There are many excellent videos and training courses on how to longe, from first-time gentling to reinforcement ground training for a seasoned horse. Therefore, one very good tool to learn how to longe properly is a well-made instructional video. By viewing an expert, you learn the right body language (of both you and the horse), which is one of the most important elements of longeing. Ground work is all about communication, and body language is a primary form of equine communication. Second, with a video, you can watch again and again, allowing you to observe before asking more detailed questions in private training sessions or clinics.

I recommend GaWaNi Pony Boy’s DVD, Horse Follow Closely, because it shows, step by step, the gentling of an unbroken horse. The video cuts from scenes in the pen to Pony sitting inside, explaining what he is doing, then back to the pen. Although Pony speaks rapidly at times, what he is saying sinks in quickly. This is a video that can be watched again and again for its gems of wisdom. Pony’s body language and positioning for differing results is superb. For more information, read the Horse Follow Closely – DVD and book review.

For green horse longeing, Pony uses a half-inch cotton rope, tossing it towards the horse’s rump to achieve movement. Other trainers use a longe line attached to the horse’s cheek area and a longe whip. What style of longeing you choose will be up to you, and also depends on the training level of the horse. It is best to determine what style is suitable prior to purchasing your longeing equipment.

Length of rope or rein ranges from 25 to 35 feet. Noted horse expert, Lynn Palm, recommends 35 feet. Obviously, size of pen and style of longeing will contribute to the decision of rope length to purchase. However, it should never be less than 25 feet as the circles will be too tight, risking injury to you and the horse, nor too long as rope dangling accidents can be disastrous.

A round cotton or poly rope is better than flat nylon as it’s much softer on the hand and lightweight (sample below).


The rope should have a quality, brass swivel snap. Some longe reins come with the snap attached; some require you to purchase the snap separately. Whichever you buy, make sure the snap is functioning well and that it swivels.

Longeing whips have handles approximately 6 feet long, with the whip portion extending another 5-10 feet. The whip should be light (you will be holding it up for the majority of the time in the pen) and also well-balanced. Do not use a buggy whip or dressage whip as they will be too short and inadequate for the job. A whip specifically crafted for longeing is preferable.

A longeing caveson is a closely-fitting headstall with rings on the noseband for differing longe rein attachments. A caveson is preferable to a halter, particularly with a difficult horse, as the caveson will increase contact. Also, halters can slip during longeing, and discomfort to the horse will only work against the purpose of ground work training. The lined caveson below is an excellent example of a good training aid that increases communication via close contact and avoids pain to a very sensitive area of the horse, its nose.


As a side note, never attach a longe rein to the bit ring, as pulling the bit sideways through the horse’s mouth is not only painful but is not in line with the purpose of longeing: communication and building respect and unity with your horse. Pain is never a good communicator.

Bell boots and splint boots, or exercise bandages on all four legs, are highly advisable to prevent clipping/overreaching injuries.

A good set of gloves is mandatory. Even if using a soft rope, rope burn is always a possibility. I prefer well-fitting gloves like the Ariat style below instead of bulky, barn chore gloves as they provide protection but still a good feel on the rein.


Instead of riding boots, consider a sturdier set of low boots. While some trainers do not turn (instead letting the rope go over their head), in different stages of longeing you need to be quite active, behind the horse’s withers urging him on or at his shoulder, signaling him to stop. This requires a lot of movement on your part and a good pair of lace-up boots - high enough to protect the ankle, but not knee high like riding boots which tend to restrict ankle flexion – are preferable for ground work.

Finally, you need a location to perform your training. Most expert trainers recommend a round pen around 60 foot in diameter. Although pens come in sizes as small as 30 feet, such a small pen would require great flexibility and could be detrimental to the casually-ridden horse from a health standpoint. Stick with the recommended 60 foot size unless you are an advanced rider preparing a performance horse.

If you do not have a round pen (like most of us), do not worry: Inquire about using one at a local training facility, boarding stable, or even show facility. It is not necessary to own a round pen as much as to have access to one. Alternatively, with a horse that is not in danger of bolting, you can use a corner of a field, placing obstacles such as hay bales in a semicircle in order to create the illusion of an enclosed space.

Now that you have all the tools necessary for basic longeing, read Why Longe Line a Horse to understand the principles behind ground work and what you are trying to achieve. As do horses, I like to know why I’m doing something as I feel it directs not only my efforts but the end results. Good luck in all your training!