Setting horses to graze? http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/reference-desk/threads/50001 doseyclwn Okay, I'm revising my fantasy novel, and I have a spot in my story where there is a group riding through the country and they need to stop for a bit; not to camp, really, but for a meal and a little pow-wow. Would they be able to just let their horses graze or would they have to find somewhere to tie them? I have no idea, and it strikes me that I should find out. Any help is appreciated. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:19:45 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/reference-desk/threads/50001?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1123711 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/reference-desk/threads/50001?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1123711 Nike Lennard It depends, how the horse is trained. F.e. a western horse is trained to stay as long the reins are hanging. Without such a training it would stray (not fast because it has had his exercises) and it could be difficult to get hold of him again, if found taste in freedom. To prevent that in most cultures horses are tied in some way. You can hobble the feet, tie the end of a rope around one feet and fix the other on the head, so the horse can trot slowly or tie the reins at a tree ... Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:19:30 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/reference-desk/threads/50001?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1123791 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/reference-desk/threads/50001?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1123791 Notkieran Or to a post stuck in the ground. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:51:51 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/reference-desk/threads/50001?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1123919 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/reference-desk/threads/50001?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1123919 Irukazab well, assuming you are traveling... putting posts in the ground is impractical. As far as letting a horse go. as above mentioned, in the context where horses are used to work etc, they are pretty much always trained to stay put when a rein is dropped. generally referred to as 'ground tieing' It's a process when the horse is first learning it's job as riding and work horse. In an old book of mine from 1935, back when horses were still in use, the author suggests to gathered the reins up so the horse will not step on them. English style with closed reins compared to a split or open rein often used in western style riding. Depending on the context of the ride (pleasure ride or travel) the horses might not be interested to wander off, just put their heads down and eat. (when you take your travel break, don't forget to offer water to the horses, a creek or pond or something like that before you turn them lose for grazing. A nice little details horse savy readers appreciate) Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:40:19 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/reference-desk/threads/50001?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1126014 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/reference-desk/threads/50001?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1126014 Bill Moonroe I'm more familiar with donkeys than horses, but there's probably a fairly similar mindset. Proximity to home is a factor. If the horses are at all near home, and are pointed in that direction, it may be more difficult to keep them under control. If the grazing is good, the horses will be more likely to stay put. If it's sticks and cactus, as soon as they start getting bored, they'll start to wander. The rider-horse relationship could be a factor, too. The donkey that I hike with will stick with us like a dog without any kind of lead, but the donkey is treated like a pet, not a work animal. An equine that's whipped or ill-treated will probably take advantage of an opportunity for freedom. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:52:28 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/reference-desk/threads/50001?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1128224 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/reference-desk/threads/50001?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1128224