How to Build a Tie Rack for Horses

Tie racks are not essential, but your life as a horse owner will definitely be easier if you have a place to securely tie your horse for grooming, medicating or bathing. Building one is not difficult, and you will reap the rewards for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• 2 10- or 12-foot posts, metal or wood (if wood, telephone posts are ideal)
• 2 12-foot 2-by-4s
• 2 12- or 14-foot 2-by-4s
• Wood screws
• Power drill
• 2 lead ropes
• Concrete
• Post hole digger
• Rubber pad

Instructions

1. Decide where your tie rack would work the best on your property. It should have easy access to a water hose and the barn and also should be in a fairly quiet, secluded spot.

2. Plan the layout. Your area should be 12-by-12 or 12-by-14 to give you ample work space. Dig the post holes and set the posts into the ground, with about 4 feet below ground and 6 feet above. This will prevent your horse from breaking them if he sits back or is startled into bolting. Set the posts on either side of the pad, about 2 feet from the front. This will give you room to work in front of your horse.

3. Build the frame for the concrete using the 2-by-4s in either the 12-by-12 or 12-by-14 layout. Use large wood screws to fasten them together. Then pour concrete so the pad is 3 to 4 inches thick. After pouring the concrete, use a stiff broom to give it a rough surface finish, which will give your horse better traction. Be sure that your pad slopes gently to allow the water to run off in the direction that you prefer.

4. Allow the concrete to set, then remove the screws and remove the boards. Place a rubber pad on top of the concrete. This will provide better footing for you and your horse.

5. Tie the lead ropes securely to the posts, measuring to make sure your horse has a little slack when he is tied. Use quick-release snaps, in case of an emergency situation.

Tips & Warnings

• Hang baskets, such as those cut from plastic milk jugs, from the posts. These provide a convenient place to keep your horse shampoo, hoof picks, brushes and other supplies. Telephone posts work well for tie rack posts. Four by four posts are not always large enough to restrain a horse.

• Never leave a horse unattended while tied to a tie rack.