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Welcome to day 6 of the mini-course

 Working at the Long Rein  

 

Until now, you have been placing your horse in the right direction when changing direction.

Today we change direction while working.

We do this over the diagonal.

The first part is the same as a quarter of a circle:

  • Your posture points in the direction

  • Your inside rein stays stable

  • Your outside rein gives space

On the diagonal, your outside rein takes back the contact to ask your horse to go straight.

Because there is no fence, your horse may move left or right.

In the beginning:

  • Walk on the diagonal

  • Make a halt at the track

  • Change sides while standing still

When this is clear:

  • Change sides while your horse keeps walking

Later, you can practice this at different points on the diagonal.

You will find a PDF below with an overview of the aids, which you can take with you to the stable.

You can watch today's video here ⬇

 

What to take away from today:

  • You learn to change direction on the diagonal

  • Your horse learns to go straight without the support of the fence

  • You coordinate your inside and outside rein

  • You learn to change sides without disturbing your horse

Your assignment:

Walk on the diagonal and make a halt when your horse reaches the track.

Then change from one side to the other while your horse is standing still.

Repeat this several times.

When this feels clear, try changing sides while your horse keeps walking.

Notice:

  • Does your horse stay straight on the diagonal?

  • Can you change sides without disturbing your horse?

  • Does your horse stay calm and relaxed?

Take your time with this exercise.

Let us know how it goes in the community!

 

 What’s coming next:

▶ Day 7 – Shoulder-out
How do you take the first step towards lateral work on the long reins?
How do you use this exercise to strengthen the inside hind leg?

Previous lessons:

▶ Day 1 – What is long reining & equipment

▶ Day 2 – Preparatory groundwork

▶ Day 3 – Stepping forward and halting

▶ Day 4 – Straight lines and corners

▶ Day 5 – Circles

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