If you haven't started long lining horses yet, you're missing out on one of the most effective ways to build a solid foundation from the ground. It's one of those skills that looks a bit intimidating when you see a pro doing it—loops of rope everywhere, the horse dancing along—but once you get the hang of the coordination, it's a total game-changer. It's basically the bridge between lunging and actually being in the saddle, and honestly, it gives you a perspective on your horse's movement that you just can't get while you're sitting on their back.
Most people stick to lunging because it's easy, but lunging has its limits. You're mostly stuck on a circle, and it's hard to work on things like straightness or complex transitions. When you're long lining, you have two lines—one on each side—which means you have a direct connection to the horse's mouth and their hindquarters. It's like having a remote control for their entire body, allowing you to influence their balance and bend with way more precision than a single lunge line ever could.
Why bother with those extra-long reins anyway?
The biggest perk of long lining horses is how much it helps with muscle development without the added weight of a rider. If you have a young horse that's just starting out, or maybe an older one coming back from an injury, this is the perfect way to get them using their topline correctly. Without a human sitting on their back, they can find their own balance and learn how to carry themselves.
You'll notice that after a few weeks of consistent work, their back starts to lift, and they get much more "through" in their movement. It's also a lifesaver for teaching a horse to steer before you ever hop on. If they already understand the feel of the bit and how to move away from pressure on their sides from the lines, your first few rides are going to be a lot less dramatic. You've already done the hard work of teaching them the "language" of the aids.
Getting your gear sorted
Before you go running out to the arena, you need the right setup. You don't need anything fancy, but a few basics are non-negotiable. You'll need a pair of long lines—usually about 20 to 30 feet long—and a surcingle. The surcingle is that belt-looking thing that goes around the horse's barrel with all the metal rings on it. Those rings are crucial because they act as guides for your lines, keeping them at the right height.
Some people prefer to use a saddle instead of a surcingle, which is totally fine. You can just run the lines through the stirrups (make sure to tie the stirrups together under the horse's belly so they don't flop around). It's a bit of a "hack," but it works perfectly well if you're just starting out or don't want to buy extra gear yet. Just make sure your lines are lightweight enough that they don't feel like heavy anchors on the horse's mouth, but substantial enough that they don't tangle in a light breeze.
Finding your position and staying safe
This is the part where most people get a little nervous. Where do you actually stand? When you're long lining horses, you generally have two main positions: the "driving" position directly behind the horse, or a more angled position where you're slightly to the side, almost like you're lunging but with two lines.
If you're working with a horse that's new to this, stay to the side. Standing directly behind a horse can be a bit risky if they decide to kick out or get spooked. Plus, if you're off to the side, you can see their profile much better, which helps you judge if they're actually bending or just falling in through their shoulder. As you both get more confident, you can move more toward the rear. Just always keep a "safe" distance—far enough that a stray hoof won't reach you, but close enough that you aren't losing the feel of the contact.
The art of not getting tangled
Let's be real: the first time you try this, you're probably going to feel like you're wrestling an octopus. Managing two long lines, a whip (if you use one), and your own feet requires some serious coordination. The trick is to keep the "loop" of the excess line organized in your hands. Don't let it trail on the ground where you—or the horse—could trip on it.
Think of it like driving a car. You want a steady, soft connection. If you're constantly jerking the lines or letting them go slack, the horse is going to get confused and probably a bit annoyed. Keep your elbows relaxed and follow the horse's movement with your hands. It's a conversation, not a tug-of-war.
Working on transitions and straightness
Once you've got the hang of just walking and turning, you can start doing the "fancy" stuff. One of the best exercises when long lining horses is working on transitions. Because you have control over the outside of the horse's body with that outer line, you can keep them much straighter during a transition from walk to trot.
You can also work on lateral movements like leg yields or even shoulder-in from the ground. It's incredibly satisfying to see your horse cross their legs and find that rhythm without you having to struggle with your own seat and balance at the same time. It's also a great way to "test" if your horse actually understands the aids. If they can do a perfect transition on the long lines but struggle under saddle, you know the issue might be how you're sitting or moving up top.
Common mistakes to watch out for
We've all been there—trying to do too much at once and ending up in a mess. One big mistake is using the lines to "force" a frame. It's tempting to pull the horse's head down, but all that does is create tension and a fake headset. The goal of long lining horses is to encourage them to reach forward into the contact, not to curl away from it.
Another thing is getting too close to the horse's hindquarters. If you're right up on their heels, they might feel crowded or pressured, which leads to them rushing or getting "bunchy" in their movement. Give them space to move. Also, keep an eye on that outer line. It's easy to let it sag and wrap around their hocks, which is a recipe for a spook. Keep just enough tension on that outside line to keep it up on their hip or tucked under their tail, depending on what your horse is comfortable with.
Why this builds a better bond
At the end of the day, spending this time on the ground really changes your relationship with your horse. You're working together as a team, but you're also giving them the space to learn and make mistakes without a rider interfering. You'll start to notice the little nuances in their body language—how they flick an ear when they're thinking, or how they hold tension in their neck before a transition.
It's a mental workout for them, too. They have to focus on your voice and the subtle pressures of the lines. By the time you finish a session of long lining horses, they're usually just as tired mentally as they are physically. It's a great way to mix up your routine and keep things fresh, especially during those winter months when the arena might be a bit crowded or you just don't feel like tacking up for a full ride.
So, if you've got a spare afternoon and a bit of patience, grab some lines and give it a shot. It might feel a bit clumsy at first, but the rewards—a stronger, more balanced, and more responsive horse—are totally worth the occasional tangled rope. Don't be afraid to ask a friend to help you the first time or even watch a few videos to get the hand positions down. Your horse (and your back!) will definitely thank you for it later.