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Longeing is used to teach a horse direction, posture, how to yield, and move off pressure.  We have all seen people who won't ride a horse until after they have longed in order to get the extra energy or "stink" out of the horse so that they can ride. Think about how absurd this is - you should be the one who directs the horses energy where you want it.  If anything, you should be the one who has the relaxed posture so that you don't send the wrong message to the horse.  If you have a horse that isn't safe to ride until it's tired what the heck are you doing getting on?  This is called "stealing a ride".  Go back to the basics because something is wrong.

Longeing with a 22 or 45 foot line is used to teach a horse to yield from a greater distance than the standard lead rope. You can also work with difficult or scared horses from a safe distance.  You will know that you've done your ground work correctly when you get your horse on the end of a 45 foot longe line and can get them to eye yield without "moving a muscle" or sending any energy down the rope.  Once you've mastered this it's time to get rid of the training aids and try free longeing.

The most effective way teach a horse to longe is with a 12 foot lead rope. Begin by asking the horse to back up.  Ask the horse to move off in a direction by holding out your direction hand and putting pressure on the lead rope.  If the horse hesitates or will not move off, raise your power hand.  If they still don't move off, direct energy at the horses rear by twirling the rope overhand.  When the horse begins to move, take the power hand completely off and down to your side.  You want the horse to relate the power hand to movement and if you always keep it up, it loses its impact.   After you have used the 12 foot lead, then you can move up to the 22 or 45 foot lead.  In some cases you may not want to start with the 12 foot rope, such as the above example of a scared or difficult horse.

When longeing there are two concepts to think about:

1). Direction:  Where do you want to the horse to go?

2). Energy:  How much energy do you want the horse to use to get there?

You control both of these things.

IMPORTANT:  Your power hand has to be held higher than the direction hand.   Otherwise you look like a clothes line to the horse and your just going to confuse him.

This is easier than it sounds.  For example, if you want to longe your horse counter clockwise (to the left).  Use your left hand to ask for direction, hold the lead rope with a little bit of pressure. Did your horse move into the direction that you asked?  Twirl the rope overhand directed at the horses rear.  Did the horse move off? 

You also need to be able to longe from above the horse.  This will prepare the horse for the time that you are sitting above him in the saddle.  The easiest way to do this is off of a wood fence or arena wall.  Make sure that your legs are anchored and you have unobstructed access to the horse.  Your goal should be to longe the horse up and down the rail.  At first you will find this difficult because the horse will drift out from you because they are not comfortable with your new height.  With some time, you will find that you can bring the horse right up to you.

Energy is an interesting concept.  It sometimes takes the rope to run into the horse for them to understand this energy concept.  Once you have the techniques down with a 12 foot lead rope you are ready to move up to a 22 foot longe line. And once you have these techniques mastered with a 22 foot longe line, you can move up to a 45 foot longe line.  And believe it or not, you may eventually be able to "free longe" without a line.  After all, that's what round penning basically is when you do it right!

Next Concept: Ground Driving

Ordering Information

Our longe lines are made from the same high quality rope as our lead ropes and other products:

Available in 22 or 45 foot length.
1/2" nylon double braid rope with an eye splice.
11/4" solid brass snap.
Leather popper at the end.

The splice is sewn so that it won't unravel and the brass snap can be removed.

Click on the image below to go to see our products:

There is some risk involved in horse training for both you and the horse. Horses can cause serious injury. Be sensible and don’t attempt anything that is outside your comfort level. This information is intended to illustrate how we apply our training techniques, you are responsible for using this information wisely. If you don’t feel comfortable with your abilities or an exercise, don’t do it! Seek advice or assistance from a professional horse trainer. Stay on the "high side of trouble".

Natural Horse Supply Training Information, (c) 1999 Natural Horse Supply. All rights reserved. Duplication of any material  prohibited without express written permission. This prohibition is not intended to extend to personal non-commercial use, including sharing with others for safety and learning purposes, provided this copyright notice is attached and you have written permission. E-mail to submit comments or request reproduction permission.

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Last updated: July 17, 2003