How to Make a High Picket Line for Horses

A high picket line is a line that is tied high off the ground between two points. Horses are then tied to the line. The purpose of a high picket line is to provide a place to tether horses while away from the barn, usually while on long trail rides or camping trips. High picket lines prevent horses from damaging trees or their root systems, as often occurs when a horse is tied directly to a tree.

Things You'll Need

  • 50 feet of 3/8-inch multifilament polypropylene rope
  • 2 tree straps
  • Stepladder
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Select a location in which to set up your high picket line. You will need two sturdy trees in an area with minimal or difficult-to-damage ground cover. Ground cover includes grasses, plants, dirt, soil and rocks. There should be enough room on your high picket line that your horses can be 5 to 6 feet away from one another when tied.

    • 2

      Fasten your tree straps to the two trees you have selected. These allow you to attach a high line to two trees without damaging the tree. Position the straps so that they are approximately 7 feet above the ground and as level as possible with one another.

    • 3

      Tie one end of your picket line to the D-ring on your tree strap. Stretch the picket line toward your second tree strap, tying knots in the line at least 5 feet apart from one another so you will have a place to fasten the horse's lead ropes when you tie the horses to the lines.

    • 4

      Locate the point in your picket line that will be approximately 6 feet from your second tree saver strap. Tie a butterfly knot in the picket line, then run the end of your picket line through the D-ring in your tree strap and back through to your butterfly knot. Pull the picket line tight using the line that you pulled through the butterfly knot. Get your picket line as tight as possible, as loose lines can cause a variety of dangers for your horses.