How to Set Up Cross Ties for Horses

Cross tying your horse is when you place your horse between two ropes or ties that are fastened to fixed objects such as wood beams or posts. The snap on the loose end of each rope is then attached to your horse's halter, thus keeping your horse situated between the beams or posts. The most common set-up is to have a cross tie on each side of a stable's walkway. Setting up your cross tying system correctly is important for your and your horse's safety.

Things You'll Need

  • Two cross ties
  • Twine
  • Cross tie ring plates
  • Rubber mats
  • Measuring tape
  • Cordless screwdriver
  • Screws
Show More

Instructions

    • 1
      A dirt floor is safer for cross ties than cement.

      Select a location with good footing. Shelley Winston, owner of Creek Road Horseshoeing in Dripping Springs, Texas, frequently uses cross ties in her horseshoeing work. "Even the most experienced horse can panic in cross ties," cautions Winston. "If he slips, he can easily fall or flip over, severely injuring himself and anyone nearby." She advises having a dirt floor for your cross tying area. Rubber mats provide additional traction and are a necessity on a cement floor.

    • 2

      Select your cross ties. Laura Whitfield, trainer and owner of Poseidon Sport Horses in Hutto, Texas, recommends against using heavy chains, or any material that will not give or break when pulled. Some owners tie twine to the wall or post, making a loop that attaches to the cross tie. This way, if the horse panics and pulls back, the twine will easily break and the tie will simply fall to the ground, allowing you to quickly get to your horse.

    • 3
      Place cross ties just above the withers of your tallest horse.

      Measure the height of your tallest horse's withers. Your cross ties should be placed just above that height. Use a pen to mark on the beams or posts this measured height. When you pull the ties together, the two ends should barely meet in the middle. This gives your horse enough room to relax his head without pressure. If either tie falls to the ground when your horse is tied in them, or if the horse can reach his head to the ground, the ties are too low. He could step on one or get his foot caught in it, causing serious injury.

    • 4

      Affix cross tie ring plates to your wall or posts where you placed the marks. These plates are easy to find and allow for your preferred installation, whether you tie twine to the ring and then attach your cross tie to a loop in the twine, or you attach the cross tie directly to the ring. Simply screw the plate into your wall or post. Then attach a rope or tie to each plate.