Training Horses to Tie

The Blocker Tie Ring is an excellent tool for teaching young horses to tie because it’s designed to be a support system, not a restraint system. It reinforces your training by instantly rewarding your horse when he gives to pressure. The very moment your horse stops pulling back, the pressure on his poll, neck and withers is released. This process of releasing pressure as a reward is the cornerstone of your young horse’s training.

What You Need Before you begin, you need the following:
	1.	A properly-installed Blocker Tie Ring in a controlled environment, such as an arena or round pen.
	2.	A long lead rope, between 10-12 feet long.
	3.	A good understanding of how to use the Blocker Tie Ring and tie the three different tying levels.
	4.	Your young horse that has been properly broke to halter and lead and has a good concept of “Whoa.” It is important that he understand how to give to pressure and doesn’t resist when asked to lead forward or stop.

Build Confidence, Gain Trust
Tie your horse at the Basic Tying Level 1. Now, step aside from the Tie Ring with the loose end of the lead rope in hand and observe your horse. Does he stand quietly? Is he shaking his head or curious about the lead rope? Does he start feeling panicky and want to pull back? Since your young horse most likely hasn’t been tied before, he probably has no preconceived notions about being tied. The less stressful his initial introduction to tying is, the easier it will be to tie him in the future.

If your horse resists being tied and wants to pull back, go ahead and let him do so. The length of the lead rope should be enough that your horse won’t pull it all the way through. As he pulls back, you can also apply subtle resistance to the end of the lead rope in your hand. If you have been working with your horse to give to pressure prior to teaching him to tie, this should ask your horse to give. If he doesn’t give easily, go with him. Once your horse realizes that he isn’t trapped and has stopped pulling back, let him relax for a few moments then pull the slack of the lead rope back through the tie ring and start again. You want him to accept being tied without fear, trusting that he will be safe and not trapped. Repeatedly reassure your horse as you repeat the process.

This may take several sessions. With each session, try to increase the distance you are away from the horse so that the horse begins to feel more comfortable without you at his side. Most horses might be a little nervous at first, but with good groundwork, patience and reassurance, they should begin to accept being tied and build up confidence.

Moving Up Levels
Should your young horse be a little crafty and need to have more hold, once your horse accepts being tied at Level 1 without any fear, nervousness or resistance, you can tie your horse at Level 2. Most likely, your horse will test the Tie Ring and find that there is more resistance. He can still pull free, but it will require more effort to do so. If he should get nervous or distressed while he tests Level 2, go back to Level 1 with you holding onto the lead rope to resist him to develop his confidence again.

And finally, if you need more hold, repeat these steps to train your horse to tie at Level 3 only when your horse accepts being tied at Level 2 without fear or resistance.

Take Your Time
It might take several weeks for your horse to accept being tied, but it is important that you don’t rush the process. If your horse starts having pull back issues, go to the basics of your ground work. Work on leading, backing and stopping your horse and asking him to give to pressure. Establish that foundation and then return to teaching him to tie.

NOTE: Never leave your horse unattended when you are training him to tie.

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