From Mugwump:
http://mugwumpchronicles.blogspot.com/2008/08/i-love-blogging.html
I have had an inquiry about horses that pull back, and won't stand tied. This is a nasty, wicked habit, that drives me crazy.I use a sturdy rope halter, and a lead without a snap, so it won't break. I also make sure my safety knot will release, even if the horse is flopped on the ground. I keep a pocket knife with me, in case everything goes straight to hell, and I have to cut Fluffy, or Princess loose.To my mind, there are two types of lead rope busters.1. This type of horse is frantic about being tied, period. This usually starts when the horse is initially tied. She fights the rope, the halter or lead rope breaks, and Bingo!, little Fluffy is free.When the rope breaks, Fluffy usually falls over backwards, and is hurt. So, of course, being a horse, Fluffy connects the pain with being tied, not behaving like a bonehead. The problem escalates, and pretty soon, you have a horse terrified of being tied. Every time they break a halter or lead rope, it encourages them to fight even harder the next time.2. This horse is OK until you try to do something. Saddling, picking up a foot, putting on a bridle, etc. The added confinement starts the reaction, and pretty soon Princess is flailing at the end of the rope. Soon, Princess associates the activity with the pain of fighting the rope, and once again feels blameless in causing the commotion.I have a few ways I handle this.Horse # 1, Fluffy, needs to learn to accept restraintFirst I make sure Fluffy will give to pressure when I move or lead him. I pull, Fluffy gives, I release, you know the drill.I have a big, soft 40 foot rope I use on horses that don't tie or load. I tie it on my rope halter. I lead Fluffy to a tall fence, and wrap the rope around the rail once. Fluffy has about 6 feet of give.The rest of the rope is on the other side of the rail.The rail needs to be sturdy enough to hold the horse no matter what.The rope is not tied, only wrapped once.When Fluffy hits the end of the rope and sucks back, I'll let him. I won't holler whoa. I don't pet them, or soothe them. Ever. I'll do that after Fluffy stands tied.I'll let the rope play out. Remember, there's another 30 feet or so of rope to play with.I have never had a horse run out of rope. He's always stopped after 15 or 20 feet.Then I reel Fluffy back in, and wait.When Fluffy stands without flipping out for a few minutes, I quit for the day.Eventually, Fluffy quits sucking back.Then I actually tie them, and walk away.I leave them tied until they are quiet, then I put them up.I haven't killed one, and they've all learned to stand tied.But, they will pitch a fit. If you can't handle this, get help.Horse #2. Princess actually has an issue with me doing stuff while she's tied. So I'll teach her to saddle, bridle, etc., while untied. Then I tie her. Eventually, I'll tie her first, and then do whatever is bothering her.
