How to Tie Lead Ropes for Horses

Whether you are an Olympic equestrian or a serious amateur competitor, or you just enjoy an occasional weekend trail ride, at some point you are going to need to tie your horse to something secure and walk away. Tying what riders call a quick-release knot permits you to fasten your mount to a stable object while giving you the option to quickly jerk and release should your horse decide to suddenly pull back on the lead rope.

Instructions

    • 1

      Twist a loop into the lead rope at the point where your want to tie your horse.

    • 2

      Run the loop around or over the object -- typically a fence post -- you are tying to and hold the loop in one hand. Leave the tail of the rope hanging down.

    • 3

      Pull the tail of the rope under the length of the lead attached to the horse, using your other hand.

    • 4

      Cross the rope's tail over the lead attached to the horse and pass it through the first loop just enough to create a second loop. Do not let the tail pull through the first loop.

    • 5

      Grab your second loop in one hand, pull the rope's tail under the lead rope with the other, and repeat Step 4. You should now be holding three loops.

    • 6

      Continue making loops until you have approximately 1 foot of the rope left hanging down. Do not pass the tail through your final loop.