How to Hook Up a Horse to a Team Pole

Tying a horse up to a pole or other tie-rack can be a dangerous and unnerving experience for both horse and rider. Tying is a lesson a horse must learn, but it's dangerous to teach. Knowing how to tie your horse properly to a team pole is a must, as there are usually other horses sharing the same tie space.

Things You'll Need

  • Lead rope
  • Halter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Learn how to tie a safety release knot. This is, in essence, a slip knot that will allow you to pull the knot free without it becoming entangled or knotted together if the horse panics and sets back on the rope. This takes practice and you should master it before you attempt to tie one with the horse on the other end of the rope.

    • 2

      Dismount and walk your horse up to the team pole. This is to make sure that if there are any other horses hitched at the pole, they have time to see you coming and will not kick you. It also allows your horse a moment to take in his new surroundings. These are both important steps to avoid potential problems.

    • 3

      Lead the horse to a spot where he will have the most room. If the pole is empty, pick a side to tie on so that others will feel welcome to come and tie up there as well. Using your lead rope, NOT your bridle reins, tie your quick release knot and make sure the rope is attached to the HALTER, not the bridle.

    • 4

      Pull back slowly and firmly on the rope to tighten the knot and check to make sure there is no slack. Make sure there is no more than two feet of loose lead rope extending from the halter to the pole.

    • 5

      Loosen the girth of the saddle if the horse is tacked up to allow the horse to rest and breathe comfortably. Just remember before you mount up again that the saddle is loose and you will need to retighten the cinch before mounting.