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  Discussion on Standing still while tied
Author Message
Member:
Gillb

Posted on Friday, Dec 31, 2004 - 5:20 pm:

I have a 19 month old filly who gets very impatient when tied and will not stand still. She is good to put the headcollar on and lead, but paces around when tied and paws at the ground. She stops when I'm with her and grooming etc, but once I walk away from her she starts again. It doesn't matter if I'm within sight or not she still reacts the same.

I sometimes tie her up when she's feeding and she's fine while eating, but once she's finished she gets impatient.

Any suggestions?
Member:
Christos

Posted on Saturday, Jan 1, 2005 - 1:17 pm:

That's normal, Gill. Why should she stand still when you're not working with her?
Just because it's silly to pace around and make noise? She'll need a little time to figure that out.
Just make sure that you absolutely ignore her when tied, unless she's in danger.
Member:
Alden

Posted on Saturday, Jan 1, 2005 - 8:32 pm:

Very normal Gill,

I tie my young horses high, I prefer to have a high line tied between two trees and a DrOp line in the middle. I want enough space between the trees so the horse can turn complete circles with plenty of clearance and the high line should be several feet above their head. The DrOp line should be just long enough that the horse can stand relaxed but not reach the ground or lay down.

They often really throw a fit at first, but after many sessions they figure it out. Tied like this it is more difficult for a horse to hurt themselves than tied low. I work mine until they stand quite for 8 hours or more because we camp and they need to stand all night tied.

At first I stay close by to reward them for any quite time, after a few weeks I'll work them up to several hours without contact.

Good day,
Alden
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Jan 13, 2005 - 3:46 pm:

We have an article on training horses to tie at Training Horses » Training Your Horse's Mind » Halter Training and Tying Horses.
DrO
Member:
Kckohles

Posted on Friday, Jan 14, 2005 - 12:34 pm:

Gill,

Alden's idea is great. Don't be afraid to let your horse work at a little bit, this tying thing is hard for them but it will really make a difference in the long run if the horse learns to "turn loose" and fall asleep. Don't untie the horse if she is fussing just leave her there and only untie her if she is quiet. It might take hours for her to let down, but let her work at it. Ray Hunt always says that when we were at school the teacher gave us time to figure things out. I don't know if you have ever heard of him or seen him ride but his horses are the best I have ever witnessed. He will sit horseback while he teaches a clinic and his horse is right there under him fast asleep until the very moment he wants to go somewhere and then the are ready like he has been warming them up for ten minutes. Teaching a horse some patience is really a great idea.

KIM
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