Does tying a horse's tail down stop it rearing over backwards?

Answer 1

No, although the tail does play a big role in a horse's balance and keeping the horse cool and healthy and free of flies.

Rearing can be caused by a number of anythings.

A horse being unsound or lame
Agitation and not wanting to perform a task
Disrespect for the people or animals around him
Improper saddle fit or tack that his hurting or harmful to a horse.
Has been trained in the past how to rear on a certain leg or voice cue
Unhealthy back, neck, or limbs
Fear or being spooked.

There are too many to list- but you get the point. I don't condone this behavior in my horses and don't really care for people who train their horses how to rear as a trick. This behavior is dangerous and can hurt or kill someone. However I don't ever use a tool like a tie down to discipline a certain act- typically when removed the horse goes back to doing the same act again as a tie down is used as a crutch for poor horse training. Most horses relate a certain behavior or not to do a certain behavior to these tools that will never correct the behavior without the proper training.
If your horse does this behavior to the point you can't control or are in fear for your life- send him to a professional to have this corrected. No reason to risk your life when there's a crazy cowboy or cowgirl out there willing to cure the problem for you for a little money.

Answer 2

No it does not and neither does tying its head down. A horse can arch its neck and still rear up and flip over. How do I know? I have a roping horse in training right now that has the same problem. And he can flip over with or without a tie down. This is a serious problem usually best handled by a pro, and even then some horses never stop doing it.

Answer 3

Definitely not! this would be very cruel. The more gadgets you use on a horse the worse it becomes. you just mask the problem and don't solve it leaving the poor horse very upset. Try Parelli. It has great results and if your horse is rearing because of behavior, not fright, it could work wonders!

Answer 4

Your best bet is to find a reputable trainer to help correct this problem, or simply get rid of him. Rearing over backwards can end two ways, he lands on you, or he breaks his back/withers/neck/and/or saddle. I've seen it happen and it's an ugly thing.... be smart about it. Nothing is worth your life.

Answer 5

The opposite is true. Tie his head down - not his tail. A horse needs to be able to throw his head up before he can get his front legs off the gound to rear up. If he can't get his head up - that ends the problem. However, be humane about it. Don't tie his nose to his chest. The object is to give him enough line to hold his head straight - just not be able to raise it enough to give him the leverage to rear up.

But don't overlook possible signs of discomfort that are causing the problem. Does your saddle fit properly? Is the bridle fitted correctly? Does he have mouth sores or overgrown teeth? Do you clean out his hooves before and after riding? Are you using a harsh bit? Are you using a hackamore? If that's not positioned correctly, it can cause breathing problems.

When you pull back on the reins to stop him, do you let him have his head after he stops - or keep pulling on the reins to keep him stopped? Your horse isn't a car. He's not going to roll forward if you release the brakes. Once he stops, you need to let him have his mouth back - other wise, he'll rear. That's what I would do if I were the horse.

If you never had riding lessons, get them now. I am willing to bet the problem is the rider - not the horse.

Answer 6

I don't think that would help you at all. A few things to check on your horse: Has he had his teeth floated? If his teeth are sharp it might hurt not only having the bit in his mouth but cause pain when you pull back.
Does your saddle fit properly? Your saddle could be pinching his withers and he might rear in discomfort.
When does he rear? When your on him, when you change transitions, when you tack him up? Please don't hesitate to contact me if there is any other way I can help! Good luck!

Answer 7

Umm, no. It just makes it really agitated as it can't swat the flies that are annoying it. If you have a horse that rears up frequently whilst you are on it, you should carry a thin water container or a carton of eggs with you and when it rears up smash the container or an egg on top of it's head. The horse will think it's hurt itself due to the moisture running down it's face and probably won't do much rearing afterward as it will associate rearing with injury to it's head.

Answer 8

No, that is a wives tail, you might try using a running martingale, they are often used in jumping for keeping a horse from throwing it's head back to far back that it hits it's rider's head. They are also often used for keeping a rearing horse under control.

Answer 9

The answer to your question is simply No!

You did not ask for potential corrective measures.

My advice, for your safety considerations, get rid of the horse.

Three of my acquaintances did have horses that did the same thing. It was not a fun time when that happens!

Answer 10

No, that will not work. My advice is to find a reputable trainer and work together to train the horse properly. Follow the advise of Silvaspur...... above.