Reasons to try long-reining

Traditionally, long-reining has been viewed as something done with a young horse to provide a solid grounding prior to starting ridden work. And while it’s commonly used in this way, the benefits for horses at every stage of their careers are often underestimated.

In fact, long-reining is one of the most versatile types of exercise you can do with your horse, and with some regular practice, you’ll find there are few things you can do under saddle that you can’t do on long reins.

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Take time getting him used to the reins on his side and quarters. Have a helper while doing this and to walk next to him initially. Good brakes and steering are vital before going it alone.

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Hacking on the long reins is useful when your horse is coming back into work and would benefit from exercise on a firm surface but without the weight of a rider.

Benefits of long-reining

The obvious difference between long-reining and lungeing is that you have two lines rather than one. This gives you a more consistent contact and greater scope to influence your horse’s way of going. Even if you’ve never given it a go before, it’s never too late to learn to long-rein. It…

• allows your horse to work freely without the weight of a rider.
• builds strength
• improves proprioception
• encourages your horse to go forwards
• helps improve straightness

What you’ll need for long-reining

• bridle with reins removed or twisted and fixed with the throatlash
• two long reins or lunge lines
• roller with rings on each side large enough to thread the clip of your lines through
• lungeing pad, or a saddlepad folded in half
• hat, gloves and sturdy boots

Discover more benefits on long-reining in May Horse&Rider – be sure to pick up your copy today!