can set up different sizes as per camp
restrictions, takes up little space in rig, not too difficult to set up. Cost
fairly reasonable.
Con's- not as visible, especially to a loose
horse, running through camp. If a horse (yours or someone else's) runs through
it, it can cause a HUGE wreck, spooking more horses as wire and posts are being
dragged through camp, needs power source to make it "hot", can be a hazard to
kids if they touch it (but they won't do it again! ;-) )
Horses wearing a blanket can learn to lean on it, and not feel the
bite.
*Portable metal or PVC corrals:
Pro's - some horses view them as a "normal" corral
and will respect them. Very visible to other loose horses. Some can be adjusted
to size and shape as per camp area available. Many are fairly strong for horses
who do test their confinement.
Con's- Cost, depending on system, can be
expensive. Some horses can lean into them, and have the collapse around them,
causing panic. Can be noisy if metal, and the horses learn to clang and bang
against them. Some horses learn to lift them and move them by putting head and
neck between them and lifting. Needs more storage space to haul them to ride.
Must be set up, and often tiresome after a weekend of riding to take down, and
store on to rig to haul home.
*High lines:
Pro's- cheap, easy to set up. Horses can move some
on them if you make them a sliding tether. Take up next to no space for storage.
Not much set up time.
Con's- not all rides have high tie poles or trees
to tie to. Can stretch and droop if not tied really, really tight, then causing
the horse to have the ability to get a foot over their tie rope.
*tie to trailer:
Pro's- you already have everything needed. A
trailer and lead rope. Quick, easy to take down at end of the
ride.
Con's - many people have trouble with horses
getting in to trouble, rope burns, getting caught under the trailer when the lay
down etc. (I have not had these issues) horses that tug and rub can bump and
move the trailer at night, waking the rider if they sleep in
trailer.
* Hi-tie systems:
Pro's- easy to set up and take down. more room for
horse to move around than direct tie to trailer. Cost less than some corral
systems.
Con's - for horses who do not tie well, any tie
system is a problem. same as tie to trailer, some folks have trouble with rope
burns etc. Getting the right length of tie rope seems difficult for some people
to allow horse to lay down and roll, but not get caught in rope. (I don't think
this is a system problem, but user issue) cost is more than tie to
trailer, or maybe some electric fence systems.
As mentioned. Not all systems will work for all
horses and riders. What has worked for me for over 20+ years (direct tie to
trailer or Hi-Tie) is something many have had trouble with and will never use
with their horses. You need to match the system used with what will work for you
and your horses. All of the systems have a level of training involved to have it
work the best for you.
