How to Train a Horse to Long Line

Long lining is a good exercise for young horses, since it teaches the horse to develop its muscles and move in a balanced and fluid fashion. Long lining also gives horse owners a chance to teach some basic cues, including stopping on cue, turning easily and being responsive to the trainer. Horse owners can also use long lining to lay the foundation for driving, since the concepts are much the same.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Long lines
  • Surcingle
  • Assistant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the halter on your horse and make sure you have all of the basics of leading and obedience covered before you start any long line work. Your horse should already walk beside you quietly, turn when you ask and stop on cue on the halter and lead before you start your long lining work.

    • 2

      Put the surcingle around the horse's middle, just behind the front legs. The surcingle is designed to fit around the horse like a saddle, and it has rings to keep the long lines in place while you are working.

    • 3

      Ask an assistant to hold your horse's halter while you attach the long lines. Attach one long line to each side of the halter, then run the line back through the ring on the surcingle. Have your assistant hold your horse while you run the lines, then move to the back of the horse.

    • 4

      Hold the lines and cluck to your horse to ask him to move. Have your assistant available to stop and direct the horse if need be. You should be able to control your horse adequately with the long lines, but having someone else available can be a big help if there is a problem.

    • 5

      Move your horse a few steps, then gently pull back on the long lines and say "whoa." Continue to reinforce this stop cue as you work until the horse responds to your voice alone. Repeat the long line practice for multiple short sessions, which each session lasting from 15 to 20 minutes. Working with your horse every day will help to reinforce the lessons you teach.