Trainer suggests long lining to build a better topline

[cajunbelle]

My new trainer suggests long lining, which I am not that knowledgable about, in order to better develop her topline. Do you think it's a good idea? My horse is quiet and willing to do just about anything but... is this something better left up to a professional. Should I try it, or use other ground work suggestions.

[Aerial]

If your mare is quiet, it shouldn't be any problem. Just taught my green-as-grass pony how to do this, and i am by no means a professional.

[ChocoMare]

I've found strong walking and slow trotting up good hills to be much more beneficial to building topline.

[ontarget]

It is absolutely a good idea if you can learn how to do it correctly. I long line my guys once a week, and always use long lining with greenies to get them going. If you can teach them to stretch their head and necks down and get them to relax, then they will bring up their backs and use/loosen/strengthen their back muscles, building a better topline. Even the best riders still put pressure on their backs while riding, so long lining while getting them to stretch will help build those muscles without rider interference so that they can better keep their backs up/maintain a topline with a rider on their back.

Is the horse already comfortable with side reins? If so, then it should be a pretty easy transition. Is your trainer willing to help you with the long lines at first? I had a trainer teach me how to properly work a horse in long lines, and although I could have figured it out on my own, my trainer sped up the process and efficiency of my efforts quite considerably. ;) However, I'm sure there are plenty of useful tutorials online that can help you get started even if your trainer's help isn't an option.

As ChocoMare said, hill work is also very useful (I try to do that with my horses once a week as well when hills are available), and may be easier if you have little experience with long lines, but long lining can definitely be beneficial. It just has to be done correctly with the horse long, low, and stretching while pushing powerfully from behind.

[SkipChange]

It's a good idea if you can do it well.

If you cannot long line effectively it is probably not a good idea. Surely the trainer that recommended this could instruct you and give you a lesson or two on it and decide if you can do it effectively enough to be beneficial.

[Petstorejunkie]

It's a good idea if you can do it well.

If you cannot long line effectively it is probably not a good idea. Surely the trainer that recommended this could instruct you and give you a lesson or two on it and decide if you can do it effectively enough to be beneficial.
bingo. Long lining is an art one that takes practice and dedication. I would assume that a trainer would suggest this if YOU need to work on your seat and hands, and in their current state are inhibiting your horse from developing a topline correctly.
Figure out what the root issue is and work from there.

[mvp]

I would not long line to build a top line unless I was very, very good at it, and unless I was comfortable with really long lines. If you try to get that big, forward movement on 30' long lines, your horse will be on a pretty small circle. You will have to run in order to keep that big trot though a figure 8.

I think there are ways to build a top line that put much less milage on the legs.

[Equino]

I "short line" to build up toplines. I attached my long line ropes and surcingle just as if I were long lining, then stand in circle as if lunging. I have the horse w-t-c, long and low, and at the end of the session, I sometimes will long line around the ring/property so they can cool out. It is my answer to the $$$ Pessoa ropes!

[caradino]

lovelovelove long lining as a tool for building topline and teaching horses to bend/give to the bit. i have seen huge, wonderful results in fitness and topline muscle using a combination of long lining and lunging with a chambon. (eta not at the same time! alternating every other day or so.)

but, i'm in agreement with other posters that you do absolutely need a pro to show/teach you how to do it correctly. it does take quite a bit of practice to get a good correct feel for long lining.

also remember that FORWARD is a very important component to any long line/lunging work. if your horse is not working forward into the lines, you've lost all benefit. just like when you are riding, if you are only holding your hand and not pushing with your leg/seat, you get a false frame with no impulsion. FORWARD from your voice/whip into the lines is the most important part!!

[superpony123]

i would start with some hillwork, OR have a pro show you how it's done. you'll be wasting your time entirely if you're not spot-on, really. (and i can't say longe lining is my favourite thing to do. i always get dizzy, even on the biggest and longest of lines with a slow horse!)

good, slow but energetic walking and trotting up hills will be VERY beneficial. you would think the faster the better, but no. think about yourself. if you've got a steep hill to climb, its a lot easier to just run up in a burst, isnt it? but if you have to take shorter, sloooooow steps, it can be a pretty big effort, right? same idea for your horse. :) plus, since you probably don't have artificial hills right outside your arena, it means you get to have some fun hacking out in the woods or in fields or wherever you've got some good solid hills around you. horse will appreciate being out of the ring once or twice every week. :yes: plus some are much more willing to work in a new 'fun' outdoor surrounding

[Timex]

I love these questions, with absolutely no detail. Hey, Op, more info, please? Like, do you even have hills? Lol