Need high line information FAST! LOL

[LMH]

I have decided to join a group trail this Saturday. The ride stops for lunch.

We have instructions not to tie directly to the trees (per trail rules) and must tie between trees.

From the website:

“The state DNR policy is that you need to tether your horse between trees. DO NOT tie a horse directly to a tree(this practice reduces damage to trees).”

Since we are riding out and not leaving the horses overnight, what do i need (that I can get tomorrow-no time to online order anything) to take with me to do this?

I have blocker ties and “the clip” http://www.smarttieproducts.com/

that I can take with me so he won’t panic tie. I doubt he would but you know what they say about first impressions.

What else will I need?

Worst case scenario I just hold him and graze him but if I can practice this (safely) with him since I will be right there it may be a good idea?

[Sithly]

Get a length of sturdy rope from the hardware store. Use two old western cinches around the trees to protect them. Those Knot Eliminator things are nice to keep the horse from moving down the rope.

Oh, and learn to tie good knots.

[gothedistance]

Use TWO halters!!! Don’t rely upon one if the horse decides to break and run.

You need to protect the trees from rope damage and horse gnawing.

I would suggest you get three nylon wide web ratchet ties - the kind you’d use on your truck to secure cargo in the back. You can buy them at any hardware store or Wal-Marts. Use two on the trees (one for each tree), then ratchet them tightly around the tree trunk so that they stay in place and don’t slip down the trunk. Have a strong bull ring run through each strap that will secure the end hooks on the third ratchet strap so that it can be run from tree to tree.

Run one bull ring on the strap going from tree to tree. Use that ring to attach the horse’s lead to so that the horse can easily move the length of the rope. Ratchet that third strap to be as tight as you want. Have two stops on the high-tie rope about 5’ from the tree to stop the travel of the tie ring in order to prevent the horse from getting close enough to the tree to chew the bark!

Get a lead that has two bull snaps at either end. That way you don’t have to worry about knots. You can just clip the lead to your saddle. The straps you can stow in your saddle bag.

When you’re finished with the ride, you will have three nice cargo hold straps to put into your truck for whenever you need them.

Or…just have a friend meet you at the lunch stop to hold your horse. Problem solved …and you don’t need to carry a thing.

[chicamux]

Wait, are you saying that you are doing a mid-point stop on a trail ride and think you will carry all the stuff on your saddle to put up a high-line just to tie your horse during a lunch break?

I don’t think that that is practical, really. Just sit on a log and hold the end of your horses lead line. do ride with a halter under your horse’s bridle and for the break, remove the bridle and relax. Those rules about not tying to trees are primarily so that people won’t do it while camping or for long periods of time as the horse will damage the trees. Often you can tie you horse to a lower hanging branch for a 20-30 minute window while you scarf your lunch down and no one will bother you about that at all.

Bonnie S.

[TheOtherHorse]

Most places are okay with it if you bring two lead ropes and tie your horse to two trees, like cross ties. This prevents the horse from being able to reach either tree to chew on it.

[tabula_rashah]

I usually just hold my horse during lunch if it’s a place where I can’t tie to trees-

[analise]

I’m with everybody else: putting up a high line just to tie a horse so I can eat lunch is way too much effort. Just hold your horse (or do the crosstie thing someone else mentioned).

[LMH]

Thanks! I was wondering about the highline when I saw the trail information-that is why i asked…I was wondering if I was missing something.

I will just hold or do 2 crossties (depending on how long the break is scheduled).

Thanks again!

[system]

What about hobbles?

[hitchinmygetalong]

[QUOTE=Sithly;5435389]
Get a length of sturdy rope from the hardware store. Use two old western cinches around the trees to protect them. Those Knot Eliminator things are nice to keep the horse from moving down the rope.

Oh, and learn to tie good knots. ;)[/QUOTE]

Dumb question: Cotton rope?

I used to buy cotton rope in 50 foot coils and make my own lines but I can’t find it anywhere any more. Home Depot and Lowes only have that nasty nylon crap which I hate. Do you know of any sources?

[Painted_Horse]

I use a highline a LOT, But never for a lunch stop.

I frequently just drop the lead rope and let the horse drag it around as they graze. If they are prone to heading back to the trailer, I tie the lead around a dead log and let the horse drag that around.

But most of the time I just hobble my horse. I always carry a hobble in the back cinch ring. I just let it hang. When I stop, I pull the hobble off the saddle and hobble the horse. Let the horse graze while I eat lunch.

[LMH]

Things worked out fine-we didn’t stop for long so I just hung out and shared my snack with him.

[Sithly]

[QUOTE=hitchinmygetalong;5436646]
Dumb question: Cotton rope?

I used to buy cotton rope in 50 foot coils and make my own lines but I can’t find it anywhere any more. Home Depot and Lowes only have that nasty nylon crap which I hate. Do you know of any sources?[/QUOTE]

Actually, that’s a great question. Last time I bought cotton rope was years ago; I think it was an Ace Hardware store. I’m sure you could get it online, but it might be a challenge finding a place that will sell you less than an entire 600ft spool.

Lately I’ve been using the 100 ft braided nylon rope they sell precut at Fleet Farm. No idea what diameter, but it looks like one of those round nylon lead ropes you commonly see (probably 5/8). It’s cheap and holds up tolerably well.

I’d like to have 100ft of the nicer yacht braid, but it’s too expensive to justify. Also a lot heavier.

I just have mine for odd occasions, since most of the parks where I camp provide high lines in designated areas. So I only use mine if we have too many horses, or a horse that doesn’t get along with the others.

[HorsingRound]

A good source of 1/2 or 3/4 inch climbing rope (which is the best IMO) is from a FD or PD search and rescue. Once they use it for a rescue, they generally don’t use it again and sell it for cheap. I got a 50 ft 3/4" rope (in a lovely purple and blue) for $30 and the same length 1/2" for free later. :O)

It wouldn’t be worth the effort to set up a highline for just an hour or so. I hobble my horse at lunch stops.

I wouldn’t tie my horse to ANYTHING that could be dragged around. Sounds like the recipe for an exciting wreck to me!