How to Longe a Horse

How to Longe a horse When used correctly, longeing is a very useful training tool. When longeing a horse, the horse moves around the handler in a circle. The handler controls the horse by using aids that ask him to move faster or slower, bend on a circle or move closer to or farther away from you. Aids include your voice and body language. By longeing your horse, you are given the ability to watch him from the ground, so you can monitor his movement, his soundness and his natural frame. Longeing before a ride can decrease the inherent risk of riding a hot horse, therefore increasing your safety. However, longeing incorrectly can be very dangerous for both you and your horse. You Will Need

• An enclosed space for longeing, preferably a ring or small enclosed pasture. Be sure that the footing is safe for your horse throughout the ring and that you can make a circle that is at least twenty meters in diameter.
• A longe line (a 30-foot line with a latch ) to work your horse.
• A longe whip
• A halter to attach the longe line to
• Front and Rear Brushing Boots or polo wraps
• Wear comfortable boots, gloves and a helmet

Step 1. Apply brushing boots or polo wraps to your horse It is important to longe a horse in brushing boots on their front and rear feet. Use brushing boots on your horse during longeing even if your horse does not normally brush. The boots will keep the horse from accidentally hurting himself. Step 2. Prepare your longe line Prepare the longeing line, by folding it back and forward over itself, not by rolling it. Make sure it’s not twisted and is comfortable in your hand. NEVER roll your longe line. If your horse should bolt or spook while you are letting it out, your hand could get caught and you could get injured. Step 3. Attach your longe line Attach the latch of your longe line to the left side of the halter and hold the longe line in your left hand. Step 4. Move your horse out With your right hand use a longe whip to get the horse to walk or move out. Step 5. Position of Handler Position yourself in the center of the ring and stand facing the left side of your horse. Step 6. Move your horse forward Slowly step sideways towards your horse's hip. This should move your horse forward. Step 7. Let out your Longe Line Continue following at a safe distance behind and off to the side of your horse as you slowly let out the length of the longe line. Step 8. Moving your horse faster Cluck or kiss to your horse to make him move faster. If he won't move out, lightly wiggle the whip behind the horse. Never hit your horse with the whip. Step 9. Keep Focused Stay in the center of the round pen or loneing arena and keep your eyes focused on your horse's hip. Step 10. Slowing or Stopping your horse Say "Whoa" when you want your horse to stop. If he continues, stay in the center of the pen while you step towards your horse's head to stop him. Give the "Whoa" command again. Step 11. Lightly yank on the line if the horse fails to stop. Reinforce the "Whoa." Step 12. Slowly walk towards the horse and rub him on the face and neck as a reward. Make work a pleasant experience. Step 13. Changing Directions Change the latch to the other side of the halter and repeat exercises to the right.