As you head back to work after (we hope!) a weekend of riding and playing with your horses, Sean Patrick, author of THE MODERN HORSEMAN’S COUNTDOWN TO BROKE gives us a few tips to get us through the lessons and training sessions we may try fit in between appointments, pick ups, drop offs, and office hours. Here’s his quick-hit list to remind us how to keep our horses safe when tying them, whether in the barn aisle, to the trailer, or out and about in the week ahead.
The Do’s and Don’t’s of Tying
DO:
- Use an unbreakable halter, such as one made of strong rope.
- Keep your horse in his normal environment and “comfort zone” for the first few dozen tying sessions.
- Groom and spend time with your horse while he is tied, especially a green horse or one that is a “tying novice.”
- Tie your horse high and short, and always use a quick-release knot.
- Expect your horse to tie.
- Ask him to stand tied often.
DON’T:
- Use a clasp or buckle on your lead rope that could break.
- Tie to something weak, such as an “O”-ring on a barn wall or fence post.
- “Help” by untying your horse if you feel he is nervous or lonely when tied.
- Expect him to tie quietly without proper preparation.
- Tie where he could catch a leg or step in something unsafe.
- Ignore the weather and allow him to get chilled or overheated.
- Leave your green horse unattended.
- Snub (tie where there is no slack in the lead line).
Work hard this week. Be safe in your travels and when handling and riding your horse. Count the hours until the next time you can walk in the barn, call your horse’s name, and swing up into the saddle.
THE MODERN HORSEMAN’S COUNTDOWN TO BROKE by Sean Patrick is available as a BOOK and as an accompanying 4-DVD SET.