[rileyboy]

Harley either has never been in cross ties or just hasn't been in them for a long time. Sometimes he is ok and sometimes he hates it, gets really nervous, etc.

How can I get him use to them? Should I just put him in them and let him fuss by himself? Of course I would stand near by to make sure he doesn't hurt himself.

Any advice would be great. Thanks!

[BriLeigh]

Cross ties can be dangerous if the horse gets freaked out. They can make your horse feel claustrophobic and make them do stupid things.

If you are unsure you can first try to use cross ties that are outside, not inside the barn. That way if anything happens they won't hit themselves and I don't think it is as scary since they are out in the open.

Otherwise, you would be better off to just tie up in a stall something that isn't cross ties so nothing goes bad.

[Circle C]

Atach the cross ties to a piece of baler twine instead of right to a ring or post or wall.... whatever you have them attached to so that if he would happen to get into trouble they would break. Then just stand by him and let him run his course. That's what I do... works well, they dont get hurt and they learn to stand

[dotgotcalm]

What Circle C said. The only thing I'd add is to make sure that the footing under you cross ties isn't slippery. If you've got decent footing and ties that will break if he really tests them then just tie him and let him spend a little time there every day. He'll get over it.

[Circle C]

Originally Posted by dotgotcalm

What Circle C said. The only thing I'd add is to make sure that the footing under you cross ties isn't slippery. If you've got decent footing and ties that will break if he really tests them then just tie him and let him spend a little time there every day. He'll get over it.

Good thought... if the floor is concrete and he has shoes on, you might want to get some ruber mats.

[Cowgirl_Chic]

Hay string might be a little strong. Try kite string or something more likely to break. Do you have any problems leading him? Does he have any problems being tied regular? The biggest thing is don't tie him on concrete or in a barn with low boards. If he hits his head he will remember that and then it really will be a fear.

[Circle C]

I use baling twine b/c DONT want the horse to get loose if he is just messing around. I don't want him to start thinking if he pulls a little he's gonna get away with it. But if he really starts ******** out, then yeah, it will break.

[HunterQueen69]

Never let him fuss by hisself, thats very dangerous. I had a mare freak one time standing in the cross ties, she reared, hit her head on the barn ceiling, broke both cross ties and backed up all the way to the end of the barn she was so scared- she didnt freak about being cross tied, but thats just an example of what could happen.

Just do small sessions with him, like 5-10 minutes of him standing in the ties while you brush him, pet him, whatever. When he acts up, unclip him from the ties, let him calm down enough, hook back up to the cross ties, make him stand well for a couple of minutes, give him lots of praise when he does well, then take him out of the cross ties. He will learn that they arent so bad, and even when he does act up, hes going right back into them. Dont forget lots of praise! Good luck!

[rileyboy]

Thanks everyone! I would never leave him unattended in the crossties. He has no problem being single tied because that's what he is use to. I just need him to be ok in cross ties for grooming at night when it's dark out at the single tie posts and for being in the wash rack.

We will practice this weekend and I will update on how it goes.

[dustyboy1209]

One thing you also could do is make sure he doesn't have room to back up behind him. If you could put him on the last cross-tie, where the is a wall, then if he back up he doesn't have anywhere to go. Horses are flight animals, and if they think something is going to get them they will run, backwards or forwards. If you are in front, or at least nearer the front, of your horse then you can assure that he doesn't go anywhere or get hurt without having to take him off of the cross-ties everytime he acts up a little.