Long lining - we do it and we learn about it

Roz' long lining expertise has really helped getting Remy straighter and more attuned to the aids. After some trial and error on my part we finally found a technique that works well for us.

So after our good session yesterday morning (we used the long lining as Remy's warm up)  I was excited to go to the 'Shop Talk' on "The Art of Long Lining as Complement to Riding" with two Swedish experts: Richard Malmgren and Bo Jena. The 'Shop Talk' is a once a month event hosted by a local tack shop.

Richard Malmgren long lining

Here is a summary of my notes:

- "Horses have to be inspired by nature" (on the importance of riding outside the arena)
- "Imagine going into a grey room doing the same thing over and over"
- "Cross training is very important" (A good analogy was the reference to top tennis players, they don't just hit balls all day long, they go to the gym, do cross fit, etc.)
- "You can educate every horse to be better"
- "If you don't work the body you get a leg mover but not a body mover"

Richard stated that it is important to make it as black and white as possible for the horses when we are communicating with them. Both stressed the importance of variation in the work, i.e. including cavaletti, trails etc. Also they noted that it is important to always learn, also from other disciplines.

One of my favorites:
- "Create your own cake". You may have similar ingredients but at the end of the day you have to bake the cake yourself.

Richard and Bo explained the long lining equipment, a very well made (of course) surcingle as used at Flyinge*, leather reins (safer than nylon), 8.5m in length. The reins should not be too heavy. Horses like to go into the contact, so a good fitting bit is very important. Especially for young horses a rubber bit can be beneficial. A light whip is needed as extension of the arm as forward driving aid.
The surcingle on display had extra straps on each side. Richard and Bo noted that you could also use a spur strap to have the reins go through on the inside for correct flexion and also for the horse not to feel trapped (exactly what Roz uses, it works great on Remy!).
The person's position should be 3/4 behind the horse, far enough not to be kicked, close enough to be able to influence the horse. The person should wear a helmet and gloves (requirement at Flyinge).

The first steps should be stop and steer on a circle. Then walk-halt transitions. LOTS of transitions, with great care that the hindlegs start first. Take it step by step and give the horse time to understand.

 It was noted that sometimes people are too kind and throw the reins away, but you need to give on the inside and keep the outside contact.

Richard said that he wants a horse to hold its own body. If you take the rider out of the equation the horse needs to own up to its own body. "So much in riding is rebalancing".  Long lining helps the horse to figure it out and not evade crookedness.

Important: Frequent rewards in the form of walk breaks.

- "Long lining is riding from the ground, it has nothing to do with longing. Longing does not influence the horse. With long lining you have the horse on the outside rein"

- "Long lining gives you a chance to see the horse other than when riding"

- "Your shoulders need to be soft and relaxed and your hands need to be as in riding. You can't use a death grip"

- "Long lining is like a dance - just like riding - and you need to be fit enough to keep up with the horse"

"The Best of the Best go out after a performance and stretch their horses out".

*Flyinge is the National Equestrian Center of Sweden