What Are Long-reins For?

Long-reining has lots of benefits for both the horse and for you. The plus points of long-reining horses are: Introduces young horses to the feel of a bit and a

rein contact

Teaches the aids for starting, stopping, and changing direction.

Why do riders use long-reins?

In dressage, we ride with

long reins

when we want the horse to stretch over the top line He takes the bit forward and downward, allowing his back to be the highest point. You will often feel an increase swing in the movement, especially in the trot, if the stretch is done correctly.

How long should long-reins be?

The reins should form a straight,

unbroken line

from your elbow, along your forearm, through a soft wrist to the horse’s mouth Your thumb should lie flat on top of your hand, following this straight line, and your wrist should be upright.

Why is long-reining good for horses?

“If you are doing it correctly, long-reining can be as beneficial as

ridden work

. Having a rein behind your horse can collect the hindleg and get them stepping through more, giving you a better quality of work” The handler also needs to take their level of fitness into consideration.

Why do cowboys use split reins?

Pros: Split reins allow you to make tiny adjustments to one rein or the other , direct your horse with one rein, apply a neck rein and/or a number of other cues using one or both hands with the option to hold the reins in several different positions.

How do you introduce long reining?

Have someone lead your horse for the first few times. Use your voice and gently flick his sides with the reins to encourage him to go forward. Hold the reins as you would do if you were riding; you need to keep the contact subtle and elastic.

What do I need for long reining?

  • Snaffle bridle with reins removed – this gives more space on the bit rings to attach side reins and long-reins.
  • Saddle – if you’re long-reining a young horse, using a saddle can help get him used to tack
  • Roller with

    rings big

    enough for the long-rein clips to fit through and a pad underneath.

How long should you lunge your horse?

Five to 10 minutes equally on each rein with plenty of walk breaks is sufficient for a lunge session. As your horse’s fitness improves, you can increase the time.

How long is a lunging rein?

The basic equipment for lunging consists of a lunge line (usually 8-10 m long ) and a lunge whip.

How long are long lines for horses?

The extra-long 30′ Pro Long Lines are a Narrow Gate Tack exclusive design! The Pro Long Lines are 18′ of heavyweight, 5-ribbed cotton webbing and 12′ of rolled nylon with spring snaps that attach to the bit or roller. The nylon resists wear from sweat and friction and slides easily through surcingle rings or stirrups.

How long should ground driving lines be?

The 30 foot lines are long enough to work with any setup. USEFUL FOR TRAINING: Perfect with a harness or training your horse for driving. These lines are long yet sturdy enough so you can walk safely behind your horse during training sessions.

How do you lunge a horse with two lines?

So how do you lunge with two reins? Fit a bridle and roller to the horse, and run the lunge lines from the bit through the rings on the roller. The outside lunge line then runs round the horse’s hindquarters and into your hand which is nearest the tail as you stand in the usual lunging stance.

What is horse lunging?

When you lunge a horse, it moves around you in a circle on the end of a lunge line Lunging is a useful exercise for both horse and handler. It is a way to let your horse safely burn off extra energy without you riding it and can help when teaching horse obedience.

References

How to Establish the Correct Rein Length for Dressage



A Guide to Long-reining




https://trainermagazine.com/european-trainer-articles/2013/4/30/the-benefits-of-long-reining-enhancing-a-horses-physical-and-emotional-well-being