Ranch Topic: Understanding The Ground Tie In Ranch Trail

Click here to read the complete article
488 – September/October, 2026

By Megan Sacia Ulrich

The ground tie, a maneuver often seen in the Ranch Trail patterns, hails back to essential skills for working cowboys and trail riders alike. Even today, when a working cowboy needs to dismount on the range to doctor cattle, for example, or when a trail rider needs to dismount on the trail to clear brush, a horse that ground ties is essential to completing the job. The task, though not one of the six obstacles AQHA requires in Ranch Trail, is becoming more prevalent in the show pen. It tests a horse’s discipline and training (and willpower if plants or hay are present) and demonstrates an exhibitor’s knowledge of handling tack–like romal reins.

AQHA’s rulebook gives this guidance for ground tying in Ranch classes: “When ground-tying with split reins, one or both reins may be dropped, romal reins may be loosely draped over the horse when used with or without a get-down rope. The get-down rope may also be run through a bosalito, as long as the bosalito is not tight enough to function as a cavesson.”

The use of the word “may” as opposed to “should” or “must” leaves plenty of gray area for exhibitors, many of whom are wondering what this maneuver should really look like and what–in a judge’s eyes–is the most credit-earning. With anywhere from one to five penalty points assessed if a horse should move during the maneuver, the ground tie can take an exhibitor right out of the placings in highly competitive classes.

Here, Laurel Walker Denton and Matt Gouthro share their expertise, judging preferences, and training tips on the ground tie.

Understanding the Equipment and Using it Properly

Click here to read the complete article
488 – September/October, 2026