For horse and human safety there is tying do’s and don’ts. Tying a horse is an essential part of handling a horse. It is done on a regular basis, however tying can become dangerous and harmful to horses and people if not done correctly, especially if a horse is startled or has a history of pulling back. Below are horse tying do’s and don’ts for horse and human safety:
Do’s
1. tie to a solid object
2. the knot should be higher than the horses withers
3. the length of lead should be apx 2 feet from the halter to the tie point, this can change based on the size of horse or pony and how claustrophobic they are
4. the traditional method of tieing is using the quick release knot to a “break away string”, like bailer twine, however the blocker tie ring is a much safer alternative especially for a horse that has a history of pulling when tied.
5. use a halter and lead rope in good condition
6. tie your horse in a safe location away from hazards (consider if the horse would pull back, get free or move)
7. put the horse away when they are done being used to prevent any potential tieing injuries
8. know your horse; are they a puller? do they feel claustrophobic when tied short?do they strike at others walking past? are they inpatient? do they have separation anxiety when left alone?
9. always ask yourself, “what is the worst that could happen if I tie my horse in this location?”
10. think of all things that could go wrong and mitigate the hazard
11.always keep an eye on your horse when its tied no matter how or where your horse is tied.
Dont’s
1. don’t tie to a loose gate, near trailer tires, barbed wire fencing, latches, unsecured objects, livestock panels, tree branches, near holes, on icy footing, near electrical panels, or near hazards. All have the potential for serious injuries.
2. don’t leave too much slack in the lead rope.The horse can get a leg entangled in the lead rope, get its head caught under it.
3. don’t leave too little of slack where the horse feels claustrophobic.
4. don’t walk under a lead rope when a horse is tied, the horse could step forward and crush you.
5. never tie with bungi cords, or anything with elasticity as horses have lost eyes and been injured from the cord snapping back
6. don’t tie the lead rope lower than the horses withers
7. don’t tie to fence rails, horses can pull back taking the fence rail with them, if you must tie to a fence, tie to a solid fence posts. Fence posts should be 2-4 feet in the ground and in good condition.
8. don’t tie too close to other horses. Other horses can kick or bite. Be mindful if the other horse is a stallion or known to be a kicker or biter.
9. don’t tie a horse in a high traffic area or where children are playing around
10. don’t tie a horse for long of periods of time. If you don’t need the horse put it in a stall, paddock or pasture.
11. never tie with a bridle and reins, horses have sustained seriously mouth injuries
12. don’t tie a horse to a horse trailer that is not chocked and not hooked to a truck
To prevent potentially dangerous and harmful situations from tying a horse, follow the horse tying do’s and don‘ts.
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