How do you introduce a horse to the feel of long lines for the first time?

The first introduction to long lines should be slow, methodical, and designed to prevent any frightening experience that could create lasting resistance or anxiety. A horse that has a bad first experience with lines running along his body and hindquarters may become genuinely dangerous — kicking, bolting, or tangling — so taking the time to do this introduction correctly is not optional. Before the lines are ever attached to the horse, he should already be thoroughly desensitized to ropes and straps running along his body, under his tail, around his hind legs, and across his hindquarters. This desensitization is most easily accomplished in a halter with a long lead rope, rubbing the rope over every part of the horse's body until he stands relaxed with no attempt to kick or move away. A horse that has not been prepared this way is not ready for long lines. The actual introduction typically begins with the handler attaching the lines and walking directly beside the horse as in normal leading, gradually moving the outside line across the horse's back and letting it drape along his side and over his hindquarters while the handler remains close. This allows the horse to feel the weight and movement of the line against his body without the disorienting experience of pressure coming from behind. Only when the horse is fully relaxed with the lines running along his body should the handler begin to move behind the horse. Moving behind the horse should happen gradually — the handler steps back a foot or two at a time, pausing at each position until the horse is calm and walking forward freely. If the horse turns to look at the handler or stops, the handler simply encourages forward movement and continues. Many trainers have an assistant lead the horse forward during the first ground driving sessions, which keeps the horse moving and prevents him from stopping and turning while the handler is learning to manage two reins from behind. Keeping early sessions short, staying on straight lines initially, and rewarding the horse with rest whenever he responds correctly builds a positive foundation that makes all subsequent ground driving work easier and more productive.