longreining.com
Berith Eriksson
"Riding from the ground"
What is long reining?
Long reining is a versatile and valuable training technique for horses of all levels, from novice to advanced.
It extends beyond basic groundwork, allowing the handler to communicate with the horse at a greater distance, mimicking the feeling of riding without the rider's weight. This method is excellent for introducing young horses to the concept of contact, lateral movements, and engagement.
Skilled long reining can also enhance the performance of established riding/driving horses, improving their suppleness, engagement and overall athletic ability through targeted exercises and nuanced communication.
For elderly horses, long reining offers a fantastic way to both physically and mentally keep them active without the added weight of a rider. Low-impact exercises help maintain suppleness in joints, ligaments, and muscles, combating the stiffness that often accompanies age. Furthermore, the mental stimulation provided by learning new cues and navigating different patterns can significantly improve an older horse's overall well-being and engagement. By adapting the sessions to the horse's individual needs and limitations, long reining can be a safe and beneficial component of their geriatric care program.
Long reining can play a crucial role in rehabilitation programs, enabling controlled exercise, promoting muscle development, and restoring balance and coordination in horses recovering from injury. It allows for an effective way to assess a horse's movement and progress while minimising stress on the musculoskeletal system. Long reining ultimately reminds us of the partnership with the horse. It enhances our feel as riders, sharpens our eye for equine movement and biomechanics, allowing us to recognise both strengths and weaknesses, and adapts teamwork for improvement and enjoyment.
The finesse and communication we achieve in long reining are completely transferable to our everyday riding, enhancing our connection and improving our horse's responsiveness under saddle.
About Berith
Berith Eriksson is a Swedish dressage rider and coach, specialising in the art of long reining – ‘’riding from the ground’’. She has more than 35 years experience teaching and training/producing horses of different breeds and ages.
She began riding at early age and soon established an interest in finding ways of schooling horses. She initially focused on show jumping but transitioned to dressage after gaining experience in dressage stables under Elise Fredriksson and Susanne Gielen in Sweden.
When the Swedish Government created a university programme in Hippology, she was able to secure a position as a student.
During her training at Flyinge, one of the country leading national equestrian centres, she focused on developing excellence within the horse sector. With trainers of Olympic status as Kyra Kyrklund, the Swedish team former Chef d’Equipe, Bo Jenå, Jan Jönsson, Peter Eriksson, Göran Lindstrand, Göran Henriksson and KG Svensson, she completed the unique university programme at the Swedish Agriculture University.
The intensive course included competition riding in all disciplines, theoretical lectures, and the highest standard of stable management providing Berith with a first class comprehensive equestrian education.
"I was so lucky having these people training me daily, as their expertise covered not only dressage and show jumping, but also extended to eventing and carriage driving, along with the comprehensive training of horses of all ages. It was a time of constantly learning from the best that ultimately shaped me into the horse person I am today."
Having competed to advanced dressage, and with a background in eventing and show jumping, Berith has trained numerous riders in Sweden, Tenerife, and in the South East of England since she arrived here in 2004.
Her unique way of long reining, as a complement to riding/driving, from novice up to advanced has proved very popular.
A session with Berith offers a holistic approach to improving your horse's performance and well-being. The session begins with a comprehensive assessment of your horse's biomechanics, identifying any areas of imbalance or restriction that might be affecting its movement. This initial assessment is followed by an open discussion about your specific goals for your horse, allowing Berith to tailor the session to your individual needs and aspirations. Beyond the physical assessment, the session also encompasses practical training advice, providing you with the tools and knowledge to continue developing your horse's way of going long after the session is over. Ultimately, the aim is to unlock your horse's full potential, creating a more comfortable, balanced, and effective partnership.
Berith is available for long reining demos, clinics and riding lessons in the UK and overseas.
Your comments
I have been working with Berith for the past two and a half years, and her knowledge of long reining is truly exceptional. She has an incredible ability to work horses through their entire bodies, teaching them correct techniques while clearly explaining what she is doing and why. Her understanding of biomechanics brings everything together, helping you see how each movement affects the horse’s development. Berith’s experience is remarkable, and her rapport with the horses is second to none. She communicates with them in a way that is calm, clear, and consistent, which allows them to feel confident in their instruction and progress happily and purposefully along their training journey. I work with a range of horses—from 4-year-olds to Grand Prix dressage horses—and the improvement in all of them has been undeniable.
The support, encouragement, and depth of knowledge Berith has shared with me have completely transformed my understanding of training and progression. I honestly couldn’t recommend Berith highly enough to anyone who wants to develop their
knowledge, skill, and horsemanship.
Georgina Howard Hildenborough E.Sussex 04.2025
Berith has been coming regularly to my yard for the past few years. She has amazing insight and depth of knowledge. She is just able to see what every horse needs, from hairy cobs, to ex racehorses, competition horses and children’s ponies. She has worked with my 2 competition horses, producing excellent results. Her skills on the long reins are second to none. She is able to work the horses forwards and straight as well as including all types of lateral work depending on the level of training that each horse is at. She is an excellent teacher of long reining for both horses and their owners. Some owners prefer her to just work their horses for them, some want to learn how to long rein themselves. I couldn’t recommend Berith highly enough
Julia Buckle BHSII Offham East Sussex 04.2025
“I first met Berith about 15 years ago and had never seen long reining used in training before, apart from as a part of the starting process. When I saw what Berith could achieve with a variety of my horses - from a newly-backed 4 year old, an older horse and one needing rehab after injury – she was incredibly skillful in assessing each horse and working on their weaknesses. She is always patient with the horses and takes time to help them understand what is being asked of them. As a teacher, she has helped me to better understand the aims of my training and, in particular, has improved my test riding enormously. As an older, amateur rider who is not always the most enthusiastic about dressage, she has been incredibly supportive. Most of all, she has encouraged me to give it a go and to have fun along the way!”
Elizabeth Ross East Sussex 04 .2025
I have known Berith for about 10 years, introduced to me by a friend in livery. I am a carriage driver and don’t ride, so long reining is a fantastic skill to learn to replicate driving. Berith is a fantastic horsewoman, understanding the emotions and needs of each individual horse when training, she is highly skilled and really helps you understand how to achieve the best from your 4 legged friend. Berith has really helped myself gain confidence in long reining and all of my ponies have become well schooled, using her training aids. I cannot thank Berith enough for her continued support and would thoroughly recommend her. I can honestly say, she has supported me so much both in my development and that of my horses.
Ceilia Tester East Sussex 04 .2025
For several years Berith has been long reining both my own and other peoples' horses at Roughway Arena. Using leather reins, Beriths 'riding from the ground' is not only a way for your horse to move freely, increase suppleness and bend without the rider. it also highlights the way you ride your horse. Beriths long-reining is skilled and professional and is an excellent aid for your horse's education. I thoroughly recommend trying this, it is now a firm part of my routine.
Julia Cannon: Proprietor Roughway Arena Tonbridge, Kent 04 25
10 years ago whilst I was pregnant and struggling to keep my horse going, I was introduced to Berith to come and long rein Heston. The transformation of my horse in 3 sessions was quite magical and asked Berith to continue whilst I was pregnant. Once I had my baby I was keen to continue having ridden lessons as well. We continued over the years and she got me and Heston up to advanced medium. She had the job of teaching me teach the horse. Unfortunately my horse had to be retired due to medical reasons. We are now beginning a new partnership, with my new horse with long reining and riding which is very exciting. Berith has also taught me to long rein which has been such a valuable skill for me to be able use with my horse and my daughters ponies.
Sarah Catt Wartling, East Sussex 04.2025
I have been training with Berith now for over a year and have found her knowledge and training method exceptional. She has really helped my young horse to understand what we are asking of him and with patience and guidance we he has improved immensely. I would fully recommend her as a trainer as she teaches the fundamentals and not missing out steps. Therefore I now have a relaxed and happy horse who enjoys his work 💕 Thank you Berith from Sarah and Shammy
Tracey Cruttenden Ninfield, East Sussex: 04.2025
Berith's long reining skills are superb, she has the knowledge of a horse's correct way of going and how to achieve that on the long reins. With her years of experience she has an incredible ability to show your horse how to move with balance and connection, enabling the horse to be happily swinging through the body. In our yard Berith works with our young and novice horses introducing them to lateral work and with our advanced horses looking at working on collection. Also very useful for rehab and work in winter. Berith teaches us how to achieve the same results. She makes it look very easy! I would highly recommend Berith. She really does know her stuff and the horses feel great for it.
Jo Jephart, Kent. 04.2025
Berith has a rare talent. What she can achieve when long lining is amazing. The horses become so supple and fluid. She fills me with enthusiasm and determination that one day I can be skilled in long lining and truly ride from the ground. It is so useful for my old boy (25 years old) and also my new Lusitano youngster that has just arrived from Portugal. She kept him so calm and content. I feel we will achieve great things with him together.
Lisa Pullen, Seven Oaks ,Kent . 04.2025
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