How to Build a Horse Crosstie Area

Many training and boarding stables have crossties for restraining horses for grooming and saddling. The crossties are usually made of two ropes or chains attached to opposite sides of an aisle with the other ends attached to the sides of a horse's halter. While crossties provide easy access to your horse from both sides, correct placement and installation are needed to keep both you and your horse safe.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 5-foot lengths of nonstretching rope or chains
  • 2 eye bolts or similar fasteners
  • 2 snaps
  • Tape measure
  • Pliers
  • 2 quick-release snaps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate an area at least 10-feet square with a nonslip surface, such as dirt or rubber mats. Make sure the area is free of any obstacles such as rakes, shovels, brooms, wheelbarrows or other equipment.

    • 2

      Attach the eye bolts to something sturdy such as support studs. They should be on opposite sides of the aisle directly across from each other. Be sure the bolts are placed higher than the withers of the tallest horse that will be tied there.

    • 3

      Attach snaps to the one end of the ropes or chains. These will attach to the horse's halter.

    • 4

      Measure the ropes or chains so when they are attached to the eye bolts the snaps will just meet.

    • 5

      Attach the ends of the ropes or chains without the snaps to the eye bolts. Your crossties are now ready to use.