Tying a horse using the quick release knot is a skill that every horse person should know. Using a tie ring, like the Blocker Tie Ring is the safest way to tie a horse. However, in situations where you don’t have the tie ring, a quick release knot as a great back up. The quick release knot has the name “quick release” for the fact that when the tail of the rope is pulled it releases.
How to tie a horse using the quick release knot:
1) Pass the tail of the lead rope through the safety string
2) make a loop or ‘bunny ear’ with the tail of the rope. Ensure the base of the ‘bunny ear’ has crossed over itself, with the remaining tail portion of the rope under the lead rope connected to the horse. It will look like a sideways figure ‘8’.
3) make a second ‘bunny ear’ using the tail of the rope on the other side of the lead rope connected to the horse
4) place the second ‘bunny ear’ into the first ‘bunny ear’
5) tighten any slack from the first ‘bunny ear’ by pulling on the lead rope connected to the horse
The pros and cons of the quick release knot:
Pros:
- you don’t need to purchase a tie ring
- you can quickly release the knot in an emergency
Cons:
-it’s not the safest way to tie a horse
-it’s not a good or safe way to tie a horse that has a history of pulling in the past
-a horse can undo the knot by playing with the tail of the rope
A tie ring, like the Blocker Tie Ring or Aussie Tie Ring is the safest way to tie a horse, however knowing how to tie a quick release is an essential skill for every horse person.