In this video Id like to show how longlining can help to improve a horses confidence, rhythm, relaxation and balance. At the time, the owner of this 7-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Magnus, had experienced spooky, resistant, running-off and bucking behavior that had lead to a prolonged time off before I started working with him on the longlines and under saddle.
It is hard to know exactly what had caused Magnus to start acting in a resistant manner to what he was asked to do. The fact was that he had bucked off a couple of professional riders which had left the owner with little confidence and even less desire to ride him herself.
Magnus initial reaction to even the lightest rein contact was severe head shaking which might have been caused by a less than empathetic introduction to the riders hands. Magnus also reacted somewhat defensively to the leg aids from which he wanted to run away as soon as he felt the slightest pressure. He was afraid of the rein and the leg, and mounting him was a whole different issue with which he was not exactly comfortable.
I think it is reasonable to assume that Magnus introduction to riding and dressage initially caused him to be fearful, then resistant, and over time he had learned to defend himself with a behavior that would eventually help him to get rid of the source of his discomfort, stress and possible misery.
When I introduced Magnus to the longlines it seemed to give him back a sense of motion that didnt make him feel claustrophobic. I was able to guide his direction and speed while using body language and a light yet elastic contact on the longlines. You may notice that I didnt make any real rigid requests as Magnus moves in big circles and serpentines across the arena. All I wanted him to do is move forward without running, stretching forward downward, flexing and bending a bit, while accepting a light rein contact and trotting over some ground poles.
Once I felt I had an understanding with Magnus on the ground, I started using the longlines as a warm-up routine before riding him. Eventually I would alternate longlining and riding throughout the weekly schedule which helped build Magnus trust and ability to relax tremendously. He became more even in his rhythm, more relaxed throughout his back and neck, and more balanced overall. Step by step he accepted more leg in combination with weight and rein aids.
If you are interested in seeing how Magnus longlining training translates to his work under saddle feel free to watch the 2nd Magnus movie Mgns Rde 06.07.mov.
If you would like to find out more about longlining and riding dressage along gentle training principles please visit my website at www.gentlesolutionsdressage.com.
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6:46Riding Magnus -- Mgns Rde 06.07.07.movby TheWunderkind13281 views
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