QUICK RELEASE KNOT:

This is super important to learn, whether you are tie-ing your horse up inside the trailer on the way to the trails, or on a hitching post or tree on the trail. In the event that your horse panics, there is danger or for whatever reason, this is a knot you can release with one tug. There are several variations of the quick release knot, but the one below it  a fast and easy one to learn.

Since the easiest way to learn how to tie a knot is by looking at it, here are the 3 steps to tying a quick release knot…

Step 1. Loop the tail end of the lead rope over a hitching rail, around a sturdy post or through a tie ring. Let's call the end of the rope hooked to the horse A and the tail end of the rope B. Step 2. Pinch A and B together in your right hand. Step 3. With your left hand, make a loop with B. Step 4. Push the tail end of B around the pinched-together portions of A and B. Creating a second loop with the tail end of B, now pull the new loop through the original loop. Step 5. Tighten the knot by pulling on the end that hooks to the halter.

HIGH LINING

Should you decide to take your horse on an overnight camping trip, and you end up camping in a spot where there are no corrals, you will need to know how to highline (hightie) you horse. Note: Your horse should already have some experience and tolerance for being on a highline before you head out on an overnighter, otherwise you may run into problems! Practise at home before trying to highline overnight in the wilderness!

What is a Highline?

A highline is simply a length of rope stretched between two trees to which you tie your horse/horses. Included in any highline kit should also be a pair of Tree Saver Straps. Most areas, especially wilderness areas, are requiring the use of tree saver straps around the trees to prevent them from being girdled by highline ropes.

A highline gives your horse enough freedom to move around, lower his head and eat, lie down and even roll, without the danger of the rope becoming tangled in his legs.

This website has an excellent visual  tutorial of how to highline and of all the knots and materials you will need: www.trailmeister.com