How to Tie a Quick Release Knot (Highwayman's Hitch)

The highwayman's hitch is a hitch where you have one end that will stay when pulled and the other will allow for a quick release by tugging that end. This knot could be used to tie a horse up so that when required the rope can be released by pulling the loose end. Essentially this knot is a clever combination of bights and is rather easy and fun to tie!

Steps

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    Take a piece of rope.
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    Make a bight (a loop) and bring it around a pole. In this illustration, the right side will be the standing end and the left will be the quick release end. If you are using this knot to secure a horse, the horse would be tied to the right side.
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    Now make another bight on the standing end.
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    Pull the bight through the original bight, as shown.
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    Make a bight on the quick release end (working end).
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    Pull that bight through the second bight.
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    Pull the standing end to tighten the hitch. To untie or collapse the hitch, pull the quick release end.
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    Finished.

Tips

  • When you are confident of producing a workmanlike knot, that holds securely & releases every time, add the horse.
  • Practice without a live animal attached to the clip end. Try an object like a bucket.
  • Inserting multiple bights will help make the hitch more stable. It would be harder for it to be undone.
  • Some horses can & will undo a quick release knot. In an emergency use a lead rope back to front, clip on tie ring, tie knot on to head collar, to foil such a devious character's plans!
  • Long term solution, add a piece of chain with a clip on each end to the regular tethering places of such animals. Use a rope only for leading.

Warnings

  • Do not allow too much loose rope or the horse will get a foot/leg over the rope.
  • Only tie up to solid objects to avoid nasty accidents. For example, do not tie to a gate, a horse could pull the gate open or shut, trapping & injuring itself. Or lift it completely off its hinges then panic & run off 'chased' by the gate! A fence/gate post is a much better option when a properly installed ring is not available.
  • Never leave a horse tied up unattended.
  • Never tie directly to the tie ring. if a horse is in a panic it will hurt itself if it can't escape. tie the lead rope on a piece of string attached to the tie ring instead. It is better to catch a horse than to treat an injured one.
  • Watch out for potential hazards when choosing a tethering place.
  • Keep a very sharp knife (safely) to hand with a horse you do not know so you can cut them free should they pull back in a panic. Any knot will be pulled far too tight to undo.
  • Only tie up a horse that you know will tie.
  • Choose a high enough tie ring for the same reason. Between shoulder to head height, human or horse when both are in proportion.

Things You'll Need

  • A rope
  • A pole
  • A horse (optional)

Sources and Citations

Article Info

Categories: Knot Tying