Checklist In's and Out's
Any object that isn't set firmly into the ground stands a good chance of being moved by a panicky horse. Even a 4-inch post that's set 3 feet deep could potentially be broken by a horse who is pulling back. Make sure the object you tie to is stout enough and set deeply into the ground.
Never tie to gates, doors, or railings. Gates or doors will move as your horse moves, and won't hold up if he should panic and pull back. The odds that a horse will pull a gate or stall door off its hinges in a panic are great-and he may end up with it attached to him, causing further panic and enormous risk of injury.
Tying to a board or top rail that's only nailed on also will rarely hold a panicked horse, even if he's not pulling hard. Always tie to objects that are bolted through. Many manufacturers design hardware that bolts into a post or wall for tying straight on or even cross-tying. These objects tend to hold up well under normal use, but can be pulled out of the wall or post by a horse in a panic.
When tying to a regular horse trailer, it's safest if the trailer is hooked up to a vehicle. Many of the larger gooseneck trailers with living quarters can weigh up to 15,000 pounds, and it would be rare that a horse would be able to move this much weight. But it's safer to tie him to a bumper-pull trailer or a lighter gooseneck trailer only when it's hooked to a tow vehicle. Don't underestimate the strength of your frightened horse. Panicked, he could be capable of pulling over a two-horse bumper-pull trailer on top of himself.
When tying to a trailer, the lead rope can also become hooked over or under an open door or latch. When the back doors are left open and your horse has enough slack in the lead rope to get his head under it and get caught up, he'll inevitably panic when he tries to raise his head.
The same goes for protruding door handles and latches. Close the back doors of your trailer, and make sure window and door latches are fastened.
And just in case the occasion arises, never ever tie your horse to an automobile door handle, tailgate cable, bumper, or any part of a truck or car. Any of these objects can easily come off the vehicle and injure him, as well as freeing him to run off in a panic.
Choose an area to tie in that's free of sharp or protruding objects. If your horse should panic while tied, anything he can bang into will only intensify his fear and increase his chance of becoming injured. Be certain the area is free of clutter or debris, so he has room to move around and not feel trapped.
Slippery footing-such as wet mats or concrete-can create a dangerous tying situation. If your horse loses traction when he pulls back on an object he's tied to, he increases his chances of falling and injuring his neck, back, hocks, or haunches. Unfortunately horses have even been known to break their necks if they lose their footing on a slippery surface as they pull back while tied.
Fit to Be Tied
Don't overlook the importance of a safely tied horse. Good training and secure, stout equipment goes a long way toward ensuring his safe experience while tied firmly to an object.
The next time you're on a trail ride or stop at a friend's place for a break, be certain the equipment you use and the object you plan to tie to is hefty enough to hold your horse in a panic. Breaking loose is preferable to dragging a scary object with him, but you really don't want your horse loose where he's at risk for injury or death.
Use common sense and safe equipment when tying your horse, and he'll be happy to stand tied as long as you wish.
