How To Teach A Horse To Ground Tie
by Michelle Nichols

Materials:
Your horse
a halter
a lead rope
a large working area free from distractions (preferably a roundpen)

How To:
First, work your horse around the pen a little to get his attention focused on
you. Just a little trotting or loping for a few minutes is fine.

Next, put the halter and lead rope on his head.

Lead him to a certain spot (I usually do the middle of the pen, just so I have
room), drop the rope on the ground.

Stand there next to him for a few seconds, if he stands still, praise him and
pet him a little. Do this several times increasing the time. If he stands still
and doesn't move, move on to next step.

Next, drop the lead rope on the ground (if you had picked it up), and walk a
couple feet away. If he stands for a couple seconds, walk back and praise him.
If he moves, walk back and put him in the exact spot he was and try again. You
may need to do this several times. Repeat this step a few times until your
horse is standing still without moving for a few minutes while you're a couple
feet away.

Keep repeating these steps while increasing the distances and the time your
away until your horse stands still no matter how far away. When your horse gets
used to you being away from him, but can still see you, walk out of the pen and
go where he can't see you. Wait a few seconds, come back, if he hasn't moved,
praise him enthusiastically. If he's moved, put him back in the spot he was,
and try again. Repeat this increasing time until he's standing still when you
come back.

Tips:

This takes a LOT of patience and repitition. Remember, your horse doesn't
understand what it is you want at first. You have to be patient and show him.
Remember, have PATIENCE!

Author: My name is Michelle and I'm 19 years old. I have a 13 year old Quarter Horse gelding and 4 year old Arab/Quarter Horse/saddlebred. I've been riding for
almost 7 years now and I trained my 4 year old. She still green, but I can get
on and ride her a little. I ride western, but I took Englsh lessons for about a
year or so.