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  Discussion on Longing
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Member:
Mientjie

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 - 1:39 pm:

Hi everyone

I longed my mare yesterday with only a bridle and lone rein. She went well for a few minutes but started staring into the distance with a dreamy look in her eyes (she was still trotting).

After trying to get her to concentrate more on what she was doing she was still trotting in a daze. The next moment (still trotting)she hooked her front feet on each other and tumbled to the ground. Fortunatley the sand is nice and thick in the arena and did not get hurt.

She quickley got to her feet and looked around to make sure no one had seen her! Then she quickley started trotting again this time going like an angel. How can I get her to listen to me more and day dream less? Any advice?
Member:
Alden

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 - 2:24 pm:

Lea-Anne,

I don't recommend lunging with a line connected to the bit, if that's how you're setup. I will lunge with a bridle over a rope halter with the rope connected to the halter when I first start teaching a horse to carry a bit. Connecting the rope to the bit limits changing directions and that's one method of getting the horse's attention. And I think it's too easy for a young horse to injuring their mouth, psychologically and/or physically.

The other thing is not to go more than three laps without a change of some sort, change direction or gait. Changing directions is an excellent way to gain attention and respect from a horse of any age. I also bump the rope to keep the head slightly bent into the circle.

Some young horses forget what their doing and end up landing on their nose, while it's not an ideal situation most don't do it too many times before learning to stay in the moment. And it's better for them to do it while you're not mounted :-)

Good day,
Alden
Member:
Dtranch

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 - 2:42 pm:

Lea-Anne
If I understand correctly, you are lunging with a bridle ... does this include bit? If so, I would change to a halter for lunging as you may injure the horse, or at least make him very resistant to bit work later.
To keep their attention, I do 2 things primarily. I "bump" the rope each time the horse looks away until they will lunge with slack in the rope. To me, the most important thing is lots of direction and speed changes. Once started, I very seldom go more than 1 or 2 circles without changing directions. This is key in establishing respect and control.
DT
Member:
Sunny66

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 - 3:31 pm:

Hi Lea-Anne,

I read your profile, is your mare still 5? If so, being a draft cross, she may not have her balance yet...but you probably already know this :-) ... and it will just take a little time, of course the above suggestions are great :-)

Here are my two cents -- and please take it as such -- have you tried caveletti? Maybe just put one pole down so she has to watch where she's going then add another pole at another point in the circle as she "gets" it.
Member:
Terrilyn

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 - 4:12 pm:

I also put a bit in my horse's mouth to get him used to the feel, but connect the lead to the halter, not the headstall...
The rope halter available on Clinton Anderson's website is EXCELLENT and one of the most useful tools you can have when training. The stiffness of the halter combined with the knots on the noseband, as well as the weight of the clip where it attaches to the halter, make it very easy to get your horse's attention bumped back to you and to keep it there...the combo is @ $60, and worth it. Comes with a 14' (I think!) lead. Good luck!
Member:
Mientjie

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 25, 2006 - 1:17 pm:

Hi everyone!

Thought I'll let you know how its going. Amanda improved so much with her longing. I now use a soft rope halter and its worked wonders!

Unfortunately Amanda grew out of her saddle and we have to import one as there is no saddle available here. The saddle is only coming in about 8 weeks time so that means no riding.

Thank you for all your amazing advice!
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