How to train an unruly horse to a hitching rail

At some point your high strung horse will have to learn to stand quietly while tied to a hitching post. As a horse owner it is important that you take the time to properly train your horse to be tied so that it doesn’t hurt itself or anyone else.

Things You'll Need

• A non-breakaway halter
• A bungee cord
• A pocketknife
• Plenty of time

Instructions

How to Train an Unruly Horse to a Hitching

1. The first step in training your unruly horse to a hitching rail, is first teaching them how to be lead. When you are training your horse how to lead you need to establish that you are in charge. You need to be gentle but firm. When your horse is being led they should walk quietly, no bucking, rearing or striking. Your horse should respond immediately when you tug on the halter. When leading your unruly horse, make sure that you insist that they walk in their own space.

2. Once you are able to lead your horse from point A to point B, without any bad behavior, you are ready to start teaching it how to stand quietly when tied. The last thing you should do is use a hitching rail or the side of a trailer to teach your horse how to tie. The best place to teach your horse how to stand quietly while tied is in a stall with a solid wall behind them. When you are teaching your unruly horse how to tie, make sure that there aren’t any pets or small children that could get hurt around.

3. The first time you tie your horse, stay close. Talk to them in a calm voice. If they remain quiet for several minutes, untie them. Gradually extend the amount of time they are tied.

4. When your horse is standing tied quietly in the stall for an extended period of time, it is time to try tying them to a hitching rail. Choose a day when there aren’t any items blowing around the yard that could spook your horse. Make sure your children and pets aren’t underfoot. If have an older sensible horse tied to the hitching rail, the older horse will help keep your younger mount quiet.

5. The first time you tie your young horse to the hitching rail, only leave it tied for a few minutes. Gradually extend the amount of time you leave your horse tied.

Tips & Warnings

• When you are teaching your young horse how to tie, it is always a good idea to keep a pocket knife on hand. This way you'll will be able to cut the rope if something goes wrong and there is too much pressure on the rope for you to untie or unsnap your horse.

• The best type of tie to use when teaching your young and unruly horse how to tie is a bungee cord. Bungee cords work best for two reasons. The first is that horses seem to be soothed by the pulling action of the bungee cord. The second reason to use a bungee cord is that if your horse does struggle the bungee cord will stretch without breaking and your horse will remain tied. It is best to use a bungee cord that has safety clasps.