Long lining - creates a bolter?

[Yann]

I have a friend whose highland does the same - I think part of the problem is that he's being asked to work in his home field and he's discovered that it's very difficult for the handler to correct it. Definitely underlines the importance of setting things up right

[clara81]

Yes I think that's the problem. Don't want to hi-jack the thread but out of interest can anyone offer any advice? My plan (it's too muddy now till March time) was to long rein him up the field, away from the gate and then untack him and let him go so he doesn't associate going back in with finishing work. My Mum's friend suggested I longrein him (in circles) right up to the gate so he's got nowhere to run to. Which is best?

[Yann]

I think I'd just work him near the gate

[SarahW]

I was taught to use the environment to my advantage too so will often use a fence line as a guide to going straight or to turn gently into if the horse starts to speed up too much. The key is to answer the question rather than the decision and I find that the horse's ears are the best indication of what the horse is thinking - redirect the energy with lots of turns and think about getting some obstacles to go through and round.

[clara81]

Thanks for advice

[hollowdene]

Here we go, this is the chap my friend was referring to. I've had a looked around his website it's generally very negative - this link takes you to the section regarding long lining.....

www.horseproblems.com.au/mouthing_the_breaker_with_long_r.htm

My apologies to Andrew McClean, clearly my friend is spending quite a bit of time understanding what our Australian friends are doing with their horses.

[laura]

hmmmmmmmmm

whilst I have no doubt he has had problems with horses who have had bad training / experiences with long lines I think his attitude leaves a little to be desired with regard to his criticism of it in general.

He should watch driven horses in driving trials to see how effective steering and control are at the end of "long lines" ;D ;D ;D

[clara81]

Interesting article but I don't think it's long-reining itself that causes the problems he describes, it's people doing it wrong (like me! ) and not knowing how to undo their mistakes.

[gillee]

Hi,
I think you will be fine especially as you have said that you have done much ground work with her and you use a dually. I would definitely stick with your plan of long-lining off the dually rather than a bit especially as she is still really young and is still getting used to everything, especially when you take her out, she may be seeing things for the first time and may spook, so this way no damage can be done to her mouth.

If it was me then I would make sure I long lined her in a safe enclosed environment firstly to make sure she really has the hang of the long lining and doesn't think you are sending her away from you. It is just that my horse took a while to get used to this aspect and kept wanting to turn in towards me, so little and often with lots of reward and praise I found to be a good solution to this and then gradually built up the time.

Whilst in your safe, enclosed environment you could gradually get her used to some spooky objects that you might encounter whilst out such as bins, umbrellas, pushchairs, bikes, etc. so that if she does rush off then she cant really go anywhere.

From here I would then suggest that on your first trip out you have someone clipped on at her head with a 30foot line to reassure her and this person can gradually drop back to resume your position more and go back up the front to re assure her as and when needed. It is always really useful to have an extra pair of hands to help out initially anyway with gates etc or traffic eventually.

I am sure you may have already thought about all of this so appologies if that is the case, but hope this helps.

I am thinking that your friend may be referring to perhaps the horse thinking you are sending it away and may possibly panic and bolt if faced with too much too soon especially if spooked. As long as you take incremental steps along the way and build up her confidence gradually you should be fine.

Good luck and Best Wishes,
Gillee

[welly]

Well all driving horses and ponies are long lined, so I think the original statement was a bit overstated. However, I can see how very easy it would be to run into problems (and how).

I did some intensive long lining off the bit last year with my horse, under supervision, and I was told to handle the reins just as if I was riding, and it worked brilliantly and I could see just how good it would be for working a horse correctly. I hadn't ever done it before and but my horse is older and very sensible, and used to lunging, lines, etc. and doesn't mind anything.

The thing I always bear in mind that if you are behind a horse and they take off forwards you won't have a hope of stopping them, if they can pull a carriage, they can pull a human over easily. And the thought of a frightened horse getting loose with reins flapping behind is
welll .................

So you always need to be able to pull them round in a circle in an emergency situation so they can't get away from you.

[lauranash]

I've been long-lining my horse regularly from the headcollar this winter - though it's in an enclosed area not out in the open. I did some work with him first on having lines dragging behind him so that doesn't panic him. If he does spook I can usually just turn him till he settles, but if he does get away from me he doesn't tend to notice so long as I don't panic, I can just pick the reins up again. It's improved his breaks and response to voice aids no end.