Longlining guide
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The Guide to LONGLINING Longlining is like driving your pony from the ground. You walk behind him with two very long lines attached to his head, and you tell him where to go and how fast to go there using your body. It is used a lot in IH because you can do a lot of different sort of work. It is great for building confidence and bonding, you can see how your pony is moving without a rider on him, you can exercise him if he can't be ridden* * , and you can have fun! In this guide, RA Bridget Hughes will show you how to get started with longlining. Longlining isn't easy, though, especially to start off with, so we recommend you have a lesson with someone who knows what they are doing first, maybe with your local IH Recommended Associate. We would also strongly recommend that you have a competent person with you while you practice until you are sure that both you and your pony knows exactly what you're doing. * If your pony is off work for some reason, always check with your vet or physio before longlining.
Transcript of Longlining guide
The Guide to LONGLINING
Longlining is like driving your pony from the ground. You walk behind him with two very long lines attached to his head, and you tell him where to go and how fast to go there using your body.
It is used a lot in IH because you can do a lot of different sort of work. It is great for building confidence and bonding, you can see how your pony is moving without a rider on him, you can exercise him if he can't be ridden**, and you can have fun!
In this guide, RA Bridget Hughes will show you how to get started with longlining. Longlining isn't easy, though, especially to start off with, so we recommend you have a lesson with someone who knows what they are doing first, maybe with your local IH Recommended Associate. We would also strongly recommend that you have a competent person with you while you practice until you are sure that both you and your pony knows exactly what you're doing.
* If your pony is off work for some reason, always check with your vet or physio before longlining.
Step 1 - use the right tack
It is really important to use the right tack for longlining.
Here's a checklist of the things you'll need:
• either a well fitting saddle or a roller with rings that are quite low on your pony's sides;
• a Dually headcollar (you can use an ordinary headcollar and clip onto the sides but a Dually is much better);
• a proper pair of 30ft longlines;• a hardhat, boots and gloves. Gloves are a must for longlining;• a safe working environment. Do not longline in a big field with
other ponies in it, and make sure there is no clutter around.
Step 2 - secure your stirrups
You can skip this bit if you're using a roller
Step 3 - Attach your longlines
Step 3 continued
Step 3 continued
Step 4 - get going!
Once you can do all this, you can then do all sorts of things. You can longline a set test as you would for dressage, you can do obstacle courses, if it's safe to do so you can go for walks on tracks (always have someone with you).
Most of all, you can have fun while doing something that good for you and for your pony.
