Re: Tying-ugh!

[lkinsky@silcom.com (Lynn Kinsky)]

>How can this be anything but uncomfortable?Imagine being forced to
>stand in one position all night before or after carrying a rider all
>day.Or rather,before AND after.Can't roll,can't move around.Hollow
>backed.If tied safely,barely able to drain sinuses.Ground probably not
>level.Unable to face to the left because killer mare tied on that
>side.Unable to face right because killer gelding tied on that side.Did I
>mention the Field Trial Stiff Hose Stakeout?

My horses have done a couple thousand miles of competition standing tied to
the trailer before and after the ride -- but they weren't tied like you
describe!  I have a two horse trailer, which has two sides -- so each horse
gets a side to themself, complete with hay bags and water buckets.  The
ropes are tied so the snap hangs perhaps an inch off the ground:  high
enough that the horse can't get a foot over it, but plenty low enough that
sinuses drain and the horse can roll or lie down as well as move in a
semi-circle of decent radius.  Rocks and debris are removed by me and we
don't park where the ground is very sloped or there are big holes because I
sleep in the truck and like it level, and I don't like stepping in holes.
After a ride I look after my horse, and that includes walking the horse --
even if I used a pen I wouldn't assume the horse is getting enough exercise
just on his own to keep down fill and maintain gut motility.


-- Lynn K. (Santa Ynez, CA)
   http://www.silcom.com/~lkinsky