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  Discussion on Ground Tying
Author Message
Member:
Penner

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 22, 2002 - 8:59 pm:

Hi,

Does anyone know how to do this? Years ago, I saw horses that had been taught this & just (really!) stand there with the lead rope on the ground (while you are grooming, talking to someone, opening a gate etc). Its amazing & I'd like to teach my horse.
Member:
Aannk

Posted on Monday, Oct 28, 2002 - 11:43 am:

The way I have been taught to ground tie is to put the lead rope on, put the horse in one spot, tell them to stay, stand, whatever word you want to use, then move away. When they follow, or walk around, get them and put them back in the spot you wanted them to stay in. Do this over and over. Reward standing for little periods of time. If you do this consistantly, they should get better and better at it. My gelding has been taught to do this, but he only does it when he is not too interested in moving around, so I still need to work on it. I've heard some people tie the rope to a concrete block burried in the ground so the horse cannot move, but I won't do that, as it seems too likely to cause injury.
Alicia
New Member:
Andru

Posted on Sunday, Dec 1, 2002 - 12:30 pm:

It's been my expierience that is just the way to go about it.. You put the feet back enough times, pretty soon they will stay there.
Member:
Cowgrl

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 23, 2004 - 4:41 pm:

This is one where repetition really pays off. The thing is consistency - use the same word every time. I use whoa and in a tone of voice that they pay attention to. Of course don't expect them to stay for an indefinite period, they are horses afterall. Gradually extend the period that they stand untied and yes, move them back to where they were if they move their feet. Eventually they'll get the idea. I'm currently teaching my mustang to ground tie and right now he'll stand for grooming with his lead hanging over his neck. That includes brushing his tail and picking feet.

Sometimes they will surprise you when you don't expect it. I was out packing with my husband and another couple a few years ago riding my mare and leading my gelding who had packhorse duty. We were on our way out and were switchbacking across a hillside when I DrOpped my leaDrOpe. There was nothing to tie my riding horse to so I just said "whoa" in a very commanding tone and walked around the turn, gathered up my gelding, and walked back to my mare, got on, and continued down the trail. This is a horse that had not been taught to ground tie and one that usually starts going when you're getting on. She knew this was one time when she had to be good and didn't move a muscle until I told her to start off again. However, this mare is the best mountain horse that ever negotiated a trail so I wasn't too surprised. .
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