A Tie-Down Helps or Hinders Your Horse's Performance

A controversial piece of equipment used mostly in gaming events and roping. There are several misconceptions about what a tie-down is actually used for and who should have one. Many people think that just because you are barrel racing you need to have a tie-down on your horse, and this isn't true. Some think that if you horse is throwing his head, a quick fix is to put a tie-down on him. Hopefully we can exterminate the myths.

A tie down was first used on roping horses to help the horse brace against something when they had to make quick stops after the rider roped the calf. It was adopted by barrel racers because of the way it helped a horse brace in tight turns.

This piece of equipment should complement the bit. If used properly, it provides security and support for the horse in his turns and stops. A tie-down is something that should contribute to your run, not interfere with it. In order for it to do this, you need to have it adjusted properly.

When you adjust your tie-down, the noseband should ride in the middle of the horses face, allowing him to use it as it needs to be, but not cutting off his oxygen supply. The other part of a tie-down is the strap. The strap runs from the bottom ring on the tie-down itself to the cinch ring between your horses front legs. This should be adjusted so your horse can stretch out in between the barrels and the run home. To do this, take the strap and press it to your horse's neck in the middle between the horses head and chest , and it should easily reach. If it doesn't you need to loosen it, but if it has loops on either side, tighten it up a bit. You want your horse to be able to stretch his nose out when he is running, because that is how they keep their balance. If he can't properly stretch out, he won't run like he can or should.

If your horse uses a tie-down, it is essential to have a breast collar on him as well. This is because the tie-down strap needs to run through the breastcollar ring or a leather keeper to prevent it from getting tangled in his legs. You do not always need a tie-down. If your horse is properly balanced then it would be better to not have one on him. If you have been running without one, and think your horse may need one but you may be uncertain, ask a professional for their opinion. You can ride a horse in the open or on a trail ride with out a tie-down if you do use one for racing.

There are different types of tie-downs available.

Leather or Nylon tie-down

Rope tie-down

Chain or wire

Just as people come to rely on knee braces or back braces a horse can become to reliant on a tie-down. It gives the horse something to dive into when they are barrel racing, making them feel more secure about the turns. But they can come to need it too much and it will be a disadvantage to your riding. This is why it is important to not always use a tie-down. If you are trail riding or just doing arena work, leave it in the tack room. If you take your tie-down off your horse, remember that even through it isn't there, your horse may think it is. Let him get used to riding around with out it before you make a competitive run.

If your horse is throwing his head, think about all the reason he could be doing it. If we just put a tie-down on our horse without finding out what the problem is, it could create more problems. Imagine that your horse is in pain somewhere in his mouth or back and is just trying to let you know it hurts, and you put something on him to keep him from telling you he is in pain.

Remember also, some horses naturally hold their head high. If it makes you feel safer to put a tie-down on to keep them from hitting you in the nose, that fine. Since your horse holds his head high like that all the time, his muscles in his neck are going to be strong, work on getting your horse to lower his head while working. It will take a lot of time for him to use the muscles on the top of his neck and not just the bottom. However, do not use the tie-down to force your horses head down. This can cause strain on his neck and back and make for a unsound horse later on.

A tie-down has also been used to keep a horse from escaping the bit. Before you use it for this, think about these questions; Is my horse in pain? Does this bit hurt him? Am I being to harsh with my hands? Horses tell us in many different ways when something is wrong, it is just up to us to interpret and do something about it. are the harshest tie downs. There are two different styles of chain or wire. There is the typical halter type that puts pressure on the poll and the nose. That comes in chain or wire. Then there is the bonnet type, or "Brain Chain" as they are called by barrel racers, that just goes over the ears to put pressure on the poll. can be severe because it is usually made of lariat rope. It can be covered though, either with leather, plastic or vet wrap works well. It has the same design as the leather tie-down is the most common. It is wide so the horse can support against it without it digging in to his nose. It is a leather or nylon noseband with a strap going over the poll and a ring under the chin for the tie-down strap to attach through the breast collar to the cinch.