Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My 8 y/o appednix had never been good tied. I've treid everything I can think of to get him to stand still while I'm brushing/tacking/cleaning his hooves. I've run out of ideas. Someone have one for me?

Tie him in his stall. Make sure you tie him with the rope higher than his withers so that he can't get himself in trouble.
Tie him every day, after riding, while he's eating or just whenever your going to be around for a while. This is a wonderful way to teach a horse patience.

PHAppies

My Saddlebred mare has the same problem. I've seen articles in magazines like WESTERN HORSEMAN that advise looping a rope behind the horse's tail that tightens when he pulls back. It works because as soon as he stops setting back, the rope loosens. In other words, he teaches himself not to set back. I'm not suggesting that you try this yourself. Any competent trainer can tell you or show you how to do it. (I don't think people who ride English do it this way!)

As for me, I have a hitching post and I just toss the leadrope over it. I don't tie her to it. I also make sure I have everything assembled that I need before I lead her out of her pipe corral. As long as I'm with her and/or she's occupied (eating carrot snacks out of a bucket), she won't try to set back. But if I disappear into the tackroom because I need a rub rag or something, she knows she's not tied and will probably be grazing about six feet away when I come back out. Luckily she's easy to catch! Just as a safety precaution, I don't snap her leadrope to her halter but to a small loop of breakable clothesline tied to her halter. That way, if she runs off, she can't hurt herself if she steps on the leadrope.

Hope this helps.

Joan