When Longing a horse, always control his gait and direction.

Never let the horse change gait or direction on his own. While a horse is handled, he should be calm and obedient. The Longe Line, the Halter, or anywhere near a Human is not the appropriate place for a horse to run, buck, kick, or otherwise behave in an uncontrolled manner. If the horse is encouraged to behave badly while handled, he will think this acceptable behavior, and act this way while being ridden.

Some people believe the horse will become tired and calmer if allowed to run and buck while being Longed or exercised. However, what actually happens is that this bad behavior becomes a habit, because the horse associates being handled with being out-of-control.

Always encourage calm, quiet, obedient behavior from the horse.