Endurance and Long Distance Equine Disciplines

Spring Tie/Hi-Tie Question

My husband and I recently purchased an Elite LQ 2H and have decided that we'd like to go with a tie-type system for horse containment during rides. However, our trailer is 15' at the belly, so it causes a few complications as far as attachment is concerned. The ties are supposed to be at least 14' apart, which greatly limits where they can go on the trailer. The passenger side has a canopy that extends down much of the length, so I'd really prefer to put both on the same side of the trailer.

My question is, does anyone have experience with such a setup? My husband is concerned the horses will get into trouble at the truck/trailer junction. I thought we could rig something to block the space (like a piece of plywood or the like) so at least they wouldn't be able to lodge a limb or other appendage in the space. My thought is the horses will be pretty happy with being able to eat constantly and see each other, so the likelihood of trouble decreases (but doesn't disappear altogether).

Pictures of the trailer are posted on my account, and I can post additional views if necessary.

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Permalink Reply by Amanda Washington on January 22, 2009 at 9:16pm: Hey Elly. Keep in mind that if you set up your high-ties like that one of them will be right outside the living quarters and will be really obnoxious. You will hear every single move they make and probably won't get much sleep ;) I would also be super nervous with one of them being that close to the space between the trailer and truck. Mine would try to go in between there and get stuck, but that's probably just mine!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jonni on January 22, 2009 at 10:03pm: Mine are closer together than they suggested, and the horses have never tangled or got in to trouble. Something to consider is the back corner with the ladder, if you have a horse that would paw etc. and get into trouble with the ladder. You can look at my set up. But, mine is a bumper pull. Also, I do not have windows to avoid. But maybe you can get some ideas.

http://pets.webshots.com/album/103915659QPAsAJ; ▶ Reply to This