06/02/2026
Recently commented on a post in a group about cross ties with the quick release or panic snap and a bull snap. First, it really is up to each of us to decide what we want to do in handling our horses. But I will say this. If you’ve owned a horse for longer than 10 seconds, then you know that they WILL find a way to get in trouble and get hurt. If you don’t know that yet, then wait another 10 seconds. SERIOUSLY
1. It is a quick release, NOT a break away. It’s designed to allow a single handled motion to slide the sleeve down releasing the metal tab to spring out. If it actually breaks, then it was due to a structural failure. Read that part again. The metal tab that springs out when released is attached by a pin to the stationary part of the snap. A structural failure will probably occur at that pin unless it is mounted on a swivel which is also a weak point in the design.
2. The bull snap will probably only break at the swivel, The picture shown in the original post shows a bull snap without the extra “thumb” extension which makes them way easier to open. Buy a higher quality tie if you’re going to use them or replace it or add a different kind onto the bull snap which was suggested by quite a few.
3. Whose safety should be the priority? In my barn, human safety is first followed by horse safety to whatever extent I can make that possible. A thrashing, panicked horse is not something we mere mortals should be trying to get near to unhook from a tie mechanism. So, your horse slips, falls, and lays there. Then the quick release on the halter may be better, but if it’s attached to the wall, then you can easily release it again without getting headbutted by a 1000+ lb animal that suddenly realizes it can move. AGAIN, you do you as your hospital bills are your responsibility.
4. The tie is attached to the wall (regardless of which end you choose) by a hay string or a plastic quick release loop. This creates the scenario that was used to illustrate the danger of the tie with a metal end recoiling back towards the horse and causing an eye injury. In this case, it really doesn’t matter which snap is on the halter and which is on the wall. It’s going to release, and your horse now has a nylon strap flailing around. If it manages to get loose entirely, it could very well have 2 flailing straps.
Options:
1. Don’t use cross ties, use Blocker ties or Idolo Tether Ties. Cost is about the same as is the principle. These options can be used to completely replace the use of the traditional cross ties and making the debate irrelevant. Videos are available to show how they are used.
2. If the quick release is mounted too high, a conversation with the barn owner needs to happen. That’s a safety concern by making the quick release obsolete.
3. You can’t reach the quick release if used when hauling. Yes, you can reverse an adjustable trailer tie strap so that the quick release is attached to the Blocker or the Idolo. This lowers the tie device to a height that can be reached. My trailer is not extra tall so I can reach the quick release when attached to the trailer, but a friend of mine can’t in her trailer so this method works.
4. Ultimate option is to make sure your horse does not pull back. Most of you probably did not start your horse. You bought the unicorn hoping that it had great training. Out of 10 horses over the past 50 years, I have 1 currently that I purchased at 16 mos old. He was taught to step forward to release pressure. Only once when a bicyclist came blowing past the trailer and totally surprising him has he ever pulled back. Because he was on a 14 ft lead rope run through a Blocker tie, he spooked and stopped within seconds leaving at least 5 ft of the lead rope still in the Blocker tie. If he had been hard tied, he could have damaged his poll. If he had gotten loose, he could have bolted into the woods or run over someone.
This is posted in the hopes that it helps newcomers to the world of handling horses and answers some questions. Even those of us who gave up on common sense a long time ago and cannot seem to live without these animals in our lives, we are never to old to learn something new. Example, I had never heard about the Idolo Tether Ties. Anyway, go be with your horses and don't forget to turn off the water!
