Posted 2011-01-28 12:38 PM (#129405 - in reply to #129387) Subject: RE: To tie or not to tie
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342 Location: Ohio
...that is the question.
I tie. No real reason other than that's what I was taught to do and have done it since. It has kept my horses from flying backwards out of the trailer and over me a couple times, though.
I don't think the horses ever lean on the rope for balance as I tie long enough that if they were to fall, they wouldn't strangle to death. Thinking about it, it's kind of a hassle. hm. I'd be interested in others opinions.
Posted 2011-01-28 2:08 PM (#129412 - in reply to #129387) Subject: RE: To tie or not to tie
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 330 Location: northeast Texas
I tie my horses because:
1. they cant turn and nip/pester the horse next to them
2. they cant try and turn around and shake the trailer around
3. they know they cant run back when I open the door/slant
4. if something happens and a door comes open, they are more secure
5. if they are in the 2nd slant they cant nibble on the hay stored in the 1st slant
6. they cant try and turn or back out while I shut the slant/bar/door
7. I dont have to figure out what to do with the lead rope :)
Posted 2011-01-28 3:09 PM (#129413 - in reply to #129387) Subject: RE: To tie or not to tie
Veteran
Posts: 231 Location: Illinois
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
That pretty much covers all my reasons also
I was in a debate with a freind a few days back about this subject..they do not tie, they let the horse move around at will in the back of a 16 ft. stock trailer..this I find unsafe for the horse..sudden stops, weight shifting both trailer & truck, unloading, etc. But they insist it is safer .....Oh did I mention the main excuse was " the horse prefers to ride backwards and he gets aggitated if facing forward. ??? this I did not understand..but there is alot in the horse world I do not understand...
Posted 2011-01-28 3:23 PM (#129416 - in reply to #129387) Subject: RE: To tie or not to tie
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 330 Location: northeast Texas
Well if facing backward in a stock trailer, then when they hit the brakes, the horse could brace with his rump. If they hit the gas, he could splay out his front legs to brace. LOL
Posted 2011-01-28 7:45 PM (#129429 - in reply to #129387) Subject: RE: To tie or not to tie
Veteran
Posts: 186
When loose my mare is always standing facing the back. Short distance (less than a 6-8 hr day) I tie. Long hauls I take out the center divider- horse has 6' wide and about 7' long to stand where she is comfortable, this horse is a very easy calm hauler.
Posted 2011-01-28 8:27 PM (#129430 - in reply to #129387) Subject: RE: To tie or not to tie
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
I think the answer to this question will change depending on the trailer a person tows.
I lead my horses into the trailer and shut the divider between them. I usually slip the lead rope thru the tie ring, Just to keep it off the floor and out of urine. And when I want to unload, I know exactly where to reach to find the lead rope, even in the dark.
With the dividers locked in place, I've never had any problems with the horses moving. Never felt a need to tie them in place.
Posted 2011-01-28 9:38 PM (#129433 - in reply to #129387) Subject: RE: To tie or not to tie
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
Hauling my own, I tie, for pretty much the same reasons as CTRider.
Hauling someone else's, they are invariabley tied, but only to keep them from trying to turn around or put their head down to nip at the legs of a neighbor. If they back up, these animals will back into the wall before the lead gets tight, as they might not be broke to tie, or broke to tie in a trailer, and having them "set back" is not what is desired. I have hauled also, on one hunting trip, two mules from AR to Montana, and back, in a stock trailer, set up as 2 box stalls, with water and hay just as if they were in a stall, they are seasoned travelers and take life as it comes pretty simply. Loose, they stood at an angle facing the driver's side front (like a normal slant).
Posted 2011-01-29 6:51 PM (#129482 - in reply to #129387) Subject: RE: To tie or not to tie
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 434 Location: Brooksville, Fl
I tie because of all of the reasons CTRider does. My horses like to play gumbie and turn themselves around. They also like to pick on each other. I remember one trip when we were hauling all four. The trailer was moving more than usual. We stopped to check and one of the horses had come untied and was biting his neighbor who was none too happy about it. He was in the rear stall and had a little more moving around room. I tied him back up and the trailer was quiet. I read recently that leaving your horse loose in the trailer could cause it to be unstable when the horse shifts around. I never really considered that and would think it would depend a lot on the rig as to how much of a problem that would be. Happy trailering!
Posted 2011-01-29 7:42 PM (#129485 - in reply to #129387) Subject: RE: To tie or not to tie
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 391 Location: Columbia, KY
I generally don't tie. no particular reason.. guess just because I've been doing it that way for years and never had a problem. if I'm hauling a strange horse or one who isn't used to the trailer then I'd tie.
Posted 2011-01-31 8:22 AM (#129542 - in reply to #129387) Subject: RE: To tie or not to tie
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342 Location: Ohio
I tend to agree with PaintedHorse on this. It really depends on the trailer. I have 3h slants with dividers. When I put them in and close the dividers, they can't really move around, which is why I see tying as a hassle. However, if i were to haul in a stock trailer, I would tie for sure to keep the one ornery mare from being, well, ornery. :)
I had a 2h straight load bumper pull that my horses hated and they would fly out of that trailer as soon as I let the butt bar down. My old horse had a fit in it and snapped the buckle of the lead rope trying to get out. I have since sold it. Too dangerous for me, my wife, and horses.
To tie or not to tie
