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Blocker Tie Ring

Simple but Practical Essential Could Save Your Horse

 

All horse owners know that there are certain aspects of ownership that can be not only frustrating, but dangerous. Horses that don’t load in the trailer are annoying; horses that buck, bite and rear are absolutely frightening - but horses that won’t tie are practically impossible. Clipping, vetting, shoeing, tacking up, and trailering are all basic tasks that require horses to stand quietly and yield to the rope.

 

Although tying is a necessary skill that every horse should possess, many aren’t capable of standing quietly, calmly and securely. And, even those “old faithful” horses that appear ‘bomb proof” can have tying incidents that can become exploding dangers. Horses are fight or flight animals who suffer from a sever case of claustrophobia. Tying goes against their very nature – you can’t run from danger when you’re tied to a stationary object.

 

Horses who are afraid of being tied won’t quit trying to free themselves when they are over come with claustrophobia, and horses that are good tiers won’t quit trying to free themselves when they sense danger. Many training issues start from a small little innocent accident and the next thing you know there is a full blown problem – Old Faithful is standing quietly tied to the rail, when suddenly a bee flies up his nose. He tosses his head and backs up trying to get away, but the rope pulls tight. In a split second, overcome with the terror of being trapped, he tries to pull away with all of his might, the rope breaks, and he goes flying. The next time you go to tie him, he immediately starts pulling and tugging and trying to get free – the scene repeats itself until you suddenly have a dangerous horse on your hands.

 

So what are we to do? We’ve been tying horses up since they were first domesticated thousands of years ago. We’ve come up with quick release knots, sharp knives in our pockets, and break free halters. But really, shouldn’t there be an easier way? Shouldn’t we be able to help our horses ease their anxiety, build their trust, and help them feel safe and comfortable while tied? Ted Blocker thought so and promptly went about designing the Blocker Tie Ring.

 

The Blocker Tie Ring looks remarkably simplistic, but produces amazing results. Combine the ring with a long rope, and you really can teach any horse to tie in a very short amount of time. When used correctly, the ring works by a simple “give and take” release mechanism; when the horse tries to pull back, the ring lets them. When tying a horse with the Blocker ring, you over come the animals natural fears of feeling trapped or claustrophobic, by allowing the horse an escape route.

 

Mr. Blocker, a long time horseman and trainer, invented the tie ring four years ago to use in his training sessions. Realizing that he was on to something that could revolutionize current training methods, he began marketing his invention at horse shows and expos. Although sales were steady, they weren’t where Blocker knew they should be, so when he saw that Clinton Anderson was putting on a demonstration at a show that Blocker was selling his wares, he asked Anderson if he would take a look at the ring. A month went by before he saw Anderson again, only to learn that he hadn’t had a chance to try out the product. Another three months went by before Blocker heard from Anderson again, but this time the news was good; Anderson’s manager was sending over a contract. Blocker has been traveling with Anderson - who strongly endorses the idea of the tie ring – for several years now, and credits Anderson with assisting in sales of more than 20 thousand Blocker Tie Rings.

 

Since his invention of the tie ring, Blocker has come up with many other cutting edge products for horse training, including his new Blocker halter, which looks like a standard nylon web halter, but contains a cable within the nylon, effectively combining a rope halter and a nylon halter in one. While visiting his ranch, I had the pleasure of witnessing the results of Blocker’s training methods and tools first hand, as I watched him bounce a giant ball off the back of a horse, throw a tarp at her, and finally approach her with a running chain saw, all while the horse stood perfectly still and completely calm.

 

Blocker resides in Estacada with his wife of 46 years, where he still trains horses and continues inventing equestrian related products. You can learn more about the Blocker Tie Ring, as well as many other of Blocker’s products by visiting his website, www.blockerranch.com.

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