I have recently started long reining Ruwi out on the roads and although i have done everything including backing him so far in a halter i thought it would be safer to be on the roads in a bridle (for insurance reasons also).
Mostly he is good but when something excites him (not enough for me to need to go to his head) and he rushes forward or starts dancing i worry that i am pulling on his mouth. If i were riding i would be using my seat ect. I want all his experiences of being in a bit to be good and for him never to be yanked in the mouth.
I have never long reined before so i was wondering if a horse could become hard mouthed or learn to pull from long reining due to you not being able to use other aids other than your hands and voice.
I think as long as you dont hang on to his mouth and hopefully dont have the need to yank on him he will be fine. Just keep an even pressure and try to keep light in your hands you should be fine. Hope this helps
I long reined Zak when he was younger and used to put a headcollar on under his bridle then use pelham roundings to go from the headcollar noseband to the bit. This way you have half of the pressure on their nose and half on the bit.
Thanks for your replies, you dont tend to see many people long reining out on the roads ect but it seems a good way to get youngsters out and about, i just wasnt sure how safe it is. Michelle
Long reining
Posted - 16 Apr 2010 : 3:02:33 PM
