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If you’ve ever struggled to untie a horse in a hurry or found yourself stuck trying to release a rope that’s locked up under pressure, the Easy Out Knot might just be your new favorite tool. In this guide, professional horse trainer Michael Gascon walks us through the steps of tying the Easy Out Knot and shares three expert pro tips to ensure your horse is tied safely and securely.
What Is the Easy Out Knot?
A quick-release knot designed for safety, ease, and reliability.
The Easy Out Knot is a smart, safe knot every horse handler should know. Whether you're tying your horse at a trailer, in a stall, or during travel, this knot is designed to be easy to release—even under pressure. It's particularly useful in situations where you may need to untie your horse quickly to prevent injury or panic.
Step-by-Step: How to Tie the Easy Out Knot
Follow these simple instructions to master this essential horse knot.
Michael demonstrates the Easy Out Knot with Sunny, an Icelandic pony. Here’s how it’s done:
1. Start with Rabbit Ears
Rather than running the entire lead rope through the tying ring, begin by forming rabbit ears—a looped section of rope that passes through the ring.
Why it matters: Using rabbit ears prevents the rope from jamming or cinching tightly when your horse pulls, which makes the knot easier to untie later.
2. Loop and Reach Through
With the rabbit ears in place:
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Reach through the first rabbit ear and pull a section of slack through.
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Then, go over the horse’s line and grab the slack again to form a second loop.
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Repeat this a third time to lock it in place.
This triple-loop method adds structure and stability while still allowing a quick release.
3. Align the Line
Position the line so it stays facing toward you. This way, you won’t have to fumble blindly around the back side of your horse or trailer when it’s time to untie.
Why Use the Easy Out Knot?
Avoid dangerous tangles and quickly release your horse when needed.
The biggest benefit of this knot is its quick-release capability. Unlike traditional knots, which may bind or cinch tight under pressure, the Easy Out Knot stays manageable—even if the horse pulls back hard. And when you're ready to untie? Just pull, and it's undone.
Safety First: 3 Pro Tips for the Easy Out Knot
Michael shares his top three safety tips for using this knot effectively.
1. Always Use Rabbit Ears
Avoid running the whole line through the ring. If you do, even a well-tied knot can become a hazard. Should your horse pull back suddenly, the rope may jam, creating a dangerous scenario where you’re left with several feet of loose line and a panicked horse.
2. Use Only Your Fingertips
When forming the loops or reaching through the rabbit ears, never put your whole hand inside the loop. If the horse pulls at the wrong moment, your hand could get stuck or injured. Use just your fingertips to guide and pull the rope through.
3. Make Sure Your Knot Has a Bite
A "bite" means the rope grabs itself securely. Even a perfectly shaped knot isn’t a knot unless it holds tight. After forming your loops, always snug the knot up so it stays in place and functions as intended.
Final Thoughts
The Easy Out Knot is a must-have in any horse handler’s toolbox.
Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, mastering the Easy Out Knot can save you time, prevent injuries, and give you peace of mind. It's a simple skill that offers big benefits—especially in tight situations like trailering or tying at events.
