What are long reins used for?

Long-reining is generally used as the next step up from lunging the horse before ridden work begins. So, by the time someone gets on the horse’s back, he has a good understanding of the basic aids, including the voice.

Why do riders use long reins?

In dressage, we ride with long reins when we want the horse to stretch over the top line. He takes the bit forward and downward, allowing his back to be the highest point. You will often feel an increase swing in the movement, especially in the trot, if the stretch is done correctly.

How long should long reins be?

The reins should form a straight, unbroken line from your elbow, along your forearm, through a soft wrist to the horse’s mouth. Your thumb should lie flat on top of your hand, following this straight line, and your wrist should be upright.

How long are extra long reins?

At 60″ long, the extra length perfectly accommodates larger breeds such as drafts, draft crosses or warmbloods. Offering the same quality leather and traditional laced design, these reins withhold the classic hunter style look.

Why do people long rein horses?

“If you are doing it correctly, long-reining can be as beneficial as ridden work. Having a rein behind your horse can collect the hindleg and get them stepping through more, giving you a better quality of work.” The handler also needs to take their level of fitness into consideration.

Can you long rein with a rider on?

“If you are using long-reining as an addition to your ridden work, you can do it for the same time you spend riding,” says Brendan. “If you are doing it correctly, long-reining can be as beneficial as ridden work.

Why have long reins for horses?

There are lots of benefits to long reining, but it is particularly good for young horses. Not only does long reining introduce them to the ridden aids for turning and stopping, it also teaches them to go forward. They build confidence going in front with you driving them from behind.

Why do horses need long reins?

At its heart, long-reining is about contact, feel and body positioning and, as a rider, you know about all these things. It’s also a great way to observe your horse from a different angle and can often help you understand what you’re feeling in the saddle by being able to see it from the ground.

Is long reining better than lunging?

In most cases long reining over lunging would always be advocated. -Horses are ‘into-pressure’ animals so as the long line puts pressure on the nose via the cavasson the horse will pull away from it increasing pressure at the atlanto-occipital joint (Poll).