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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.​

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