Tying Your Horse or Pony Safely

Whenever you are grooming or saddling, you will need to tie your horse. Horses and ponies can be tied with a lead rope, trailer ties, or cross ties. No matter what is used, tying must be done in a manner that is safest for handler and horse.

There is some debate about whether horses should or shouldn’t be tied "solid." Tying solid means to tie so that it’s almost impossible for the horse to break free. For the horse’s or pony’s sake, it is probably best if handlers don’t tie solid. If a horse is badly startled while tied it could panic, struggle, and injure its neck and back. The goal should be to teach your horse not to be tied but to stand. A horse that is taught to stand won't challenge the ropes it is tied with. 

Sometimes, you have to balance horse safety against people's safety. There may be situations where it is safer to tie solid than have a badly frightened horse break away and bolt into a crowd of people or busy highway. When we are working with our horses in a paddock or the stable, it’s safer for the horse to be tied so the rope or tie will break free if it panics.

Ideally, the rope should be attached chest height or higher. The rope should be tied so it doesn’t dangle low enough to be stepped over but not be so high or so tight that the horse’s head is restricted.

Never tie to a bridle, with the reins, or to the bit in any way. If the horse struggles, it could severely injure its mouth.

Always tie to a post, wall, or partition that is firmly anchored and will not come loose if the horse pulls on it. The object is to have the tie rope break rather than the structure you are tying to or the horse’s neck. Don’t tie your horse or pony to anything that moves. If you are at a horse show or trail ride, be cautious when tying to fences. Old posts can be weak at the bottom and may be ripped up by your horse.