horse to activate his/her core muscles correctly and to learn kind of self carriage in the end.

There is also an increased stop and quick turnaround, even on my western-style pleasure or workout rides, where I have noticed that this actually helps balance in their gaits to switch gears at a trotting run due to the benefits of better usage of hind muscles for lifters.

This translates directly into their performance under saddle and collaboration with us.

Will Improve The Horse/Trainer Link

This bond between me and my horse is strong because using longlines means we need to communicate clearly with each other, based on a foundation of trust.

This can be useful as if I need to steer the horse and use slight signals plus body language more, it could establish relating even deeper. Such improved communication then reflects on the performance in training making her more responsive and less resistant.

Case Studies

The benefits of longlining are well known in many equestrian sports. Two case studies from my own life:

Long-lining in Dressage Training

The results were extraordinary, and the very first time we longlined a horse in my dressage training program I was stunned.

So I used the long-lines to practice half passes and shoulder ins with my young horse, so that when we did these movements under saddle he would be more balanced.

This made the transition to riding soooo much better!

Rehabilitative Long-lining Examples

Long-lining is also a great way to rehab horses who are recovering from injury.

For the severe injuries, or in cases where we are just looking to do a gradual build up and avoid too much concussion turning on an arena like surface, as with Steve Haskins horse Blue Bresse (who did long-line work after injury last season) this can be very handy.

The horses trained since they were young rebuilt their strength and confidence in time, doing so intently and calmly.

Best Practices and Safety

The longline can be extremely rewarding but it does not come without its risks. Some of the best practices that I always do in order to make sure myself and my horse are safe.

• Be Cool & Collected: Horses benefit from having a calm, consistent owner. When they are nervous or confused, I never hurry a horse bringing them to open forests and bush.
• Proper Equipment: Well-fitted gear is essential for safety and efficient movement. Every single session I check my lines, bridle and safety gear.
• Awareness of Surroundings: I work in a safe, enclosed area with good footing, that the horse feels comfortable in so he is not spooked by other things.

Common Problems in Long-lining and How to Fix Them

Long-lining, even with careful planning may have potential issues. I cover a list of the most common issues and how I address..

Horse Reluctant to Move Forward

Whenever a horse hesitates or seems reluctant to go forward, I always start with ensuring that the equipment is appropriate and comfortable.

In addition, I quietly encourage the horse forward with subtle vocal and tactile cues that motivate without pressuring.

Over-Excitement or Rushing

Some of the horses are very eager in anticipation and forge to lead which can cause them to be difficult too control.

But when this does happen, I simply reply back with a very stern but cool voice asking them to slow down.

I grant them some extra room to wriggle around before then bringing their energy level back down, directing focus toward the replenishment of a controlled environment.

Difficulty with Turns

Young horses may have problems making turns. If the horse takes shortcuts or drifts too far outside, I keep consistent contact with both lines.

I have to situate my body correctly and create a rhythm, so the horse can balance on turn.

How Long-lining Helps in Horse Training

Long-lining has been invaluable to me in a number of the training situations over the years:

Strength & Mobility

Longlining is a very useful tool for stretching and building up the horse’s muscles. This is also great for smaller or rehabbing horses.

The controlled, low-impact exercise is teaching them to engage their core and gain endurance without allowing any pressure on the back or legs.

Improving Self-Carriage

Longlining teaches a skill called self-carriage, which is the ability of a horse to carry himself without needing something to pull against.

Horses can learn to balance themselves and co-ordinate their own movement, that way they will be more receptive and easier for you later.

Mental Engagement and Focus

Longlining is not only a workout for your body but also an extreme mental test. I make my horses wonder where we’re going and get them to digest the ‘starting cue’ as well, which has also advanced through being able to ask for their balance so they are not bored out of there minds.

Advanced Long-lining Techniques

Once you and your horse have mastered the foundation of long-lining, try some advanced techniques. The exercises will improve your horse’ fitness, agility and obedience as well.

They is also utilized to each put together the horse for even further ridden do the job, specifically in dressage; and drive preparing horses inside a education or Using bit.

Transitions Between Gaits

The first advanced skill I introduce in longlining is transitions so let me know how you work on it and where the gaps are as well. This exercise will teach the horse to anticipate and respond more quickly to cues as well continue in developing balance, coordination of muscles.

• Walk to Trot: Sometimes it can be as simple and increasing forward pressure on the lines while saying “trot” just to help support my aids. The reins must be kept in good contact to keep the horse straight, as this method is demanded.
• Trot to Canter: Moving from a trot to canter done by riding-half halt body and pressing on your horses belly if you do Cross Seat. I ask the horse by adding a bit more rein pressure and possibly saying something like “canter.” I want your hand light but also not to heavy that the horse becomes weighted on forehand.
• Move your horse down a gear: When you are asking the horse to transition from a faster gait into something slower I always use my voice, saying ‘easy… easy-laaaa and if need be -woooow’, this is accompanied by me relaxing back in the saddle.

Lateral Work

Lateral work such as shoulder in, or leg yields are a great way to break the horse loose and get more engagement from behind. It is also a great way to gently introduce and improve these movements with the horse having no rider on her back.

• Leg Yield – This involves asking the horse to move sideways, while staying engaged and moving forward. One rein moves up front to point and the other should ask for sideways but with wt in El Barefoot fashion on haunches. By keeping a light contact on the reins, you maintain straightness as the horse moves at an angle.
• Shoulder-In: This movement engages the shoulders of your horse while encouraging balance. While moving forward I request that the horse uses its body to slightly bend inward. The outside rein holds the forward, while the inside rein draws back to bring shoulder over.

Backing Up

Backing up on the long-lines can be a bit confusing but it is very beneficial to engage the hindquarters and increase coordination.

• How to Teach It: To introduce this behaviour, I stand in front of my horse and apply pressure on both lines (and maybe use the verbal cue “back”). At first, the horse will likely protest or take uneven steps; however with patience they get better about moving backwards. When the horse is good, I will then start to ask for more and a few steps back at each time.

Working on a Straight Line

Lunging is often done in circles but when long-lining you get to work straight lines, which can be useful for training young horses or those needing help with alignment.

Staying Straight: The horse will tend to drift one way or the other so I walk directly behind them and keep even pressure on both reins. In other words, if the horse tries to veer off course one way or another then all I have to do is pick up just a tad more pressure on whichever rein will correct them back.

Top Mistakes with Long-lining And How To Avoid Them

Although longlining has many positives, it is also a difficult skill to learn in the beginning. Mistakes: How to Avoid ThemHere are some common mistakes I have seen and suggestions for avoiding them.

Letting the Lines Get Tangled

These two longlines are hard to manage, so you have to be careful that they do not get tangled. When lines cross, it can be confusing for the horse and break up the flow of your session.

• Fix: I have always kept my hand for each line in order and know exactly where the lines are. If a line gets bunched, I straighten it all out first before moving on.

Gripping Too Tightly on the Reins

One of the first things I noticed when correcting my aids long and low on a lunge line was that sometimes I used to keep trying to ‘hold’ with the reins which did not allow for enough movement in their mouth, it is hard because we do this subconsciously.

• Solution: Keep a light, steady feel on the reins and allow your horse to move freely without hanging or pulling. If he feels tight tendons, I slack the rein more and keep just enough contact to steer him.

Losing Focus on Body Position

Body position is just as important in longlining as it is when mounted. However, if I would be standing too much to the side, my horse could easily overbend. When I get behind like this, it causes me to lose the support and lift of my horse.

• Solution: I am mindful of my posture as well through out the session. I am about a foot away from the front shoulder of both horses and able to dash them ahead or halt as needed, always have good contact with my lines.

Long-lining Options for Various Disciplines

However, longlining is more than just a dressage or groundwork tool – it can be adapted for many different disciplines when you know how. This is how I longlined my horses in different places.

Long-lining for Dressage

Dressage is about control, precision and balance. I can focus on collection, straightness and transitions when I am longlining as well as self-carriage with the horse.

• Collection: long lining gets the horse moving enough to get him engaged with his rear, and lifting its back which is the key element of collection.
• Lateral Movements: Shoulder-in, half-pass and travers are much easier to teach on the longlines because I can direct the horse without being impeded by a rider´s weight.

Long-lining for Jumping

Long-lining is normally thought about a flat-work tool but it can help jumpers too. For a better focus of the horse, for more organized coordination and reaction to rein cues before you introduce jumping exercises.

• Pole Work: I lay out ground poles or small cavaletti for the horse to work over on long-lines. Jungle jump This a great exercise to get the horse ready for jumping by adding extra attention on where they put their feet.
• Would you like a better response? Then practice transitions and turns on the long-lines. Your horse has to be immediately reactive with good lateral capacity when negotiating through your course of jumps.

Long-lining for Driving Horses

Long-lining is a type of training which must be established to drivers within the horse coaching. I use it to put the horse(horses) on rein and into pressure cues before I drive them paired or single behind a vehicle.

• Introduce Your Horse to Harness: I use ground driving as a first step providing the horse with sensation of reins leading back through harness without the added distraction from weight in shafts.

• Confidence-Building: Long-lining also helps driving horses find their “get along” before they must worry about pushing that weight and noise of a cart which can be very intimidating for the new horse.

FAQs on Long-lining

Final Thoughts on Long-lining

Long-lining is an often overlooked skill that has had a huge impact on how I work with horses. Thereby giving me control, flexibility and engagement — the type of training that makes a horse physically easier to handle because it has better physical strength; mentally more straightforward as again its mental focus is) at much higher levels on demand (!!!); basically opposition sets following an aid are in place. Long-lining with a young horse before it is ridden, or for help improving the quality of a dressage movement — even if you are rehabilitating an injured show horse long lining behind them will give you safe and effective way to train your pony.

If it interests you or if you feel your training would benefit from a better-off horse, I encourage you to add long-lining into the mix. Not only that but it is also versatile and can be adapted to any horse, regardless of their age, discipline or ability level. With time and practice, the correct equipment you will notice that long-lining really has an effect on your horse.