Re: RC: cross ties

[Jim Holland <lanconn@tds.net>]

IMHO, crossties are something left over from "the old days"...whatever
they were or because someone else does it.  I cannot think of any good
reason for using them. They have no place in natural horsemanship. What
"reasons" did they give you? Sounds like your horse is well behaved when
tied normally, anyway.  Crossties create an "uncomfortable" situation
for the horse because it makes it difficult for him to evaluate his
environment.  He can't look around. As a prey animal, he is most relaxed
when standing with NO ties....which is what you should work toward. My
farrier and friend Dewey Campbell will not shoe a horse in crossties.

Conversely, there is no reason why your horse cannot be taught to do
this, although I think crossties are dangerous.  Check the ties to be
sure that they are not holding his head in an uncomfortable or unnatural
position.  This may be the cause of the fidgeting.  You don't want to
completely restrict head movement. This may be the cause of the problem,
since he will stand with one crosstie.  You might try crosstieing him
for a few minutes at a time and stand there with him, reassuring him and
observing what's causing the discomfort.  Then just gradually increase
the time, being sure to release him before he reacts.

Best thing to do is just forget about it...your horse is better trained
than theirs anyway.

Jim, Sun of Dimanche and Mahada Magic

guest@endurance.net wrote:
> 
> Kelly toast131@yahoo.com
> This doesnt have much to do with endurance riding, but I figured somebody
> would have some advice to give. Ok, my horse will stand tied to a tree,
> and trailer perfectly fine and not even try to pull back. If i stand him
> in between the two cross tie posts but only tie him to one side he will
> stand still and not pull back. Within minutes after I attach the other
> side of the cross ties he dances around and eventually pulls back until
> something breaks. I cant figure out why he does this. He'll even stand
> inbetween the two posts not tied at all with just the leadrope hung over
> his back, but not actually tied up. I dont really have a problem with it
> since he'll still tie up, but other people at the barn say it's important
> for him to be able to cross tie. Oh, he also ties up in a trailer
> fine...it's just the cross ties that are the problem. Do you think I
> should bother with teaching him to just stand there? How can I?
> Thanks.
> -Kelly
> 
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-- 
Richard T. "Jim" Holland                 Phone:  (706) 258-2830
LANCONN, Inc.                            FAX:    (706) 632-1271
Three Creeks Farm			 INTERNET:  lanconn@tds.net
175 Hells Hollow Drive                   
Blue Ridge, GA 30513