With my own horse my relationship is good enough that I do not tie her when grooming. However with this new horse that we are caring with, we are all nervous and so feel that tying her will be appropriate. However my sister and I disagree-I do not feel it fair to use a solid tie in case the new horse spooks.

We haven't done so, and grooming is going ok-slow but steady.

Do you tie your horses when grooming? Like I say I haven't in the past, and sometimes she'll wander off in the middle of it and I have to bring her back, but this is somewhat different now.

My aunt will only tie hers when the goats are running around and she tries to keep all animals separated but seldom does that work. For her (mostly doing this alone) and tied down is a good way to make sure than the horse doesn't worry so much about bothering the goats when shes trying to work her magic.

I have always tied my mount while grooming. Always either with a quick-release knot on a solid rope or a break-away on cross ties. I think it is safer for both of you to have an idea that there is no prancing around and such while being groomed. The exception being a horse that is trained to ground tie. I know lots of people who don't tie their animals, and many have stories to tell of what happens as a result.

I've never actually heard any horror stories personally-feel free to share if you wish. Still-with this particular horse would you still not recommend a solid tie? I fear injury for the horse with a solid tie but my sister is nervous of grooming without one.

If you feel the need to tie the horse to something while grooming (am am interpreting this right, aren't I?) why not just learn to tie a highwayman's hitch? It's a really easy knot and it's quick release incase you need it to be.

I would agree with you Saddlesore that a solid tie is not the way to go. I don't blame you for wanting to have some sort of tie on a horse in the condition that one is, but solid has risks to it that you don't really want to take.

Breakaways seem pretty decent and I have heard some of the stories that purplefdu is talking about. They are not good things to hear, better safe than sorry anytime!

I guess that I always was of the opinion that if a tie is a breakaway then there is still a risk from the horse getting loose anyway, and that therefore it was better to work to getting the horse comfortable enough with you that you can groom without.