How to Train a Horse to Cross Tie

Once you have weaned the foal and he is about six months old, it is time to teach him to tie. All horses should know how to stand quietly when tied. This is one of the most important lessons a young horse must learn.

Cross tying is used to prevent the horse from moving excessively when being groomed or tacked up. Instead of just one rope attached to the halter, there are two ropes. A rope is attached to each side of the horse's halter and then to rings on both sides of the horse, generally in a washroom or aisle between stalls.

Restricting the horse's movement by tying him takes away his most important survival behavior: the ability to flee danger. Panic can ensue if a horse has not been taught to tie. He can injure himself if he becomes frightened and pulls back, breaking the halter, or rope. Worse yet is a horse who rears while cross-tied, falling over backwards and chocking himself.

It is imperative that you teach him properly for his safety and yours. It is helpful to have someone on hand when you tie for the first time. They should stand behind the foal and off to the side.

Things You'll Need

  • Horse
  • Halter
  • Cross ties
  • Assistant
  • Longe whip
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Instructions

  1. Teaching Your Horse to Cross Tie

    • 1

      Use strong ropes and halter. The hardware and snaps need to be heavy duty. If the horse pulls back or rears up and breaks the halter or crosstie ropes in his first lesson, he will learn that pulling on the ropes leads to release of pressure. This is not the lesson you want him to learn. What he must learn is that if he pulls on the ropes, the pressure increases and is released only when he steps forward and stands quietly.

    • 2

      Use a quick-release knot on both cross tie ropes. The ropes should be at least as high as the horse's withers--shoulders-- and preferably at the horse's head level.

    • 3

      Attached the cross ties loosely for the first training session. Keep the lead rope attached to the halter, but not tied.

    • 4

      Stand holding the lead rope with plenty of slack while your horse realizes that he is constricted to only a few steps in any direction. This sometimes frightens horses, so be alert and ready to reassure your horse that he is safe.

    • 5

      If he starts to pull on the cross ties, allow him to do so. Gently reel him back in. Once he realizes that being tied is not dangerous, he will start to think instead of panic and will give into pressure.

    • 6

      Groom or rub the foal for a few minutes while he is tied. Do not leave him alone. A five to ten minute session is enough for the first lesson.

    • 7

      Continue to tie him on a regular basis, gradually increasing the time he stands quietly.