How to Begin Longreining Mini Course

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☞ This is an entirely self-study course. You can do it at your own pace, begin any time. Does not include Q&As or any support/feedback.

In this mini course, Dr. Thomas Ritter introduces what long reining is and how you can introduce it to a horse for the first time.

This Mini Course comes with a Masterclass Training and an ebook guide.

Long reining fosters a deeper bond between horse and rider as they work closely and energetically "side by side." It provides a valuable perspective for riders, allowing them to observe the horse's full body and leg mechanics in motion, thereby improving their understanding of timing and rein aids without the distraction of balancing a seat. Long reining serves as a diagnostic tool, revealing the root causes of training issues that might be hidden under saddle and highlighting areas where the rider’s influence may need adjustment. As a result, it enhances both the horse’s performance and the rider’s sensitivity, with each method complementing the other to achieve a more refined connection.

This versatile practice benefits horses and riders in various ways, from rehabilitating horses after injury to addressing training gaps or stiffness in forward-moving horses. It can introduce or refine dressage movements in a low-impact environment, offering a way to work without the weight of a rider while keeping the horse connected to the ground. For lessons, long reining allows students to experience dressage movements and rein aids directly, helping them develop a feel for balance and a swinging back. However, it requires careful application, as it is not suitable for horses who tend to “suck back.” Overall, long reining remains an invaluable tool in classical training, offering unique insights and benefits to both horse and rider.

 “This is the best on line learning site I have found and love the Ritters deep dive into biomechanics of dressage. Little by little pieces are starting to fall into place. Thank you to the whole team for all that you do , sharing your knowledge, and being grounded in classical dressage.” - Cindy

“I really can’t get enough of the Ritter approach… at this point it is the BEST coaching & goal/objective setting program. After 4yrs, it is now how I think and feel and ride my horses. So - why not! I’ve done a number of Beta classes and love the concept of being immersed in it forever.”
Tracy Farrell

“I feel exactly like you do - I am quite frustrated that I have to relearn all this as an older adult - I have actively sought knowledge over my riding career and it was actually my inability to do a clean/ consistent flying change left to right that was the catalyst for me. I kept saying I was doing something fundamentally wrong but no-one could tell me what that was, a lot of yelling and me just feeling like a terrible rider. What I have learned so far has been amazing, it’s a work in progress but I now feel possibilities not barriers. I also feel like every ride is a gift where I learn something new and find a new gem of wisdom in the practical, not just the theory. I love this community as it’s like I have found my people and I am not alone in my thoughts or journey.”
- Tracey Johnston

“The Ritter courses have given me my confidence back. A year ago, I was almost ready to give up and just be an owner and find someone who could ride my horse. We were stuck in a cycle of 1 step forwards 2 steps back in our training. I felt over-horsed and completely inadequate. A year later I feel so much more empowered and my relationship with my horse is so much better.  I enjoy riding again and I know that he and I are on the right path, and I’ve found the right community of people to help us succeed. 😊” - Katharine Trevelyan

“I've been doing Ritter courses for a few years now. Through their instruction and examples, I've transformed from a skilled but driven, frustrated, rider into one who is calm, happy, and analytical in my training. Despite having had decades of excellent instruction, it took the Ritters to teach me to be calmer, more analytical, and therefore much more effective in my riding. Everyone is happier AND we make better progress. My horses and I all thank Thomas Ritter and Shana Ritter.”
Anne Zahradnik

“This is the first time I’ve started to understand this crazy confusing sport! Turns out it’s not so complicated after all.” 😂 - Julia Ackland

“The art of learning the craft is the goal and I am seeing that the lightness and balance my horse has developed so far its just amazing “ - Aidan Campion

“I have done most Ritter courses and love the teaching style. Thomas and Shana are amazing at getting into the reason of everything, the Why. ” - Morgan Laura Osborne

“You won’t be sorry if you enroll. The Ritters’ courses are so detailed and they allow you to ask the questions you were afraid to ask. You can send videos of your problem areas and get personal instruction. You will find so much support and a community of fellow riders to develop lasting friendships all over the world. It’s really a no brainer to at least try the course because if you don’t feel it is right for you, they give you your money back and without any hesitancy or shame. The Ritters are genuine and are really interested in you succeeding. I have taken several of their courses and am an alumni for this one. I have definitely seen progress in both me and my horse. I love that they put attention on the horses faults in addition to the rider. Most of the time I always felt like I was to blame and the horse was an angel saint. Not anymore. They give you tools to figure out what is wrong and how to fix it and give you lots of options. I still struggle with some concepts so don’t despair if you feel overwhelmed. It keeps getting better. So take the course, there is nothing to lose but much to gain.” - Marci Handley, Creekside Farm