Part 2: Teaching your Horse to Drive/Longline

seerfarm · 03-13-2009, 03:26 PM

Part 2: Longline Set-Up and Beginning Exercises to Driving and Longelining

Ok, in Part 1 we talk about Desensitizing your Horse, we are now going to go over the set up process of the surcingle, longeline/reins and the beginning exercise's for the walk, turns and stops.

By now your horse should be completely comfortable with being touched with both the lines/reins and the buggy whip. If you are still having some issues then I would suggest a few more Desensitizing session before you move on.

First I will cover connecting your longeline to the halter. You will notice in the picture below that I have connected the clip at the side square/ring so that the clip portion is facing out. This lines up with the corner of the mouth for bitting later. This will keep the clip from possibly pinching the cheek, coming unclipped and allows for quick detatchment should it be necessary.

The Training Surcingle: While there are a large varieties of them out there, I use one that has lots of rings that will allow for a wide variety of placements for our lines. I also like to use a pad of some sort, (saddle pad, dressage pad, western pad and even a folded soft terry towel can work. It will help add protection alone the wither's and sides and help prevent against rubbing). I start with the lines run along the side of the horse. This will give you the most control with the lease amount of pressure to your horses head, neck and body. This will also help in teaching "over cues" that will come in handy later.

After you have run both lines through pull them back and out behind your horse. Make sure, that you do not pull them through to tight, as you will want to leave a small amount of slack and or give for your horses head. You will then want to place yourself about 5 - 8 ft. centered behind your horse, and pick up both lines. Double check to make sure that you have even slack in the lines at the head.

Holding the longelines/reins: Hand placement is important. It will allow for the lease amount of adjusting and the proper amount of pressure that you will use and or apply.

Pay attention to the grasp that I have on the lines. I am actually using my thumb and middle finger to "hold" and my pointer finger will allow for "adjusting/raising and moving" the lines. You are going to want to keep your thumb in the "up" position and your wrist will be fairly stiff and or locked.

I will add more later.

seerfarm · 03-13-2009, 04:09 PM

Body Positioning: Keeping yourself in correct positioning can take some getting use too. However, it will be vitaly important later on when you add a drag and then on to the cart. Your horse must now learn to work with you behind him, going of of sound and touch cues from behind him and the lines. This is where alot of young horse usually get hung up for the first time, as they can not see the handler. Proper technique and Trust from your horse now must work hand in hand.

Notice my body position. You will note that it is not that much different than when you are in the saddle so to speak. You want a straight line from the shoulders, down the arm to the elbow (with arms bent at the elbow) through the hip and down the leg.

Turns: This is another area that might create a small proplem, but mostly for you. Turns will come from a pivot at the waist...the reason for this is that when you rotate to start the turn, an equal amount of line/reins must be give to your horse on the opposite side. By doing this at the hip, and not just trying to grab up/move your hand up the lines/reins, you stay balanced using as little amount energy and maintain proper contact at both ends of the lines/reins. It also reduces the risk for dropping a line, or getting tangle for both you and your horse.

Pivot Left:

Pivot Right:

Use of the Buggy Whip: I try and teach all my drive horse to start from either the left hand or right hand, but you can teach from what ever side is most comfortable to you. Which ever side and or sides you use, just make sure that your command and signals are consistant. The start command, in my opinion should come with either a verbal cue such as "Walk On", "Up", "Gee" and or a tap from the buggy whip at the top of the haunches. You will probably need a tap from the buggy whip at first until your horse is use to working off the verbal.

I do not teach horses to walk on or start by slapping the lines/reins against there backsides. Personally seen way to many horses run off with this one, let alone what can happen with bit movement at the other end.

Later on I will teach the use of the buggy whip to the sides of your horses hips. This technique helps with moving your horse over "cross overs" but need only be tried once your horse can not only pivot on the forehand but haunches and can move laterally.

seerfarm · 03-13-2009, 10:43 PM

I wanted to add a couple of tips here real quick, they have been helpful to me.

Marking your longelines/driving reins:

Once you find your hold spot on the longelines/drivelines take a strip of colored electrical tape and mark (wrap around) your hold spot. This is the place where you will hold between your thumb and middle finger. Double check and make sure once you have removed the lines, that you lay them out and your marks are even.

Maintaining the extra line behind you:

This can really create an issue, that is getting tangled up in the extra line/reins that is in excess behind you. A safe and effective way to keep them in check, looped cleanly and out of the way too...Get 2 pieces of self-sticking velcro about 8-10 inches in length. Leaving about 12 inches of line behind your hand marks, take and roll the remaining line into small to medium loops. Attach the self - sticking velcro around one side of the bundled line making sure that the velcro is even, flat and tight. You should probably have about a 4-6 in flat section that can be slide under your belt. Now should your horse bolt and snatch the line from your hands, the velcro will pull out and or away from itself and your body, taking the extra line with it without it possible getting wrapped around your feet.

Stopping your horse:

Again, prior to this point in your training your horse should have a good understanding of the verbal command WHOA. Before you begin working turns with your horse, start by using the verbal and whip que commands mentioned above along with the stop command below. Working only in a straight line and practiced until you are confident that your horse understands and obey's them.

To stop from a walk, you will first give your horse the WHOA command, at a walking stride then plant your feet and slightly arch your back. What you want is for the horse to walk into the stop. You will not pull back and or tighten the line/reins with backward movement of your arms, your horses body momentum will tighten the lines and he/she will stop. This is less invasive and creates less tension and pull on both the halter, and against the bit once you begin using it.

Notice in the picture, I am planting my feet, my arms have remained in the horizontal position along the side of my body, and my horse has walked into the stop.

seerfarm · 03-14-2009, 02:49 PM

I see we have had alot of folks looking in, so at this point I would like to ask if there are any Questions, Comments and or Concerns with what has been covered so far?

Anything that you think I may have missed and or would like a bit deeper explaination and or better visual on?

country-mare · 03-14-2009, 09:45 PM

Seer,
the picture aids are great.
I never thought about how I hooked my
longlines to the halter, but reading about it and seeing it
makes since to have the snaps turned out.
Jack has been silly lately, and now due to the weather,
we haven't got to work much. I gotta remember his still a
youngen. Looking forward to seeing and reading more.
Your doing a great job.

seerfarm · 03-15-2009, 06:56 AM

Thank You country-mare...I am glad that the visuals along with the information is helping.

Yes, it is hard to remember sometimes that those youngster need more frequent tune-ups that seperate work from the young playful body and mind. Consistency will be your key, and by the time he is ready for the real work/driving he will be a veteran.

racetrackgirl · 03-16-2009, 09:59 AM

I'd just like to say you are doing a great job of explaining this.

jules1962 · 03-16-2009, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racetrackgirl

I'd just like to say you are doing a great job of explaining this.

Ditto!

seerfarm · 03-16-2009, 10:48 AM

Thanks so much guys...I am trying to be as detailed as possible without it being boring.

gadew · 03-19-2009, 03:18 PM

I have to agree, I think driving is your forte.
Can you please elaborate on horses that are new to driving and constantly yield their hind quarters making it impossible to drive but easy to make constant circles?!

i.e: Sparky

seerfarm · 03-19-2009, 04:29 PM

To correct "too much yield of the hindquarters away" again I will utilize the horses own body weight and force against them. You will do what I call a pendulum swing into the direction that "You want" or "have asked" for your horse to follow. Once they start yielding back into the proper direction you then ask for forward motion.

I will try and get some pictures this afternoon that will demonstrate this move. This is very common for pocket ponies as I call them and young horses who "like" to change direction alot and want to go there own way.

seerfarm · 03-19-2009, 08:24 PM

I have started a Troubleshooting Thread to address the above question, and anymore that you guys may need answers to and or have questions about.

Troubleshooting Driving/Longlining Problems

annem · 03-20-2009, 02:57 PM

This is an awsome thread. Thanks so much for doing this for all of us. My horse Jack drives beautifully as he used to pull a cart before my time, but I knew I wasn't doing eveything correctly.

lookinforhorse · 05-28-2009, 10:16 AM

Are there going to be any more updates to this thread? Did I miss another thread?

Not able to follow closely, but would love to be able to come back to this from time to time!

seerfarm · 05-28-2009, 10:59 AM

Yes, I am currently working on Part Three (as this is an ongoing journal), which will cover, Use of Side Pulls, Side reins and Driving Exercises.

If the weather (stormy and rainy) would cooperate I can get the pictures to go with the tutorial part.

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03-13-2009, 03:26 PM
seerfarm Bombproof Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Out with the Herd! Posts: 9,633	Part 2: Teaching your Horse to Drive/Longline Part 2: Longline Set-Up and Beginning Exercises to Driving and Longelining Ok, in Part 1 we talk about *Desensitizing* your Horse, we are now going to go over the set up process of the surcingle, longeline/reins and the beginning exercise's for the walk, turns and stops. By now your horse should be completely comfortable with being touched with both the lines/reins and the buggy whip. If you are still having some issues then I would suggest a few more Desensitizing session before you move on. First I will cover connecting your longeline to the halter. You will notice in the picture below that I have connected the clip at the side square/ring so that the clip portion is facing out. This lines up with the corner of the mouth for bitting later. This will keep the clip from possibly pinching the cheek, coming unclipped and allows for quick detatchment should it be necessary. The Training Surcingle: While there are a large varieties of them out there, I use one that has lots of rings that will allow for a wide variety of placements for our lines. I also like to use a pad of some sort, (saddle pad, dressage pad, western pad and even a folded soft terry towel can work. It will help add protection alone the wither's and sides and help prevent against rubbing). I start with the lines run along the side of the horse. This will give you the most control with the lease amount of pressure to your horses head, neck and body. This will also help in teaching "over cues" that will come in handy later. After you have run both lines through pull them back and out behind your horse. Make sure, that you do not pull them through to tight, as you will want to leave a small amount of slack and or give for your horses head. You will then want to place yourself about 5 - 8 ft. centered behind your horse, and pick up both lines. Double check to make sure that you have even slack in the lines at the head. Holding the longelines/reins: Hand placement is important. It will allow for the lease amount of adjusting and the proper amount of pressure that you will use and or apply. Pay attention to the grasp that I have on the lines. I am actually using my thumb and middle finger to "hold" and my pointer finger will allow for "adjusting/raising and moving" the lines. You are going to want to keep your thumb in the "up" position and your wrist will be fairly stiff and or locked. I will add more later. __________________ "One must be a god to be able to tell successes from failures without making a mistake". Last edited by seerfarm : 03-19-2009 at 08:16 PM.

03-13-2009, 04:09 PM
seerfarm Bombproof Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Out with the Herd! Posts: 9,633	Body Positioning: Keeping yourself in correct positioning can take some getting use too. However, it will be vitaly important later on when you add a drag and then on to the cart. Your horse must now learn to work with you behind him, going of of sound and touch cues from behind him and the lines. This is where alot of young horse usually get hung up for the first time, as they can not see the handler. Proper technique and Trust from your horse now must work hand in hand. Notice my body position. You will note that it is not that much different than when you are in the saddle so to speak. You want a straight line from the shoulders, down the arm to the elbow (with arms bent at the elbow) through the hip and down the leg. Turns: This is another area that might create a small proplem, but mostly for you. Turns will come from a pivot at the waist...the reason for this is that when you rotate to start the turn, an equal amount of line/reins must be give to your horse on the opposite side. By doing this at the hip, and not just trying to grab up/move your hand up the lines/reins, you stay balanced using as little amount energy and maintain proper contact at both ends of the lines/reins. It also reduces the risk for dropping a line, or getting tangle for both you and your horse. Pivot Left: Pivot Right: Use of the Buggy Whip: I try and teach all my drive horse to start from either the left hand or right hand, but you can teach from what ever side is most comfortable to you. Which ever side and or sides you use, just make sure that your command and signals are consistant. The start command, in my opinion should come with either a verbal cue such as "Walk On", "Up", "Gee" and or a tap from the buggy whip at the top of the haunches. You will probably need a tap from the buggy whip at first until your horse is use to working off the verbal. I do not teach horses to walk on or start by slapping the lines/reins against there backsides. Personally seen way to many horses run off with this one, let alone what can happen with bit movement at the other end. Later on I will teach the use of the buggy whip to the sides of your horses hips. This technique helps with moving your horse over "cross overs" but need only be tried once your horse can not only pivot on the forehand but haunches and can move laterally. __________________ "One must be a god to be able to tell successes from failures without making a mistake". Last edited by seerfarm : 03-14-2009 at 02:45 PM.

03-13-2009, 10:43 PM
seerfarm Bombproof Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Out with the Herd! Posts: 9,633	I wanted to add a couple of tips here real quick, they have been helpful to me. Marking your longelines/driving reins: Once you find your hold spot on the longelines/drivelines take a strip of colored electrical tape and mark (wrap around) your hold spot. This is the place where you will hold between your thumb and middle finger. Double check and make sure once you have removed the lines, that you lay them out and your marks are even. Maintaining the extra line behind you: This can really create an issue, that is getting tangled up in the extra line/reins that is in excess behind you. A safe and effective way to keep them in check, looped cleanly and out of the way too...Get 2 pieces of self-sticking velcro about 8-10 inches in length. Leaving about 12 inches of line behind your hand marks, take and roll the remaining line into small to medium loops. Attach the self - sticking velcro around one side of the bundled line making sure that the velcro is even, flat and tight. You should probably have about a 4-6 in flat section that can be slide under your belt. Now should your horse bolt and snatch the line from your hands, the velcro will pull out and or away from itself and your body, taking the extra line with it without it possible getting wrapped around your feet. Stopping your horse: Again, prior to this point in your training your horse should have a good understanding of the verbal command WHOA. Before you begin working turns with your horse, start by using the verbal and whip que commands mentioned above along with the stop command below. Working only in a straight line and practiced until you are confident that your horse understands and obey's them. To stop from a walk, you will first give your horse the WHOA command, at a walking stride then plant your feet and slightly arch your back. What you want is for the horse to walk into the stop. You will not pull back and or tighten the line/reins with backward movement of your arms, your horses body momentum will tighten the lines and he/she will stop. This is less invasive and creates less tension and pull on both the halter, and against the bit once you begin using it. Notice in the picture, I am planting my feet, my arms have remained in the horizontal position along the side of my body, and my horse has walked into the stop. __________________ "One must be a god to be able to tell successes from failures without making a mistake".

03-14-2009, 02:49 PM
seerfarm Bombproof Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Out with the Herd! Posts: 9,633	I see we have had alot of folks looking in, so at this point I would like to ask if there are *any Questions, Comments and or Concerns* *with what has been covered so far?* Anything that you think I may have missed and or would like a bit deeper explaination and or better visual on? __________________ "One must be a god to be able to tell successes from failures without making a mistake".

03-14-2009, 09:45 PM
country-mare Started Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Fred, Texas Posts: 2,102	Seer, the picture aids are great. I never thought about how I hooked my longlines to the halter, but reading about it and seeing it makes since to have the snaps turned out. Jack has been silly lately, and now due to the weather, we haven't got to work much. I gotta remember his still a youngen. Looking forward to seeing and reading more. Your doing a great job. __________________

03-15-2009, 06:56 AM
seerfarm Bombproof Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Out with the Herd! Posts: 9,633	Thank You *country-mare*...I am glad that the visuals along with the information is helping. Yes, it is hard to remember sometimes that those youngster need more frequent tune-ups that seperate work from the young playful body and mind. Consistency will be your key, and by the time he is ready for the real work/driving he will be a veteran. __________________ "One must be a god to be able to tell successes from failures without making a mistake".

03-16-2009, 09:59 AM
racetrackgirl Halter broke Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: alberta Posts: 114	I'd just like to say you are doing a great job of explaining this.

03-16-2009, 10:48 AM
seerfarm Bombproof Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Out with the Herd! Posts: 9,633	Thanks so much guys...I am trying to be as detailed as possible without it being boring. __________________ "One must be a god to be able to tell successes from failures without making a mistake".

03-19-2009, 03:18 PM
gadew Weanling Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Portal, Ga. Posts: 255	I have to agree, I think driving is your forte. Can you please elaborate on horses that are new to driving and constantly yield their hind quarters making it impossible to drive but easy to make constant circles?! i.e: Sparky __________________ "Courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway" John Wayne "If you want a guarantee, buy a toaster." Clint Eastwood

03-19-2009, 04:29 PM
seerfarm Bombproof Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Out with the Herd! Posts: 9,633	To correct "too much yield of the hindquarters away" again I will utilize the horses own body weight and force against them. You will do what I call a pendulum swing into the direction that "You want" or "have asked" for your horse to follow. Once they start yielding back into the proper direction you then ask for forward motion. I will try and get some pictures this afternoon that will demonstrate this move. This is very common for pocket ponies as I call them and young horses who "like" to change direction alot and want to go there own way. __________________ "One must be a god to be able to tell successes from failures without making a mistake".

03-19-2009, 08:24 PM
seerfarm Bombproof Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Out with the Herd! Posts: 9,633	I have started a Troubleshooting Thread to address the above question, and anymore that you guys may need answers to and or have questions about. Troubleshooting Driving/Longlining Problems __________________ "One must be a god to be able to tell successes from failures without making a mistake".

03-20-2009, 02:57 PM
annem Started Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Parksville, B.C. Canada Posts: 2,238	This is an awsome thread. Thanks so much for doing this for all of us. My horse Jack drives beautifully as he used to pull a cart before my time, but I knew I wasn't doing eveything correctly. __________________ Anne

05-28-2009, 10:16 AM
lookinforhorse Halter broke Join Date: May 2008 Location: New England Posts: 56	Are there going to be any more updates to this thread? Did I miss another thread? Not able to follow closely, but would love to be able to come back to this from time to time!

05-28-2009, 10:59 AM
seerfarm Bombproof Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Out with the Herd! Posts: 9,633	Yes, I am currently working on Part Three (as this is an ongoing journal), which will cover, Use of Side Pulls, Side reins and Driving Exercises. If the weather (stormy and rainy) would cooperate I can get the pictures to go with the tutorial part. __________________ "One must be a god to be able to tell successes from failures without making a mistake".