Riding from the ground

“LONG-REINING has long been an integral part of the breaking-in process in terms of getting a horse used to the rein and voice aids and establishing the steering and brakes,” explains freelance rider and trainer Brendan Gallagher. “It also gives you the opportunity to expose a young horse to scenarios outside the arena, getting them more confident going on their own.”

Long-reining is equally beneficial for older horses and those recovering from injury.

“You can long-rein in straight lines, which is low stress and low intensity, and it is effectively like riding your horse but from the ground,” says Brendan. “You can use half-halts ― a squeeze and release down the outside rein ― and you can change the bend, ask for transitions and perform many shapes and movements.”

For a horse that has