Posted 2016-06-23 11:42 AM Subject: Tie-down on a strong running horse?
Regular
Posts: 85
Ok I know this is a controversial subject, so before I get flamed just hear me out :). I show cutting horses so preferably I am not excited about using a tie down. I grew up riding barrel horses and my show horse had to have surgery so I recently bought a "cutter reject" to work the barrels on. He is broke broke but has a huge motor. He can turn on a dime but gets to running pretty hard into the turns so I am contemplating trying a loose tie down on him to see if it will provide a little stability through the turns (similar to Sheri and Stingray). Currently I ride him in a junior cow horse bit and it is plenty of bridle. I would like some opinions from those who may have dealt with similar situations. Slow work is great and I haven't actually asked him for any speed, it's just built into him. TIA!
Posted 2016-06-23 11:48 AM Subject: RE: Tie-down on a strong running horse?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 788
You might could try a bonnet. Since it just helps give a little stability when they go into the turn when their head comes up. This would also still allow their nose to move freely. I have a free running gelding that I used a bonnet on for about a year and then once he learned to control his body a little better i took it back off and hes good to go now.
Posted 2016-06-23 11:54 AM Subject: RE: Tie-down on a strong running horse?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 964 Location: Alberta, Canada
I use tie downs on everything except my 1D mare. And she ran in one up until this year. If I get flamed for that -- so be it. I don't believe my horses are any less broke for using one and alot of the time, I am able to finish them out without one. I ride in a martingale alot at home too. When trail riding or just exercising, I ride them without a tie down or martingale. I once had a clinician say to me "do you buy car insurance?" What she meant was that yes, 99% of the time your horse might not need a tie down. But that 1% of the time when he gets elevated and hits it, you only have it if it's on :) The only reason I pulled it off my good mare is because she stretches so low and long out of the turn that she was hitting it leaving each barrel and losing momentum because of it, even loose. It really is what works for you and your horse.
I think if gut says try it - try it. If it doesnt do anything, you can always pull it off :)
Tie-down on a strong running horse?
