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In what cases/circumstances would you consider trying a tie down on your barrel horse?
Thanks! |
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 Miss Laundry Misshap
Posts: 5271
| I put one on my gelding when he was younger because he would throw his head so bad when he got nervous. In the pen he doesn't really need it, but now it's just a habit. He about clocked me between the eyes several times throwing his head, put the tie down on him and a few times hitting that, he doesn't even attempt it now. |
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | If they're faster with a tie down, I'll use one. |
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| Would you consider trying one on a horse who gets a bit hot in the ally (just wants to go), and will throw their head up and away from you and take off? |
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 Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | Yes, in a heart beat, nothing worse than seeing the tops of their head when you want/need control! |
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Miss Laundry Misshap
Posts: 5271
| Rustynailfl - 2014-02-24 8:35 AM Would you consider trying one on a horse who gets a bit hot in the ally (just wants to go), and will throw their head up and away from you and take off?
That is exactly what mine was doing. I needed the tie down so his eyeballs were low enough to see the barrel! |
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| Thanks! I know she just does it cause she’s all go, but sometimes I’m just not ready and I get left at the gate.. it’s all downhill from there when that happens.
How exactly should they fit?
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| Nateracer - 2014-02-24 9:47 AM
Rustynailfl - 2014-02-24 8:35 AM Would you consider trying one on a horse who gets a bit hot in the ally (just wants to go), and will throw their head up and away from you and take off?
That is exactly what mine was doing. I needed the tie down so his eyeballs were low enough to see the barrel!
She will also sometimes do it coming out of a turn, like she’s anticipating the run. Possibly this could help with this also? |
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 Expert
Posts: 3782
Location: Gainesville, TX | Totally depends on the horse. Had one in High School with some flexion practices I could keep super balanced with a nice break at the poll around the barrels. Have one now that gets much more strung out without it. We've done tons of collection exercises, but he always seemed to lose it on the backside. He does better with one. |
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Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
| I am trying to take mine off now. I think a lot of what I was seeing that cause me to put one on came from other issues like poor saddle fit due to muscle changes and some chiropractic issues. In the future before I got one, all these issues will be ruled out. Kind of beating myself up over not seeing them quicker, but as horse people we live and learn and are greatful for our animals foregiveness.
But yes, head tossing was what prompted me to go to one in the first place. He about broke my nose once, he wasn't going to get another shot. |
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Miss Laundry Misshap
Posts: 5271
| The rule I was told is that when standing normally, attach your tie down to the cinch. Take your hand and pull up on the tiedown strap to where their neck meets their shoulders and this is where it should be. There shouldn't be any slack when touching at the base of the neck.
Basically it would look like an L under their neck.
I always run mine through a keeper attached to my breast collar ring. |
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| Thank you all for your reply’s! It is super frustrating. Sometimes I feel like it’s just me and I need to learn to ride her better, but then again I can’t learn if I’m being left behind, and it doesn’t help that she jumps into a run, there is not middle speed with her unfortunately. I think I will give it a try and see what happens. Anyone know of any good tutorials on how to fit a tie down to your horse? I know at times I see lots of people with them and they seem to be almost too tight/short and the horse cannot seem to stretch out.
Thanks again all!
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Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | I would start long on your horse, don't need to surprise her. Put it on and extend her nose out to where you think she stretches her nose to run but will limit her nose from flipping up. Might want a keeper (aka lacing leather) to hold the tie down strap to your breast collar if the strap ends up being long. You can always tighten it if you do not get the desired affect. |
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Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | found this on google
The Horseman's Guide to Tack and Equipment: Form, Fit and FunctionBy Cynthia McFarland
Page 153 starts some good info.-sorry can't post the actual info for some reason.
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| LMS - 2014-02-24 10:13 AM
found this on google
The Horseman's Guide to Tack and Equipment: Form, Fit and FunctionBy Cynthia McFarland
Page 153 starts some good info.-sorry can't post the actual info for some reason.
Thank you! Im trying to find it online but so far it looks as if you have to purchase the book...still looking! :) |
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Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | the try googleing "tie down adjustment horse" it was on the second page of the search and opened to that spot in the book. Or maybe the library?? |
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Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | My standard adjustment is to be able to pull it up into the throat latch with their head at a normal level. That's long, and they can stretch out, you don't want it longer. If one needs it snugger, I take it up a little at a time from there, but it's rare to need it tighter. My high school horse was high headed, ewe necked and sway backed and ran with a tighter tie down--his was adjusted without slack where it would just hook when he was standing relaxed. He couldn't keep his body together at speed without it. It's not the ideal, but whatever works and that's what worked for him. |
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