longeing
Photo: Shelley Paulson

Longeing horses is a common practice among trainers and owners in a variety of equestrian disciplines. It is often used when starting a young horse under saddle or advancing his training before beginning ridden work. However, it’s important to consider the biomechanics of how a horse turns when longeing and the practice’s effects on a young horse’s joint development. Charlie Barton, BVetMed, MS, Dipl. ACVS-LA, postdoctoral fellow at Colorado State University, in Fort Collins, describes the potential concerns associated with longeing a young horse and how owners and trainers can mitigate these risks in this excerpt from Ask TheHorse Live

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Caring for Young Horse Joints.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert:

Picture of Charlotte Barton, BVetMed, MS, Dipl. ACVS-LA

Charlotte Barton, BVetMed, MS, Dipl. ACVS-LA

Charlotte Barton, BVetMed, MS, Dipl. ACVS-LA, earned her veterinary degree from the Royal Veterinary College in London and, after completing two internships in the U.S., undertook a surgery residency at Colorado State University, in Fort Collins. After residency Barton stayed on at CSU as a postdoctoral fellow and her research interests include cartilage repair techniques and gene therapy.