Dominique Barbier Clinic
Longing
Equipment is donut-style side reins, a longe line, and a longe whip. With the horse tacked up in saddle and bridle, and with side reins snapped to the D-rings for later use but not yet snapped to the bit, run the longe line through the bit ring and clip it to the back buckle of the girth. Twist the bridle reins and fasten by running the throat latch through as usual so they are not in the way.
Longe work is done almost exclusively at the trot. The goal is for the horse to loosen up and relax, lowering his head and bending the neck to the inside, finding his own balance. This is the time to assess how the horse is going and give you an idea of what to expect when you ride. After longing both ways, snap the inside side rein to the bit ring (no outside side rein). Adjustment of the side rein depends on the horse, but it must never be too tight. Then continue longing the horse at trot, allowing him to find his balance with neck bent to the inside and head lowered. If the horse is not willing to move, ask for more trot. If the horse is too fast, ask for less. Use your mind as your first aid. Barbier recommends longing for 10 minutes on each side.
Wait a minute, you are thinking – no outside rein? Yes, no outside rein. And yet the horses were not crooked. By allowing the horses to find their own balance by enticing, but not forcing a position with two reins, they pretty much went straight.