Breaking the Pull: How to Train Your Horse to Stay Tied

Picture this: you’re out with your horse, and suddenly, he yanks back against the tie like a runaway train. If he’s busted loose a few times before, chances are he’s on the fast track to a full-blown phobia, freaking out every time he’s tied up. Loud bangs, sudden movements, or even a trailer door left open can send him into a tailspin. Horses, you see, are wired to lean into pressure—it’s their instinct kicking in, pushing against that tug on their poll like it’s a challenge. Your mission? Flip that script and teach him to ease off the pressure without sparking fear or pain. Start by schooling him with a Dually halter, getting him comfy with yielding to gentle pressure.Now, let’s set the stage for some serious retraining. You’ll need a rock-solid, smooth wall—think eight feet tall and twenty-four feet wide—with a sturdy tie ring bolted in at about seven feet high. Hook up a thick bungee rope (like ‘The Leader’ from www.jedlickas.com, or hunt one down at your local tack shop). Then, build a D-shaped pen using round-pen panels, curving out from both ends of the wall to meet about ten to twelve feet away at the center.Lead your horse into this setup, clip his halter to the bungee, and step out, securing the panel behind you. If he decides to throw a fit and pull back, the bungee stretches—up to ten feet—before his hindquarters bump the panels, stopping him cold. That gentle, steady pressure on his head keeps nudging him until he steps forward, instantly easing the tug. It’s a safe playground where he can test the ropes (literally) and learn to chill when tied.