Longeing

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Longeing /ˈlʌndʒɪŋ/ (US English, classical spelling) or lungeing (UK English, informal US) is a technique for training and exercising horses. It is also a critical component of the sport of equestrian vaulting.

The horse is asked to work at the end of a long line of approximately 25 feet (7.6 m). Longeing is performed on a large circle with the horse traveling around the outside edge of a real or imaginary ring with the handler on the ground in the center, holding the line. The horse is asked to respond to commands from the handler or trainer, usually given by voice, aided by pressure and release of the line and movement of a whip with a long shaft and equally long lash, called a longeing whip or longe whip.

Longeing is used as a training tool for young horses to introduce them to commands, equipment, and to build trust and respect in the trainer. It can also be used to good effect to build strength in ridden horses or for rehabilitation after illness or injury.^[1] It can be used to introduce new riders to the movement of a horse without having the rider also have to manage control of the animal. It also can be an advanced riding exercise to increase balance and skill of more experienced riders.