Many cross-ties in barns I visit are attached so high on the walls that horses are forced to extend their necks while tied. Heights should be adjusted so that their nose can be level with the point of their shoulder. In humans, studies have shown that posture affects mood. We all know intuitively that a relaxed horse lowers its head—so maybe in the horse, just like in humans, we can facilitate a proper posture (lowered, flexed neck) to encourage a desirable mood (relaxed).
