Improving the riders' tone and feel for the correct position is an essential part of the first two years' training at the Spanish Riding School, Vienna. (check out Classical Dressage)

Riding on the longe line teaches balance and the correct seat. It also inspires confidence, especially in the beginning rider. This is a very safe approach to teaching children. (And way fun.) It's excellent for the rider whose been overhorsed in the past (many kids fit into this category) and have had a bad experience. Riding on the longe provides a safe environment in which to help heal the fearful rider.

You need a solid horse (temperament, temperament, temperament), a good longer, an arena with soft footing (mine is pretty poor), a simple vaulting surcingle (you can use a saddle too), and a longe whip. (We weren't using a cavesson, bridle, and side reins here, since we're just starting with this horse and this was kind of an impromptu check-it-out session.)

This is quarterhorse Piñon's first experience on the longe since we've had her! I think she had been longed before, but I suspect in mindless circles just cantering around and around to blow off extra energy. Prior to putting the kids on her, it didn't take long to get her calmed down and help her to realize that she didn't have to go fast and that I wasn't going to chase her down with the whip. She is so gentle and agreeable, and settled pretty quickly into the idea that she can indeed just walk on the longe and it's OK. (In fact, it's very good.) I had her fairly relaxed with good control of her gaits and speed with just a halter and longe line.