Sunday, March 1, 2009

Riley long lining: Ho hum

I'm reluctant to even post this footage -- it is so uneventful it doesn't even interest me that much. But for the sake of documenting each and every milestone, here it is. This is about ten minutes into Riley's first long lining experience. The first ten minutes is even MORE boring as it's all at the walk, but the audio portion includes a chatty conversation between me and another rider (we were standing next to Bob while he videotaped). I'm sparing you that.



Note that after his long lining session he gets a kiss on the nose! Well-deserved I'd say. I'll be honest--I grasp the basic benefits of long lining to prepare for being under saddle (turn right, turn left, whoa) but I know there's a lot more to it. This is probably the second or third long lining session I've witnessed in person. Note to self: Get more informed about long lining for advanced work.


7 comments:

  1. If you're looking for a good read, there is one that I just got for my colt called 'Long Reining, The Saumur Method'. There's a lot of really advanced stuff, but it is an incredible book that even in the 'basics' section, you're thinking to yourself, 'WOW!' It's by Philippe Karl--I love it!

    Also--what a lovely boy Riley is! :) He is definitely going to be a great horse. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Riley looks lovely on the lines.

    I've started three horses already on the lines and it makes a tremendous difference when they are first under saddle.n (I keep my horses forever, so 3 is a lot) With my Toby, I had a young trainer back him for me and after the first ride she came in to ask me why he needed to be trained as he already did everything he was supposed to do under saddle. She cantered him the second ride.

    It is a fabulous way to teach all kinds of things and the neat thing is that you can watch the horse go as you are training--something you really can't do under saddle.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Just started my mare on long lines. She is 7 a bit stiff on the right. The difference is already amazing and it is especially significant when I put her on the long lines and then ride her. I am really hoping that it will make a difference for upper level movements. I also found that my mare, who normally is quite hot, seems to be really relaxed and happy after her long line work

    ReplyDelete
  4. Riley is a beautiful horse, and forgive me, but may I say, he looks very stiff behind, especially on the right rein. I have been through hell with an EPSM horse whose canter transitions looked like a bronco at 6 years old (after what was advertised as "where he was in training" when I bought him). Do yourself a favor and get a muscle biopsy to be sure...maybe it is just my own sensitivity, but it has explained alot that was otherwise blamed on "training+naughtiness"....turned out to be pain, injury and EPSM in my own gelding.
    -Stacey

    ReplyDelete
  5. Enjoyed the video clip. I have been doing this with my two year old. It takes a bit of practice to keep the lines organized, but I think it is great especially for youngsters.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi!

    I have a website about horses and horse art and would like to swap links with you.

    When you have added my website to yours please send a quick email and I will add you a.s.a.p

    Here is my link/site:
    http://saddleequestrian.com/

    Keep up the good job, you have a really nice site!
    Thanks in advance, Alice

    ReplyDelete
  7. It helps teach proper head set and yielding to the pressure of the bit. In later sessions under saddle it helps the horse get the feel of the movement of the leather as well as the new and often spooky sounds. A great exercise for all horses.

    ReplyDelete

Hi Guys, Your comments are valued and appreciated -- until recently I never rejected a post. Please note that I reserve the right to reject an anonymous post.