Long lines and long LINES.

This video:






... inspired me to start working with Hampton more in hand and in long lines. Today was a perfect day for that as it was 27 degrees - warm enough that I was comfy working outdoors, but still cold enough that the area was frozen so no riding. I knew that I would just be working Hampton at the walk so I thew on the surcingle and had some fun.


I am by no means any sort of genius with long lines or in-hand work. I know the basics, as the only time I really long line horses are when I am starting them and teaching them to steer. I think all horses should know how to long-line anyway. I can stop, steer, turn, etc. but what I really would love to learn is lateral work like shoulder-in and leg yield. I tried these with Hampton and leg yields were ok and I did get some steps of shoulder in, but I couldn't maintain it. I guess it could be that we were just walking and there is no impulsion so it makes those movements more difficult anyway. I dunno. 


Anyone know of any good educational videos for in-hand lateral work and such?


I ended out session with some in-hand baby piaffe work. Basically, Hampton knows to come forward when I raise the whip to his rump. I can also get a few "bounce bounces" from his croup when I tap. Sometimes he does want to barge past me, however. Gotta work on that. Baby steps.


In any case, it was a fun activity. But I'd really like for the arena not to be concrete anymore. Kthanx.


Oh yeah, so I googled long-lines hoping to find some nice examples of horses in lines, like this:

Um, and then the results also brought up images like this (long LINES)

BAHWAHAHAHAHAH!!