What is an artificial tie and a hand tie?
An artificial tie is anything that is not existing along the trail for all participants to tie to. For example, a contestant cannot carry a metal stake and hammer with them and create an “artificial tie” as they go. Trees, fences, roots, bushes etc. are all allowable ties since all contestants can use them. A “hand tie” is when a crew person holds the horse for the team. Some races allow hand ties along the trail near the start due to excited horses or unsafe tie conditions. Usually the crews are not allowed to go beyond a certain point on the course.
