Learning to Longe

This valuable skill can help both you and your horse, but it needs to be done safely and effectively.

- AMANTHA TORCISE

Longeing is a crucial skill needed to exercise and train your horse in a variety of situations. Some reasons you might choose to longe instead of ride include:

THE SET UP

No matter your reason for longeing, the safety considerations are the same. Shown are examples of longeing setups with a bridle with a longeing attachment and a longeline run through one bit ring, over the poll, and clipped to the opposite bit ring. You can also use a rope halter if none of the above are available.

It’s always best to use an option that places even pressure on your horse, as opposed to using a chain or clipping a longeline to one side of the bit. If you choose to longe with the reins on the bridle, you should be sure to secure the them through the throatlatch.